KA1Z3R's For Once Serious Offseason Speculations

by KA1Z3R on Jun 6, 2011 7:12 PM CDT

Yep a serious post for once in my stinkin' life....yeah don't count on it to stay that way. I doubt i honestly make it through this without putting something dumb/Sunkist related in here. Let's hope and pray that it stays to a.....reasonable minimum.

Let me start off by saying that I'm fed up with this team and how it is currently structured. How can you expect to win with two of the absolute most vital aspects of basketball at dire weaknesses. Those being great big man rotation and overall defense. It quite frankly baffles me. Granted, few could have foreseen that Blair/Bonner might be the absolute worst pairing of bigs ever in terms of defense, or that Dyess would struggle on the big Zach Randolph's of the league, or that Timmy just ain't as great at defending seven footers as he used to be. Oh wait, I think everyone might have.

As it stands, there's no solution to these problems. And that's just the big men. I mean sure Splitter was pretty dang good, and many were screaming and inadvertently hurting themselves in a frenzy about Pop not playing him in the one situation we kinda drafted him for, but two good defensive bigs a defense does not make. You need at least three.

Also, other than Timmeh, is there anyone who can actually body up on offense and make some plays in the paint? Don't say Blair because he's too short to actually body up against decent bigs (Haddadi anyone? I hear it goes great with Randolph).

Plus, there's still no true point guard other than Parker and no true backup to Jefferson at SF. Though I am interested to see what the Anderson/Green/Butler trifecta will manage.

So what are we to do? Well I don't know much about the draft, I'm a little naive to the increasingly complex world of free agency, and trades baffle me. So it is that I shall endeavor to ~~make a complete fool of myself~~ learn these aspects and give you my brilliant ideas on how to fix up our beloved Spurs.

Here's some moves I'd like to see us make in no real particular order and with no rhyme or reason. Mash them together however you see fit.

Trades:

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=5r9koj6

Blair and Hill for Taj Gibson. The salaries surprisingly match and I could see both teams doing it. The Spurs trade the defensively and sometimes offensively inept Blair and streaky shooter Hill for an all-around solid big man. Gibson could start or be tremendous depth (I'd love to see him paired with Bonner on the first rotation). The Bulls receive a great young athletic rebounder with a ton of potential. But the bigger part of this deal is George Hill. Hill is a much better starter than Bogans and would allow Bogans to play as a bench defender. Hill could also be a great athletic scorer to backup Rose or the SG spot. Bulls get young athletes with loads of potential and scorers, Spurs get great big man depth.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=3sgqcen

One Jefferson for another plus San Antonio McDyess and his expiring contract. The Jazz and Al Jefferson aren't working out. They very well might be open to a trade for him as it seems they might be getting ready to rebuild. The Spurs meanwhile get an animal of a post player who at his worst last year would be enough to have put us over the hump against Memphis. This does leave a huge hole at SF, but there were times that we may as well have not even had a SF on the court anyway. At least this year there'd be Jefferson and Duncan destroying the paint.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=3vs3u69

This could very well be just be because I would do anything to get both Camby and Batum as Spurs, but is it really so weird to think about? Portland gets athletic scorers in Blair and Hill plus Jefferson would probably be a better fit for Portland. Portland would be one hell of a deep team.....wait why am I proposing this trade again if Portland ends up like an 11 man deep team....oh yeah! The Spurs get great defenders in Batum and Camby. Batum is another combo 2-3 guy, but he doesn't play like it. The guy has great length and great D to hang with strong SF's and athletic 2's. Plus, come on man. Marcus Camby? How could you not love having him?

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=3p78dca

This is more of a "can't a man dream?" scenario. Though you could argue that all of these have been. As much as i love Camby, I dote upon Roy Hibbert. Hibbert is one of my top 5 favorite non-Spurs. 7'2", loads of defense, very young, and can dominate the paint at times, and his contract matches Hill and Blair. The Pacers get an athletic scorer with Hill to give them a more consistent guy at the 2 spot, and Blair provides great rebounding and loads of athleticism. Plus the Pacers still get to keep their team young and dynamic. Watching the Pacers-Bulls series (aka the only time Indiana was on TV), I saw that the Pacers really lacked energy at times. Guys like Hill and Blair would be a nice surge for this team. Though that could just be the combo of Hibbert visions and Sunkist sipping talking (got pretty decently into this before saying Sunkist so give me some credit for that).

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6yfpduk

I love Anderson Varejao (I guess I love all big men really [TWSS]) and would happily do this trade.....as a backup, there was no other option to get a tough defensive big via trade, option. Cleveland's so desperate, why not?

I personally like to see the Portland or Jazz trades the most here. Of course I'd also kill to have Hibbert.

Free Agents:

Center-

Nazr Mohammed- At this point he could probably be taken for vet minimum. But I don't know, I'm not a salary egghead like some of you (whom I thank greatly for said eggheadedness)

Nenad Krstic- Please, I want a seven footer so bad and Krstic is underrated in my mind.

Kwame Brown- The joke had to come in somewhere

Kurt Thomas- Why did we ever let you go!?

Kyrylo Fesenko- DEFENSE! -clap, clap, clapclapclap-

Francisco Elson- You're seriously still in the league? Again, more of a joke.

Power Forward-

Honestly the list of availables sucked so bad I could only muster up this:

Leon Powe- Better defending Blair from what I hear.

Jefferies- Not bad, not great.

Glen Davis- Too often do I want the Celtics to lose, only to see him have a great game.

Carl Landry- Only if Blair is gone and we want a much better short big. Not probable that we could Landry, but not completely thrown out the window either. Short bigs are starting to be exposed as a fad that only works every now and then.....if only the D'Antoni style offense could be exposed the same way.

Small Forward-

Peja Stojakovic- Old but I'd like a consistent three shooter from the wing and he's a pretty solid defender too. Only if RJ is traded though (please) and Batum isn't the result.

Tayshaun Prince- Old and not what he used to be, but still probably a much better fit than RJ. Again, only if RJ is traded.

Grant Hill- Whether RJ is traded, everything within the power of the Spurs must be done to acquire him (though unrealistic)

Shane Battier- Whether RJ is traded, everything within the power of the Spurs must be done to acquire him (though unrealistic)

Mike Dunleavy- Don't know why, but I like Dunleavy. Don't know if MLE is enough though.

Rasual Butler- Don't know why, but I like Butler. MLE should be enough (I'd hope)

Carlos Delfino- Prefer him as depth if aforementioned trifecta produces zilch. Not really one I'd like starting in an RJ gets traded scenario.

Shooting Guard-

Would prefer not to see a move here so I'll only list one:

Carlos Delfino- Can play SG as well and would be great depth in a Hill gets traded scenario. Neal still would get a lot of time though.

Point Guard-

Ronnie Price- Solid passer, solid defender, ideal point guard backup.

Pooh Jeter- For name and joke alone.

Earl Watson- Not too shabby.

A.J. Price- I like him a lot, not really sure why though. Just seems like a good fit.

Draft:

I'm completely uneducated in this department and won't even try.

Result:

It's up to you guys really. I'd like your thought on my trades and free agent listings. Ideally I'm looking at a roster of maybe something like this:

C: Duncan

PF: Camby

SF: Batum

SG: Manu

PG: Parker

Bench:

C: Splitter

PF: Bonner

SF: Anderson

SG: Neal

PG: Ronnie Price

OR:

C: Al Jefferson

PF: Duncan

SF: Prince (MLE)

SG: Manu

PG: Parker

Bench:

C: Splitter

PF: Bonner

SF: Anderson

SG: Neal

PG: Hill

(I like this a lot as Blair is made a great 11th man or you could still pull some sort of Blair/Hill trade)

Whaddaya think?

Oh almost forgot:

via www.adweek.com

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Comments

Trade links are there, just really hard to see (at least on my screen)

The Sunkist Kaiser, most epic thing since the Grizzly BLAAAAAAAIR! Relax, play, and drink Sunkist! Your Kaiser commands it.

by KA1Z3R on Jun 6, 2011 7:14 PM CDT reply actions

Camby is older than dirt. No thanks. 5 years ago, absolutely, move anyone not in the big 3 to get him. 5 years ago, though, we didn’t need him.

Al Jefferson is overrated.

Nenad Krstczghzzzz sucks. He was on his way to being great in New Jersey (think a better version of Kaman) before he was seriously injured (I think he ruptured his Achilles) and now he’s just average at best. The same can pretty much be said for Leon Powe.

Hell no to Tayshaun Prince. He’s old, always injured, and is a black hole on offense, not to mention age and injuries have brought him down from being a spectacular defender to slightly better (at best) on defense than RJ.

I don’t think we’re getting enough in return on the Blair/Hill for Gibson swap, but if they offered Asik and a late first or early second rounder I’d consider that.

If we’re going after bigs from Indiana, while he’s not as big as Hibbert, I think Psycho T has the better all around game plus he’s much more athletic. I think he’d be a better trade target.

You completely lost me when you said Peja was “a pretty solid defender too”.

Our best (and most likely) bet is to get someone like Thomas or Nazr that won’t play until 3/4 of the season is over and then be able to show up in the playoffs- much like Dyess did this year.

OR to bring over another one of the Euroleague/D league players we’ve already drafted/played in summer league, like Gist, Cousin (who apparently is with Houston or something), Richards, etc.

OR, my personal favorite, bring in Luke. He’s 7’ tall and can stroke it. He’s been playing international ball for at least a year now, but I think he’s got enough experience to make it as a role player in the NBA.

Unbelievable Time distortion space is the place Mean Gene Okerlund go down that lonesome highway but don't be hypnotized no- reincarnation doesn't have to be you can concentrate and you can-mental telepathy YEAH! But the beat goes on.

by SpursfanSteve on Jun 6, 2011 7:40 PM CDT reply actions

Also, I forgot to add- it takes a lot more to make these posts than it does to reply to them. Kudos.

by SpursfanSteve on Jun 6, 2011 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Camby is still a very talented paint defender who could really help this team. He’s also still a good shot blocker as well.

Al Jefferson is one of the best offensive post players in the league and plays great D when it really matters.

Nenad is a 7 footer who plays surprisingly solid defense. Not really meant as the primary option in FA.

Prince is still a very savvy vet who still plays great D. If you played with that Pistons team, you’d give less than your all too. I want Hill or Battier a whole lot more, but good luck convincing them with the MLE.

The Bulls really like Taj Gibson. We could definitely get a late first though.

With the way Hansbrough played in the playoffs? And in only his first real year of extended quality minutes? Indiana’s got a future star and they know it. Hibbert though is a great defender, good rebounder, plays well in the post on offense, and is freakin’ 7’2". The only thing he doesn’t have his a mid-range.

From what very little I’ve seen of the Mavs this year, Peja is solid defensively. He’s not a liability, and his scoring makes up for anything he lets by in most cases.

Enough going with these situations of, “let’s not really play this guy till late in the year.” Timmy wasn’t really fresh and seemed sloppy given extended minutes late in the year and playoffs. This goes double for Dyess who was a liability late in the year to me. However, I agree on getting Nazr.

I don’t really know the D-League or Euro stuff very well other than that is very hard to judge and is a huge risk with varying rewards.

The Sunkist Kaiser, most epic thing since the Grizzly BLAAAAAAAIR! Relax, play, and drink Sunkist! Your Kaiser commands it.

by KA1Z3R on Jun 7, 2011 6:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Prince is washed up. Period.

Camby could help us for a year, but does he put us over the top? I’m not sure, and I’d rather not make a deal that both doesn’t put us over the top AND sacrifices anything decent we have for the future.

Nenad is an average defender (or maybe slightly above, but not much).

And the “Luke” comment was in reference to Luke Bonner, formerly of the Toros and now playing in Lithuania :)

by SpursfanSteve on Jun 7, 2011 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Problem is Nenad is a horrible team/help defender. His one-on-one D is decent.

Camby would be good, but I doubt Spurs can afford him.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 7, 2011 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions

On the contrary, Al Jeff is an atrocious defender who only wants to score (and score in the post he did). As SfS said, he’s overrated.

Camby is a great shotblocker and weakside defender, but his P&R defense is horrible. We’d get murdered on pick and rolls if he and Duncan were on the floor at the same time.

Peja’s defense is an abomination. There’s a reason why his minutes in the Finals have come down. Carlisle can’t find a favorable matchup to hide him on defense. Expect his shooting “renaissance” this year to be a one-time thing. He’ll most likely report to camp next season out of shape and consistently off-target.

I thumbs up the Gibson and Hibbert proposals, although Timmy can’t really slide to the PF spot as easily since there are a lot of mobile and athletic PFs these days. Psycho T would be awesome for us though — good midrange J, incredible hustle, and a winner.

by silverandblack_davis on Jun 7, 2011 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions

I’m all for anything that makes the team better but I just don’t see the Spurs letting Hill go. He’s a great player when he’s aggressive and I just think you’re underrating him in these trades. Blair can go if it means getting bigger and more defensive, even if it means giving up some rebounding skill. As far as RJ goes, I think the only reason he got worse as the season went on is fatigue. He was the only starter that had no solid backup so he had to play a lot more minutes than everyone else. It would really surprise me if he gets traded this summer because he is our only SF on the team. If we can secure a solid backup we will be fine.

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jun 6, 2011 9:06 PM CDT reply actions

The problem with Hill is that he cant play the point, and we are overloaded at the sg, and we are short on bigs.

Also Hill is a free agent at the end of the season

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili

by spursfan87 on Jun 6, 2011 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Keeping all though SG’s means having to find Anderson time at SF. Using Hill at SG with Anderson at SF will likely result in being undersized at both positions. I think Anderson would work out much better at SG than he will as a SF, and that it won’t take long with him at SG before the idea of Hill as a SG would disappear.

by Alamo on Jun 6, 2011 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions

The original idea was Anderson playing the backup 3. There hasn’t changed. Now, they possibly have Butler though.

If Butler does well, it starts to get crowded.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 7, 2011 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Putting basketball aside, Hill is the most Spur-like guy on the roster. He’s always doing something in the community and doesn’t seem to need recognition to do it. This is the reason I would think that Peter Holt would want him to remain a Spur as long as possible.

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jun 6, 2011 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions

I would do the same if i were Holt.

"I only try to watch Matt Bonner when he’s shooting threes. Anything else he does, I hide my eyes."

-Coach Pop on Coach B

by sparking!!! on Jun 6, 2011 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Unless the right deal comes along.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 7, 2011 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Is he still Pop’s favorite player?

Yo, I’m 6-11, but I just want to dribble through my legs and shoot jumpshots like a guard. - Marc Blucas on Tim Duncan

by TDzilla! on Jun 7, 2011 4:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Probably still in favorites, but I think Pop has to be a little bit disappointed as he did mention that HIll was part of the problem. The Indiana George was not a consistent entity for the team and definitely showed once the rest of the bench struggled.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 7, 2011 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions

The problem is he didn’t really improve that much over the previous year. He was given the reigns to be Manu lite aka Indiana George and failed to do that consistently. Yes, he’s not a selfish player, but he needs to be more aggressive. Duncan isn’t selfish, but he knew what was good for the team.

Hill shouldn’t get paid a lot. If he’s a fair deal, then keep him, but he hasn’t proven he’s ready for big money or that would be overpaying.

Hill is the most likely player to net the best talent in return combined with other players like an RJ contract or Dyess one.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 7, 2011 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions

He’s likely still trying to atone for those photos he made.

by Alamo on Jun 8, 2011 6:39 AM CDT up reply actions

I think we’d have to give up Hill to make the Al Jefferson trade happen. That said, I’d be 100% for it if we knew big Al would play some D.

Time to build a new dynasty from the ashes of the old one.

by Tim C. on Jun 6, 2011 9:17 PM CDT reply actions

I would take the gamble. There’s few low post scorers like Al in this league. You can hide him on D with Duncan and Splitter, much like the Spurs did with Blair and Bonner this season.

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili

by spursfan87 on Jun 6, 2011 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions

That’d be fine in my book. Al Jefferson would do wonders for this team.

The Sunkist Kaiser, most epic thing since the Grizzly BLAAAAAAAIR! Relax, play, and drink Sunkist! Your Kaiser commands it.

by KA1Z3R on Jun 7, 2011 6:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, you know Big Al wouldn’t play D so you take him if you can live with the lack of D. Otherwise, you are wasting money if you expect Big Al to play D.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 7, 2011 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Aside from bad D, Big Al is a black hole and would kill the offense. Believe it.

by silverandblack_davis on Jun 7, 2011 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions

When the Jazz acquired him everyone was saying that Utah will be better and look what happened. He’ll make us worse.

by silverandblack_davis on Jun 7, 2011 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Not to mention a less than friendly salary.

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jun 8, 2011 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions

It’s funny because they got rid of one big contract who didn’t play D in Boozer and then they brought back the same thing, except even worse at D.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 8, 2011 1:17 AM CDT up reply actions

I like every trade except the Varejao trade. He’s got and horrible contract.

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili

by spursfan87 on Jun 6, 2011 9:23 PM CDT reply actions

he’s the severe backup of “no other trade would work and we already spent our MLE on a non-big/no big left is any good” scenario.

The Sunkist Kaiser, most epic thing since the Grizzly BLAAAAAAAIR! Relax, play, and drink Sunkist! Your Kaiser commands it.

by KA1Z3R on Jun 7, 2011 6:03 AM CDT up reply actions

I don’t think he’s worth spending that money on. If you are going big, then go big, don’t settle.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 7, 2011 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I say trade Blair for the #4 pick and grab Enes Kanter. This guy is really good.

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jun 7, 2011 5:07 PM CDT reply actions

If we have to part with the #29 pick as well then so be it.

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jun 7, 2011 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Seriously Spurs, DO THIS DEAL!!! I’m not usually this excited about players but the more I see of this guy and the more I read about him, the more I think he’s the answer to our problem.

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jun 7, 2011 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions

And what if Utah takes Kanter at No. 3?

Time to build a new dynasty from the ashes of the old one.

by Tim C. on Jun 7, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

BTW, no way Blair is worth a #4 pick, even in this crappy draft.

Time to build a new dynasty from the ashes of the old one.

by Tim C. on Jun 7, 2011 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions

I figured as much. Well draftexpress currently has him going #6 and they’re usually spot on with their mock draft. And hopefully the other teams didn’t do their homework and only remember Blair’s 30-20 game as a rookie. Even if we can’t get him for Blair alone, I’m willing to throw in another pick or something for this guy. I’m calling it now, he’s the future.

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jun 7, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions

There’s also this via nba.com

The Cavaliers have reportedly shopped the No. 4 pick, possibly to add players and perhaps another pick later in the first round

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jun 7, 2011 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions

hmm…

would you add Hill or Neal to that trade?

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili

by spursfan87 on Jun 7, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I wouldn’t. But I wouldn’t be terribly upset if it happened that way. Unless we can’t find good replacements for them or Kanter doesn’t turn out the way I think he will. But I think he’s worth the gamble.

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jun 7, 2011 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions

DE just recently reviewed tapes of Kanter and they’re concerned about his lack of effort on both ends, especially on D. We’ll see.

by silverandblack_davis on Jun 7, 2011 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Hill would be the one you have to put in. Neal is too much of a good deal contract wise to pass up if you are thinking talent and finances.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 7, 2011 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Blair is not enough to get the #4. I’d bet on that.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 7, 2011 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I like some of the ideas.
First of all, the spurs need to decide what to do with Blair and HIll. Both are talented players with loads of potential and are improving each year. But if we want one last shot with Duncan and Manu we have to part with them I think. Blair is a guy you can fit in ANY bench, and Hill is a versatile SG who right now a lot of teams (even very good ones like the bulls) could use. So they have a lot of value.
What do we need? First of all, we are getting NOTHING from the SF position. We only have one real SF and he sucks. Richard Jefferson sucks big time. We can solve that quickly. Trade hill, Blair or both (preferably Dejuan) or sign a guy like Prince or Battier. Say whatever you want about them, but when they have good teams around them they REALLY help. Otherwise I really liked the Batum trade, and Portland would trade him now that they have the mighty Gerald Wallace.
Other trade idea that I liked a lot was Taj Gibson. Dude can really play and defend, and the bulls dont have enough minutes for him with Boozer on town.
I like the idea of Al jefferson, and he would pair very nicely with Duncan….but the jazz wont trade him for just two cents.

"Kevin Garnett once described defending Tim Duncan as "trying to guard a tree"

by Chilai on Jun 8, 2011 10:10 AM CDT reply actions

Absolutely right on Prince and Battier. As for Portland, I think they’d love to have a big name like Richard Jefferson coming off the bench, especially when Batum isn’t ever really going to excel in their system. where as he would probably be amazing with the Spurs.

Spurs need to make a couple gutsy moves. Sure RJ and Dyess didn’t really work out for us, but that doesn’t mean we need to stop putting all our chips in. If we don’t make some kind of trade and a nice MLE signing, next year isn’t going to amount to much. May as well start rebuilding. Spurs can’t win with the roster we have now.

Three big needs: Competent starting SF, better big man depth (would love Nazr on vet min), and a dominant post player whether offense or defensive. I believe all 3 CAN be solved, just have a lot of doubts about whether or not they WILL be.

The Sunkist Kaiser, most epic thing since the Grizzly BLAAAAAAAIR! Relax, play, and drink Sunkist! Your Kaiser commands it.

by KA1Z3R on Jun 9, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions

I was afraid this kind of thing would happen. A lot of free agents, fearful of lost income during the lockout, might choose to play overseas. CSKA is taking advantage already:

The exodus of centers for the Boston Celtics continues with Nenad Krstic reportedly signing a multi-year deal with a team in Europe.

Time to build a new dynasty from the ashes of the old one.

by Tim C. on Jun 9, 2011 12:44 PM CDT reply actions

On the other hand, some of the players with longer contracts are afraid to compete for their country this off-season as the NBA won’t insure them. Tony may skip playing for France for that reason.

by Alamo on Jun 9, 2011 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I think it would be sad/funny if the spurs traded parker for Dragic/Scola. Not sure if the numbers would work but I’d make that trade. Sad since they are both players we let go for next to nothing.

That is the Spurs’ reason for getting up in the morning.
Metaphorically speaking, they can sleep when they are dead, and they aren’t dead yet.

by NotDeadYet on Jun 10, 2011 7:41 PM CDT reply actions

How many times is this “we let Dragic go” thing going to go around? The trade was already in place, we drafted Dragic at Phoenix’s request, not because we wanted him.

Time to build a new dynasty from the ashes of the old one.

by Tim C. on Jun 10, 2011 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Until people learn to read.

by SpursfanSteve on Jun 11, 2011 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Although Dragic had a stellar game and good series against the Spurs, he’s never really been able to resume that same level. He’ll likely get a good contract and won’t do much more.

That said, Spurs never drafted him to take him for themselves.

Scola is a different story though, but he’s really not the full answer for them any longer. He’s a good answer if he was a draft pick, but paying to get him is a little bit different.

They say every time Pop smiles, an angel is told to stop being so fu--ing lazy and play some defense. -Hipuks 2/3/11

by grego21 on Jun 10, 2011 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Either way it would be funny if we traded for him and Scola. Not to mention I think it would be a good trade for us. It is a trade that would help our core of bigs and leave us with a serviceable young pg. Not to mention the huge thrill it would be for Manu to play with Scola. We’d still have a big 3

That is the Spurs’ reason for getting up in the morning.
Metaphorically speaking, they can sleep when they are dead, and they aren’t dead yet.

by NotDeadYet on Jun 10, 2011 8:01 PM CDT reply actions

While acquiring Dragic and Scola doesn’t sound bad to me, since the Rockets have Kyle Lowery as starting PG I don’t think they’d want to move him (or Tony) to backup status. On the other hand I’d think they could be interested in having RJ as a starting SF and Hill as a backup PG. I think to make a trade with the Rockets work requires a third team (TWolves?) with plenty of cap room that could take a player from the Rockets (Jordan Hill?) for draft choices or cash. Houston would be getting the payroll down by $3M or so. Of course unless they think Thabeet and/or Yao will work out for them, they’d have to keep shopping for another big.

by Alamo on Jun 10, 2011 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions