Updated Poll: Battier/Bell/Lee/Jackson

by dfjmed on Oct 21, 2009 12:48 PM CDT Comment 42 comments

Training camp is here! Most of us are very, VERY excited to see our new look Spurs in action. Early season predictions are in, and as was expected, most analysts have our team finishing in second place in the West to they that we do not speak of.

Health is a must, and as it stands, we're good. There is no question that the Spurs have made some exciting and necessary changes to the roster this offseason, and yet the general consensus still seems to be that the we're one piece away from being the favorites to, at the very least, win the Western Conference Championship.

We, the PTR loyal, have our favorites as to who we think that final piece could be. We've discussed and mulled a few fun and exciting ways to pry the hard working, professional and defensive minded Shane Battier (6.4M in 08-09) from Houston. The smaller and defensive minded ex- Phoenix Sun and current Charlotte Bobcats guard Raja Bell ($5M in 08-09) has come up. Last week I proposed pursuing David Lee, who just re-signed for 7M with New York. And finally, there is the ever controversial Stephen Jackson, (7.1M in 09) and the remaining three years of his contract. We've driven this one into the ground. It is officially no secret to anyone who does not live in a cave that he does not want to play one more game for the Golden State Warriors, and has cited specifically one of the three Texas (his home state) teams as a favorite trade destination. But, would we like him back with the Spurs? Out of the four players above, who would you most like to see with the Spurs? How might you get him here?

(Here's a link to the Trade Machine, if you dare!)

Update: Cats' Bell may need wrist surgery.

Poll

Who is the final piece?

0 recs | Comment 42 comments

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Comments

Yes to Shane Battier, all the others dont fit/are useless to the Spurs.

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Sep 30, 2009 12:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think we need the type of offense that David Lee offers. If anything, we might need a three-point threat. Jack might have a reputation as dangerous from outside, but Bell, and even Battier, shoots at a better percentage from 3 than him.

On Raja, do we really need another 6’5" player who defends guards? That’s what Bogans is for. If we lack anything in D, it’s man-to-man defense for the larger players, like LeBron, Rashard Lewis, Paul Pierce, even Artest. I’ve said that Battier can guard up to mobile bigs, so he can even shadow Dirk when we play them. I like Bell, but Battier is just a better defender and can defend a wider array of people.

I know Jack is pretty much the same height as Shane, and might have the quickness to guard Dirk or Rashard, but with Shane, we definitely won’t have locker room issues. With Jack, we just can’t be sure. Maybe he can play the part. Maybe Pop can once again tame him. Maybe this time, he stays loyal to the team that he plays for. Maybe this time he won’t stir the pot. Maybe this time, he won’t complain of playing time or of being a sub. Maybe this time, Jack will show the character required of a San Antonio Spur. But with Battier, character just isn’t an issue. We won’t have one year to tame Jack. To win now, we’ll have the most use for Battier. Jack just isn’t worth the risk.

I’ve done this before, but here I am again. I believe this trade makes sense even for Houston.

"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 Sep 30, 2009 2:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What is the trade? My work blocks the BSPN trade machine.

"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 Sep 30, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

(Mine too. I hate it.)

The trade is Finley, Bonner and M. Williams for Battier.

"If you think Tony Parker is better than Manu Ginobili, you need to stop drinking before you come in here." - Charles Barkley, to Kenny Smith.

by dfjmed on Sep 30, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He proposes Finley, Bonner and M. Williams for Battier.

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

by LasEspuelas on Sep 30, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty much our “wet dream trade”.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Sep 30, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

110% agree. I liked everything you said.

Battier is a better defender (a la Bruce Bowen in his prime), is a smarter player, has a better contract, and like romeo said he can guard mobile big guys like Dirk or maybe Lamar Odom. We need to gameplan for that guy. He is the difference maker for the Lakers. I believe part of the reason they lost to the Celtics in the Finals was because he didn’t play up to potential. But he did last year.

We NEED more defense. Especially this kind of defense. Jefferson can put up 20 a night if we give him the touches but can he defend like we need? Consensus seems to be no. With Ginobili and Duncan healthy we have enough creators. We just need defense and spot shooting.

by Rich Town on Sep 30, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In that case would you have traded Thomas, Oberto and Bowen for Battier instead of Jefferson? (I dont know if the salaries worked at the time)

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

by LasEspuelas on Sep 30, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well Battier is making like 8 million less than Jefferson but to answer your question: NO.

If we’re sure Ginobili and Duncan can play 82 games this year at maybe a max of 35 minutes a game then all we really need is the perimeter defender. So we nab Battier and he replaces Bowen.

But this is not the case. We need a kind of “insurance plan.” Not that Jefferson could replace Timmeh or Manu but on those nights when they need to sit one out, Richard can more easily pick up the scoring slack then say… Mace.

So if we can get Battier now (highly unlikely, I know) I say pull the trigger.

by Rich Town on Oct 1, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My vote is for Battier but only in a mid season trade (if needed).

"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 Sep 30, 2009 9:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

There’s no frickin reason the Rockets trade a fairly priced super role player who can fit perfectly with everthing they want to do there amd who is excellent in the locker room and who even has the ability to read other teams plays in the middle of the game. Stop dreaming with battier, the only way the rockets would accept one offer from us it would involve Manu, parker, duncan or jefferson….. (wait a min…..am i crazy to suggest Jefferson for Battier? He would fit better here me thinks.

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Sep 30, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pretty much. If anyone can explain me why the Rockets would want Finley, Bonner and Williams, please go ahead.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Sep 30, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just thought that with nothing (more) to lose, the Rockets would gamble on the one-year contracts and the possibility of Bonner actually fitting in. They can work with Williams, and have Finley do the mentoring shit. If nothing works, let all of them walk next season and sign LeBron, Bosh and Wade.

But IF they even considered this, I’d bet they’d ask for more of our projects, either Nando or Tiago. That would be a dificult trade to refuse—but equally hard to pull the trigger on. If for nothing else, I think the Rockets owe us for Scola, so they should go along with this trade.

Either that, or they give us Scola back for cash and a lock of Manu’s hair. Too bad, the trade machine doesn’t provide for relics from Manu.

"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 Sep 30, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Few things are as valuable as a lock of Manu’s hair — or anything else that comes from Manu, for that matter.

by Gino20 on Oct 1, 2009 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Scola + Battier for Jefferson and whichever ~~crappy~~ role players they want?

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Sep 30, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would never happen

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

by LasEspuelas on Sep 30, 2009 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, no chance. But it’s as likely as them trading Battier for poop.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Oct 1, 2009 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You would never happen?

by Gino20 on Oct 1, 2009 1:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tequila will do that to you

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

by LasEspuelas on Oct 1, 2009 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he hasn’t even sweat in his jersey yet! He totally wouldn’t understand getting hitched, then being ditched.

"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 Sep 30, 2009 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Chilai……I think you are crazy to suggest battier for Jefferson. ( Hey , you asked. Hee hee ! )

by alamobro on Oct 1, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

im not crazy!!!! im just….different

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Oct 1, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They owe us

We gave em Scola for a two tickets to tour NASA! It sounded so good on paper.

by JaySo on Oct 1, 2009 7:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dunno.I just hope we dont include Mason if a trade for ANYONE materialises. Hes just clutch ( despite his postseason outing ) Hes got a quick and pretty stroke.. Ten bucks says he shoots at least 43% from threeland this season.

by alamobro on Oct 1, 2009 8:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mason and Bonner for Battier?
Mason, Bonner and FinDog for Roy and Aldridge? GOL

by Gino20 on Oct 2, 2009 1:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ladies and Gentlemen, realism has left the building.

From under the radar to hanging in the rafters - Big50
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 2, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sometimes fantasy is more fun then reality. Fortunately, though, as Spurs fans, reality is usually pretty good.

by Gino20 on Oct 2, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

From under the radar to hanging in the rafters - Big50
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 2, 2009 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would not include Mason for any half-ways realistic player.

If we got rid of Mason and Fin, there just went our two big shot makers. Yea, I know Manu can, has and will hit some big jump shots. However, I think Mason fits nicely into the Steve Kerr, Mario Elie, Robert Horry, Brent Barry big-shot maker/taker roll.

Findog is another of this type of player. ( Despite his age )

I think doling away both Findog AND Mason would severely deplete our big (jumpt) shot making capabilities….We could probably get away with trading FIndog and Bonner.

Methinks trading Mason AND Findog for Battier would not be that big of an improvement. If we are to trade for Shane Battier ( A Bowen Clone ), Shouldnt we just ask Bruce Bowen to come out of retirement for peanuts, then end up keeping Mason as well as Findog ? The opinion that Bowen is still very effective and should have been played more last year, was prevalent around here. In fact, there was proof of his effectiveness last season, put forth in the form of statistics http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/09/07/a-stat-for-bruce-bowen/

Besides, I really think Pop is done playing guys on the wing who dont have a well rounded offensive game, even if they play hard defense. ( Probably the reason why Hairston was sent back to the D-league )

by alamobro on Oct 3, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, Mason has too big an upside to be traded.

Bowen coming out of retirement is more realistic. But Rockets wouldn’t trade for him since he would retire again. Unless Houston’s gearing up for Lebron et al sweepstakes.

FYI, Hairston played in the last game (even his twin brother Haislip). He’s a solid back-up all through summer & up to the pre-season, so far

DeJuan Blair is Mr.Snuffleupagus of teh NBA. Freak of nature (elongated arms,ginormous behind), effin unbelievable (rebounding machine), blows you away (for a rook) n cuddly cute.

by 'DSilverlining on Oct 21, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was my idea. We could lure them into the LeBron sweepstakes—where the consolation prizes aren’t all that bad—by giving them dozens of expiring contracts.

I’m a HUGE Bowen fan, but at their current states, Battier is a better defender than Bruce. Plus Shane actually plays some offense too.

And I wasn’t calling for a trade involving Mason and Finley, rather, Finley and Bonner. Their stock is a bit high after that Oklahoma game. So… Dunno… But hey, if this is our roster for the season, I’m still pretty much satisfied.

"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 Oct 22, 2009 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of the 4, I like Jackson. Bell and Battier could help more though, I guess.

I voted other though. We are still potentially shallow at PG unless you like seeing Mason bring it up the floor. Also, we have a glut of big men now but many of them are young and unproven or old and on limited minutes (Dice not included) or Bonner who needs to be limited to 10 mpg max because he is a good role player at his best. I think further solidifying these positions or waiting until we know what we actually have at these positions is the key.

by BlaseE on Oct 3, 2009 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

In the immortal words of Dickie V

Mr Battier!!!!

though I think Stephen Jackson could fall in line given this current roster, but where would he play? either him or RJ at off guard might not be the best fit

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 Oct 9, 2009 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If anybody cares, Stephen Jackson got 5 fouls in the 1st half of the Warriors’ game tonight. Nellie left him in but they were arguing during a time-out so he sent him to finish the game in the locker room. I’m sure he was frustrated but it was a preseason game with replacement refs. The dude’s acting like a douche. What a great team captain.

We now return to another Lakers dynasty - already in progress. October 2009

by olf on Oct 10, 2009 1:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

and now a former team captain, as I read on the ~~LeBron-Kobe network~~ ~~Yankees-Red Sox channel~~ ESPN.

by Gino20 on Oct 14, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How come this poll keeps coming up as the newest story?

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

by LasEspuelas on Oct 21, 2009 1:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I updated it with the story about Bell’s injury, and must’ve inadvertantly checked the updated time box. I need to keep better track of that. My bad. :)

by dfjmed on Oct 21, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"That’s what I’ve always been about. It was a different experience because you felt the winning attitude. Everybody was together. It wasn’t the [front] office against the core players in San Antonio. Everyone was on the same page. It was easy to win because everyone had the same goal, to win. I think every organization should be like that."

- Jax is just begging to come back.

What can we do to swing this?

Blair's the third quarter kick in the opponent's balls - the little o
The Spur's "Los Cojones Grandes"

by 'DSilverlining on Oct 25, 2009 1:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I’d agree, judging by those comments. I think he is slowly but surely inching towards wanting to come back to SA. Heck, he mentioned the Spurs in his origional trade request as one of the places he’d like to go to. Where did you read that? Is that new or old? I’m just curious. :) (Link if possible?)

by dfjmed on Oct 26, 2009 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs