Spurs should be considering Howard

by Sh!fty on Jan 30, 2012 3:45 PM CST

Or should I say, Howard should be considering the Spurs? It might not be that crazy at all.

If Howard stays put, the Spurs are a very attractive destination. There will be money to offer, specially if the front office decides to finally amnesty Richard Jefferson this summer. Two unselfish star guards in Parker and Manu locked for a couple of years each. At least a couple of young wings. A very good frontcourt partner in Tiago, maybe even a great frontcourt overall if Tim decides to play an extra year or two with a decent contract (Howard, TD, Tiago, Blair and Bonner) and arguably the best coach you can have right now.

The Spurs' rosters would look like this:

Tony and Joseph
Manu, Neal
Leonard and Green
TD, Blair and Bonner
Howard and Tiago

*TD, TJ and Anderson are the only two players not under contract for next season. RJ gets amnestied.

All this without anything out of the ordinary happening. The players are already there and so will the cap space. Howard would make no more than what Timmy earns this season and I don't think Duncan would have a problem earning something close to what RJ is making now. Suddenly a few veteran players wanting to come to SA on the cheap again just because of him.

What are his other options? A rebuilding mess in NJ? The very thin and old Lakers? Staying?

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Portland has cap space, but the Spurs can clear more by telling RJ to take a hike. Indiana has a ton of space, and a ton of young talent already. Perhaps scariest of all, if the Mavs amnesty Haywood, they have enough space to make him an almost-max offer.

The longest, brightest day is followed by the darkest night.

by Tim C. on Jan 30, 2012 4:23 PM CST reply actions

Cuban does have their dream of Dwill and Dhoward.

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Jan 30, 2012 4:29 PM CST up reply actions

What If the Spurs can convince Duncan to take a cheap contract, like $3M/ Yr? Can we have space for a max deal?

"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 Jan 30, 2012 4:32 PM CST up reply actions

Here’s the rub. Howard can get paid in Orlando. I don’t think it’s about money or even winning (although I’d bet he’d deny that), it’s about exposure. He wants to be in a big market, he’s even said that (I think). He wants a big time shoe deal and he thinks his best bet to make the most money is in a large market. That makes me doubt very seriously that he’s going to end up anywhere other than NY, LA, Dallas or one of the other BIG markets.

by Big50 on Jan 30, 2012 4:36 PM CST reply actions

Also, I don’t think Howard would see the Spurs as an elite team even if all he cares about is winning. Most pundits don’t, so why would he?

by Big50 on Jan 30, 2012 4:37 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe you can tell him that he’s going to be playing for the best coach in NBA. I think that most of the media have Pop as the best coach now that P. Jax is retired. I’m pretty sure that Howard hates playing for Van Gundy.

But I agree with you, probably end up in one of the big markets, but hey one can dream.

"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 Jan 30, 2012 4:43 PM CST up reply actions

Agree. As much as I would love having Howard here, making us without a doubt serious championship contenders, he’s not coming to a team that’s getting old with it’s elite players (manu, parker, duncan) even if he does have the potential to get a few rings before that’s all said and done.

We need another big though, hopefully the Spurs figure a way to get that done.

by Outkastprince on Jan 30, 2012 4:44 PM CST up reply actions

And this is why Dallas’ potential cap space scares me. He has the chance to go to a well-established winning team in a big market(the NY teams suck, and the LA teams can’t afford him), and pair his defensive prowess with the greatest shooting big man of all time for the ultimate dominant frontcourt.

The longest, brightest day is followed by the darkest night.

by Tim C. on Jan 30, 2012 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

Yep. I’d wager they end up with him and they might get D.Will also.

by Big50 on Jan 31, 2012 9:51 AM CST up reply actions

To make this short and simple he aint coming here

GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2012 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)

by Manu-20 on Jan 30, 2012 6:31 PM CST reply actions

Stop torturing yourself, man. Howard has in no way ever given the slightest hint or notion that he would play in a small market like San Antonio. You may as well be pining for Lebron to request a trade to San Antonio.

A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.

by alamobro on Jan 30, 2012 7:13 PM CST reply actions

I seriously doubt that Howard will or wants to come to San Antonio. Yes we have probably the best overall system for players and a great fan base… but the problem is they are aging and have not had the best of luck with there drafting in recent years… It would be great to have Howard interested in coming but I find it more likely that he will end up in Dallas with Deron Williams than joining Parker, Ginobli and the rest of the Spur team.

"Performance comes from work and dedication, belief and strength. Words and excuses get you nowhere." -Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves Rightfielder

by jdelsandro on Jan 30, 2012 7:57 PM CST reply actions

I’m not sure how much the new CBA has changed things, but for him to get the longest term won’t he be looking for a sign and trade? Even LeBron and Bosh wound up as such, though I don’t recall Miami having to give up a whole lot.

by Alamo on Jan 30, 2012 8:10 PM CST reply actions

The problem is Howard is stupid
He dont want to play in a great franchise with the best coach and with a great system … He wants to play with another player of his allstar caliber (Deron Williams, I guess)

by cuentaluis1 on Jan 30, 2012 10:46 PM CST reply actions

The problem is Howard is stupid

This. Great player, but one of my least favorite in the NBA. Sure he’d help immediately. But, he’s handling this (Melo-remixed) debocle with little class, and more than likely couldn’t handle the structure and discipline that comes with being a Spur, much less learning a system where he may not be the first option on every play. I get the impression he’ll be a big kid forever, ala Shaq (who, coincidentally, I was for signing when he expressed interest in coming to SA.).

But hey, he can’t hit free throws, so he might fit in fine.

I'm not as good as I once was...and that's just the cold, hard truth.

by Ed (dfjmed) on Jan 31, 2012 2:43 PM CST up reply actions

Are you sure we can get under the tax to offer a max contract if we amnesty Jefferson? I really doubt it

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

by Chilai on Jan 31, 2012 12:22 AM CST reply actions

Duncan’s off the books this offseason. So, yes.

The longest, brightest day is followed by the darkest night.

by Tim C. on Jan 31, 2012 12:32 AM CST up reply actions

This.

A casual diehard Spurs fan.

by Sh!fty on Jan 31, 2012 10:15 AM CST up reply actions

But we are going to resign him for at least 6 mill or something like that. We are not renouncing his cap hold.

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

by Chilai on Jan 31, 2012 6:47 PM CST up reply actions

Just a categorical question: Would you be willing to trade Manu + Kawhi/Green for Howard?

It's better to be silent and be thought of as a fool... than open your mouth and remove all doubts.

by Reylan on Jan 31, 2012 8:37 AM CST reply actions

Hmm. Interesting. My initial thought is no, but it would depend on if Duncan came back and what other pieces we’d have around Howard. I do know that Spursdom would not approve.

by Big50 on Jan 31, 2012 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

No. Based on talent and age this seems like a no-brainer. However, gaining Howard while losing Manu and one of promising wings would be a lateral move at best. We would be a slightly better version of what the Magic is now. I rather keep Manu and hope for health during the playoffs.

A casual diehard Spurs fan.

by Sh!fty on Jan 31, 2012 10:10 AM CST up reply actions

Mmm now that I think about it…

It would mean next year Timmy is off the books and so could RJ. Suddenly Tony is the oldest player on the roster with lots of promising talent and some money.

A casual diehard Spurs fan.

by Sh!fty on Jan 31, 2012 10:21 AM CST up reply actions

Dont know……..maybe if Howard is willing to sign a 7 year extension or something

"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 Jan 31, 2012 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

Nope. Sometimes loyalty to a man who’s always wore Silver and Black is more important than championships (to me, at least).

Also, I’d find it much more exciting to be a mediocre team watching guys improve than a maxed out mediocre team, which is likely what we’d be with Howard. Plus, he’s got a bad attitude.

Cinnamon and sugary as softly spoken lies, you never know just how you look through other peoples' eyes

by SpursfanSteve on Jan 31, 2012 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

NO NO NO & No. I’d rather we be a lottery team for a few years then part way with Manu or TD before they hang it up. In today’s corporate world loyalty is underestimated, but the Spurs are different, they always been. I would just be pissed if i’d ever see Manu wearing another jersey.

Now, TP can go for all i care, assuming the deal is right. He lost my loyalty when he wasn’t loyal to his wife and more annoyingly, his teammate.

by ironm8 on Jan 31, 2012 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

My answer to my own question is a big NO. Howard is a little bit too overrated in terms of his impact on games. Let’s just accept the fact that Tiago is our big of the future. I’m sure he’s shown us enough to make it easier for us to accept that. Let the other teams beg for Howard. We’ll be fine. Manu is a Spur and he MUST retire a Spur. Plus, guys like Kawhi and Green are as rare as Howard can be. Howard is only bigger… that’s the only thing he’s got more than our young guns.

It's better to be silent and be thought of as a fool... than open your mouth and remove all doubts.

by Reylan on Jan 31, 2012 5:27 PM CST up reply actions

For a one year rental? Of course not.
If Howard signs an extension of 4 years or something like that with us? Definetely YES.
We can reaquire Manu later.
ANd yes, I didnt forgot im from argentina.

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

by Chilai on Jan 31, 2012 6:49 PM CST up reply actions

Tim, Manu and Matt are untouchables, you cannot trade them for anyone.

Both teams played hard

by Kondor on Feb 1, 2012 12:34 AM CST up reply actions

Ehhh.. Too many wings. Change that to like another type guy like a Blair (young talent) and it’s maybe…

Ehhh.. Too many wings. Change that to like another type guy like a Blair (young talent) and it’s maybe…Assuming the guy you lost is Kawhi, Blair and Manu, you have

Ehhh.. Too many wings. Change that to like another type guy like a Blair (young talent) and it’s maybe…Assuming the guy you lost is Kawhi, Blair and Manu, you haveHoward
Duncan
RJ (maybe/maybe not)
Green
Parker
JA (maybe)
De’Sean Butler (maybe)
Joseph
Splitter
Bonner

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Feb 1, 2012 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

whoa, fail..

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Feb 1, 2012 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

Ahahahahaha

A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.

by alamobro on Feb 1, 2012 10:37 PM CST up reply actions

LMAO

A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.

by alamobro on Feb 1, 2012 10:38 PM CST up reply actions

Ehhh..Ya!

A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.

by alamobro on Feb 2, 2012 7:07 AM CST up reply actions

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Feb 2, 2012 3:21 PM CST up reply actions

Howard is a new Shaq. He’ll go to the Lakers, then Miami, Phoenix and finish his career in Boston.

Both teams played hard

by Kondor on Feb 1, 2012 12:31 AM CST reply actions

I would like to see him on the team

But I don’t see it happening. We are a small market but we are loved by a good many, not a lot of players see that until they are here. He could get money and I do think Timmy would take less money in order to get another shot at a ring he has been smart with his money. It would be similar to having Robinson/Duncan back in the old days but Howard’s personality doesn’t seem like either one of our high class HOF’s.

The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT

If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.

by Final Frame on Feb 2, 2012 9:11 AM CST reply actions