Wednesday, July 1st, 2009...10:22 pm
Sheed’s Attitude
As we all know, the Spurs are amidst the pack of teams interested in signing Rasheed Wallace. Despite being a big man who can stretch the floor and defend the post, many Spurs fans are hesitant. Sheed is a tech factory and many are concerned that his penchant for on court theatrics could cause problems this upcoming season.
I’ll admit, I am not concerned about Sheed’s “attitude” whatsoever. In fact, I think our recent interest in Sheed is an excellent opportunity to articulate what personal characteristics the Spurs are concerned with and those that they disregard.
Despite some people’s impression, the Spurs are most concerned with what happens on the court. But the reality of the matter is, sometimes off-the-court situations impact what happens on the court. Does Sheed have any off-the-court activities with which we should be concerned? No, he does not. Despite being the most notable player on the “jailblazers,” Sheed has a pretty respectable personal history.
Similarly, the Spurs are concerned with “the locker room,” i.e. how the players mesh with one another. Good personal chemistry breeds good on-court chemistry. Is there any reason to suspect Sheed would be a problem in the locker room? No, there is not. Sheed is beloved by his teammates and well respected around the league. In fact, during Pistons-Spurs games the last few years, Tim Duncan and Sheed have often been seen joking around during timeouts and while positioned next to one another during free throws.
But even if a player is well liked by his teammates and doesn’t get in trouble off the court, he must still be willing to accept his role. Is Sheed a selfish player on the floor? No, he is not. The Pistons were considered a team-oriented unit and he was always willing to defer to players like Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton. Sheed has the ability to score, but he has always understood when to assert himself and when to take a step back.
Which brings us to the technicals. For the past several seasons in a row, Sheed has been at the top of the list of players who received the highest amount of technical fouls. He runs his mouth incessantly. Opposing players and the referees had best be prepared for a verbal throttling when Sheed’s on the floor. But is this a cause for serious concern? Personally, I think it isn’t.
Sheed’s penchant for drawing technicals is not a sign of his irreverence (at least not only). It is a sign of his passion. In games where he receives a technical, Sheed’s average rises in four major statistical categories (Points, Rebounds, Blocks, FTAs). Techs also provide him an opportunity to encourage a more impassioned style of play in his teammates (teammates who, as I’ve already mentioned, he nearly always has excellent relationships with). At the time it seems shortsighted: Was it really worth arguing that minor call and giving the opposing team a technical free throw? But when you look at the legacy of success Sheed has contributed to (both at Detroit and Portland), it seems to me that his theatrics may be worth suffering through.
The other criticism people bring up is his commitment: In a lot of people’s opinion, when the team struggles, Sheed quits. Although I think it is slightly overstated, this is a legitimate concern. That being said, I am not that worried about it. If Sheed signs with the Spurs, we will contend, no questions asked. As always, injury can derail any team. But as currently composed, the Spurs are already a contender. Add Sheed to the mix and we slide toward the head of the pack. It’s regrettable that Sheed can be easily disheartened or distracted when the team is struggling. But when he has played for contenders, he has always played brilliantly.
I also think Spurs fans should consider the effort given by every Spur not named Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, George Hill, and Bruce Bowen in games 4 and 5 of the first round of this season’s NBA playoffs. If you are looking for a group of guys to criticize for quitting when the chips are down, there is you answer.
48 Comments
July 1st, 2009 at 10:42 pm
The Pistons found out Sheed is not a “go-to” guy, but we don’t need him to be that. Also, do technicals even matter in the NBA anymore? For any team going deep into the playoffs, look for the league to continue to “undo” any technicals. Kenyon Martin had like what, three technicals rescinded? What a joke! 2010 playoffs, Spurs v. Nuggets after Game 6, the NBA will rescind the seventh technical on Sheed after he bites Chris Anderson, with Stern saying, “We can all agree, bird is pretty tasty.”
July 1st, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Graydon,
I like your arguments and agree with you over everything you mentioned. However, I feel that you forgot to mention how at times, if Sheed gets blatantly fouled but the refs don’t call it, which happens often throughout an nba season (I’d rather not get started on nba refereeing), Sheed will complain to the refs and stay put instead of running back on defense. This should automatically eliminate him from being a spur. This has been discussed a bit in PtR in what is an epic thread and cannot find the particular comments off at the moment.
It’s not that he’s committed, it’s not that he doesn’t have desire, it’s that sometimes, he gets too consumed by it and he loses sight of the team goal and instead focuses on himself. He has an ego. Sure, sometimes, getting riled up helps that team, and coaches do that sometimes to by getting kicked out of games and stuff to put some life in their team, however, it’s when he doesn’t run back to defend, and instead keeps complaining to the refs while his team plays 4 on 5. Pop would kill him if he did that. That’s not spurs basketball.
I like Sheed, but am also aware of his faults. That being said, I would prefer to sign McDyess since the risk would be lower, and he still compliments the team very well. Sheed, although having a slightly better upside, has a higher risk. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t mind the FO signing either of them, and trust that they would know what they’re doing. I would just be more concerned with Sheed.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:02 pm
The depth, versatility, and quality of the Spurs offseason should get Popovich to think of playing 10 or 11 players a night to save the wear and tear on the veterans like Duncan, Ginobili, and a possible Rasheed. Even get to a guaranteed minute schedule, like for instance, Mason and Wallace(if signed) get the 1st 6 minutes of the 1st and 2nd qtr and Ginobili and Bonner get the last 6 minutes of the 1st and 2nd qtr. Or Hill, Finley, and Blair get the last 3 minutes of the 1st qtr and 1st 3 of the 2nd qtr(For Parker, Jefferson, Duncan). Mahinmi(still don’t think he’ll help, a worse Elson) gets the last 3 minutes of the 1st half. Then 2nd half based on game matchups. That way the the players go to each game prepared to play. And maybe the Spurs will start games going all out knowing there are x amount of minutes to be played in the 1st half.
That way rookies and 2nd or 3rd year players get guaranteed playing time during the year on a constant basis and learn the importance of fulfilling a certain role. That way Hill, Blair, Mahinmi, can grow. Maybe none of them play the 2nd half of a game, maybe all 3 do, or just 1. But it seems like the depth of Spurs should get some sort of consistency in playing time in my opinion. Also vets like Bowen last yr(this year it might be Finley) don’t get shut out of games. Maybe after the all-star break or after the rodeo trip revise the schedule or abandon the set minutes. But, I think Popovich needs to consider something to save wear and tear on vets and give younger players some PT. I think a set minute schedule for the 1st half of games might help. Any thoughts?
July 1st, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Adding Wallace would give us the best starting 5 in the league.
1. Parker
2. Ginobili
3. Jefferson
4. Duncan
5. Wallace.
I would be so excited to see this lineup take the floor, and to see how Popovich uses everyone.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Little o,
You may feel more concerned with Sheed than McDyess, but when I lie in bed at night I’m more worried about whether the Spurs can even compete, despite the rest of the talent on the roster, given their total lack of depth around Tim Duncan and I don’t really think McDyess can cut it in any serious minutes. I’m more worried about the question of are we good enough to contend? Rather than will locker room issues hold the Spurs back from another title?
The first question seems more pressing to me. Besides I really think our team could use a bit ‘o ‘tude every now and then, we really lost our edge when we lost Steven Jackson, back when we had him, he was really able to get the Spurs’ blood boiling. I kinda want another fire-cracker guy to throw bombs for us. The rest of the core will keep it from getting too outta hand, and that kind of nonsense really can pay dividends in respect and sometimes intimidation. How many times did the Spurs loose games they shouldn’t have last year? I think Sheed can push us over the hump.
O Hey Tim, any thoughts about rolling the dice with Leon Powe as a back-up with the LLE? He’s apparently pissed at the Celtics for not giving him the courtesy of an extension to heal and return. He could be a major contributor in the 2nd half of the year and we could maybe get him at a steal… after all if we roll the dice with 2 guys with ACL problems (Blair too) at least one outta work out right?
July 1st, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Spurs fans, myself included, are very excited about the idea of Rasheed Wallace joining our team. We talk about it, read everything we can about it, and perhaps even dream about it. But for all this discussion, how likely is it? Is there something that makes us think we have a really good chance of landing him? Or are we just as likely to get him as any other championship contender is? Some of us talk like it’s a foregone conclusion that he wants to be a Spur. I know WE think it would be great, but is there a reason to think that Rasheed Wallace agrees?
July 1st, 2009 at 11:36 pm
AP,
Because the best offer he can get is a MLE, and…
1. We’re his best shot at a ring
2. Friends w/ Timmy
3. No State Income Tax
In that order is what we have going for us, and most rumors have it between us and Boston at this point
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:51 am
Nice article but he is still a headcase… He is definitively not my top choice in the Free Agency… Don’t get me wrong if we get him great… But I am truly not sure how Pop would deal with the pointless technical fouls he gets and that could lose more than 5 games during the season… I think that could make Pop blow up… McDyess > Sheed on our system… I truly don’t think he has much left in the tank… he is older than TD and you expect him to go out in the perimeter and be mobile?
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:54 am
Yuck. That’s right, I say yuck! The Spurs’ front office has earned their money this off season so why should they falter at this point and not work harder to find someone else than “Sheed”. I don’t buy most of the arguements made here.
I’m tired of making excuses about his talent versus his ego. This guy is a headache from the word go. Go another route Spurs and don’t sign this moron to a multi-year deal.
God, has the state of professional sports reached the point where even the strong franchises will sacrifice most of their values for sake of winning a championship? Wallace represents much of what is wrong with today’s professional atheletes.
Marginal talent, major ego, insists they get what they want and many give in to this “line” because the “potential” is worth the gamble.
Yuck.
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:54 am
The Little O,
I don’t think complaining about getting fouled automatically disqualifies anyone from being a Spur. In many people’s eyes, the Spurs are some of the most egregious post-foul complainers.
And at points I have seen Tim, Manu and Tony all linger too long as they stare in disbelief at a ref instead of hustling back down the floor. Although I’ll admit Sheed complains for longer (and more intensely) than any Spur.
I just wonder how many plays a game are these incidents really affecting?
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:59 am
Having a big personality is not the same as having a big ego. Sheed has the former, not the latter.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:35 am
I completely agree. I don’t believe that Sheed has a big ego at all. As was mentioned, he is a player who doesn’t mind deferring to other teammates. He’s shown that in the pros and even back at UNC when he was sharing the spotlight with Jerry Stackhouse. I think his personality might be good for the Spurs and would bring some fire, as well as some enjoyment to the team. At times, the team seems a bit too serious, and from what I’ve seen, Sheed seems to be a guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously sometimes. I think he’d be a great locker room guy and would have no problem fitting in.
I also love the thought of getting Brandon Bass. Front line of Duncan, Sheed, Mahinmi, Blair, and Bass…Graydon, is there anyway that we get Sheed and Bass? I’m not a fan of Gortat and think somebody is going to over pay for him. There are a few people every postseason who play pretty well and earn themselves huge deals (remember Jerome James?). I know he’s not getting that kind of money, but I don’t think he’s as good as everyone believes.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:40 am
Graydon,
Okay. I’m definitely the target audience for this post, someone who’s been down on the idea of Sheed as a Spur for all the “attitude” issues.
But you convinced me. As I was reading, a few things came to mind.
1. Duncan doesn’t have a sterling reputation among refs, does he? Isn’t he pretty much agreed upon as one of the elite, uh, “discussion-leaders” on-court? I think you point out that we confuse the on-the-court with the off. Since Timmy is quiet to the media, we overlook how much he has to say to the refs. And he has a lot to say. So I don’t think we could say it’s “un-Spur-like” to harangue the officials.
2. Was it Tim or you that discussed the ethical boundaries of on-court players? Namely, those of Bruce Bowen. I agreed with it, and if I agree that the court is its own ethical field with distinct rules separating it from the real world, then I have to agree that Rasheed is not the classic NBA “bad character guy.” If I’m okay with Bowen’s play (and I am) then I’m fine with Rasheed’s mouthiness.
3. The longer I watch the Spurs, the more convinced I become that free throws are largely meaningless. If they mattered, shouldn’t the Spurs have lost a lot of games/series/championships because of them? I’ll trade a tech for an inside/outside/offensive/defensive threat anytime.
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:08 am
The Spurs are in a position where they need to take risks. Sheed knows his career is coming to an end soon and is looking for the best chance at winning another championship or two. Duncan also needs another high quality big man in order to compete in this league with the Spurs defensive strategy. With the talent that he brings and Pop’s ability to get each player their role, Sheed can find a place on the Spurs for the next 2-3 years. This will lead to 2-3 more championships.
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:42 am
[...] the Celtics Inquisitr Trevor Ariza out, Ron Artest in for LA Lakers? 48 Minutes of Hell Sheed’s Attitude Hoopsking Paul Pierce Academy Recap Mass Live Report: Rasheed Wallace will meet with [...]
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:18 am
Big J,
I don’t know how you can call a 4-time all star and former NBA champion a marginal talent. Also, Name me an instance in which Sheed has “insisted he get what he want”?
Honestly, I don’t think Sheed in any way “represents much of what is wrong with today’s professional athletes.” I think referring to athletes as morons and using their big personalities to distract from their professional achievements is what is wrong with sports commentary.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:22 am
Big J,
I don’t want to be rude, but Rasheed is not a “marginal” talent. If anything he’s a top notch talent that under preforms because of his attitude.
Sport has always been about winning. In fact one could argue that sports as a whole are cleaner and more fair than they’ve ever been. To say that the state of sport is so bad that teams are willing to sign questionable character guys to win is like saying that politicians have never been so dirty…oh, they’ve always been dirty? In the same way sports have always been about winning, always.
Also, don’t forget, Dennis Rodman played for this team for a time as did Stephen Jackson. It’s not a horrible thing to have somebody who’s not of the character of David Robinson on your team. You want your core to be classy guys as well as your coach. That helps to keep the other guys on the right path.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:40 am
Those who would argue against adding Wallace if he wants to be a Spur need to explain how the Spurs are going to fill the gaping void that exists on this roster as far as bigs are concerned. I personally think the Spurs may have more interests and see McDyess as more realistic possibility but if you’re serious about winning a championship now and all it costs you is the MLE I don’t have a problem with them adding Sheed.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 am
The major issue currently with the Spurs as their rotation is concerned, is that they have no proven talent or defense outside of Tim Duncan in their frontcourt. I think after ‘Sheed there’s a very sharp falloff in terms of frontcourt talent to be had in the free agency, at least in terms of filling the needs that the Spurs have in big men. McDyess is a serviceable, but distant second Rasheed Wallace. I’m still in favor of trading for someone if possible. Wing players are always more abundant in the FA.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:29 am
Agree with the article and with Jaceman, but I would take it further. Sign ‘Sheed AND trade some “disposable” players (wings and/or one of the PF) for a true center, even if such center is not that good, we need an extra body down low as insurance. Then if needed, which I’m not that convinced of, sign one of the many cheaper bench players available in those positions.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
well as far as depth goes i think if we aquire sheed, is oberto not an option? i think we give blair some good minutes after all this guy was supposed to be a lottery. i honestly think he can handle it. ian blair bonner sheed duncan, and possibly oberto? do you guys think its possible?
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:32 am
Zack,
Oberto is currently in talks with the Rockets. It would be good to have him back as a last resort, but he does have other suitors.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:18 am
Zack,
I think that the front court you described has a pretty good chance of happening. I’ve heard Houston is also interested in Oberto, but that might change if they get Gortat. I do think that Oberto would prefer to play for us (he probably hasn’t even moved his stuff yet and he probably won’t get endorsement money anywhere else - he’s popular enough here to be on local commercials). We could sign him for 1yr w. a team option for a 2nd.
Sporting News says that Boston offered “Sheed the full MLE for 2 yrs, so that confirms that we’ll probably have to sign him for at least that long and that much to get him.
People have been worried about our contract situation next year and our ability to bring over Tiago Splitter, I don’t think signing Sheed for this contract will hamper us too much. First, Tiago can’t reasonably expect much more than say 4 to 5 million his first few years here, and that’s pushing it. As it is we’ll have expiring contracts with Bonner @ just under 3 mil, Mason @ 3.5 and Manu, who’ll probably take a 3-4mil cheaper contract that summer.
What that would really set us up for is 2011, the summer we have to re-sign Tony, maybe give RJ a role player contract or let him go, Rasheed retires opening up some space, and we make the last run of this era, so Timmy can go out in a blaze of glory like the Admiral. 2012, find a new Superstar.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:57 am
How will SA beat out the Celtics’ recruiting of Sheed? I hear about Garnett and Ainge actively recruiting Sheed from sources on ESPN, but how are the Spurs recruiting? Do you think Duncan or Pop has contacted him? I am just scared Wallace ends up in a green uniform next year.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 am
If not Sheed, then we NEED to get McDyess.
Jason,
I like your plan there. And by the time 2012 rolls around where we need to search for a superstar, our young talent should have developed very nicely and should keep us as a playoff team during the search. Parker would be a savvy veteran leading the team at point, Hill should develop enough to be the SG, no idea who SF would be except for Jefferson if we somehow keep him at that point. Gist and Blair would be splitting the PF duties and Ian would be our starting center. Looks like a good team to me.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I want Sheed, mainly because he’s the only one really in the league that can effectively defend Duncan. If he’s on our team and winning, that may cause Sheed to cool his jets and maybe only get 30 T’s next season….(a dab of sarcasm there…) But really, If Sheed comes over here, Pop would definitely sit him down and keep him on a short leash for any unnecessary T’s. Yes I said it, ‘unnecessary’, like the last game before the allstar break, or really any time in the first half of the season.
I think it would work out, it did afterall with Rodman for a few seasons….
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I’m completely Sheed would fit in well with the Spurs. You don’t think Poppovich called up his buddy Larry Brown and got the low down on Wallace before pursuing him. I think the Spurs’ management knows what’s at stake here. This ESPN the Mag article is very telling of who Sheed is. http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3336339
He’s a good, smart baller who brings a lot of intensity to the game. I think it’s a great fit and am hoping Pop and Timmy can do better courting him than KG.
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Rasheed is one of the most fundamentally sound big men in the game. I’m a huge Portland fan, but became a Detriot fan when Wallace was traded.
Spurs fans probably have the missed defensive assignment on Horry a few finals back which cost Detriot the series, but that was really one of the few mistakes I can remember him making (besides throwing the towel at Sabonis!).
He’d be great on the Spurs, especially if you guys can get another 2 or 3 who can slash and mix it up on offense (like Hamilton did for Detriot).
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Graydon,
I refer to him as a marginal talent at this point in his career balanced against his age and his sliding attitude. Signing him to a 2 year contract (or more) has him off the books at 37 years-old or more so. I certainly don’t discount his achievements. Yet, his behavior over the years does represent what is wrong with professional sports. Whining, complaining and receiving technical fouls for this behavior exhibit an overall disrespect for authority and for the history of the game (i.e. all the great players, coaches and talent before him). “Honestly, I don’t think Sheed in any way “represents much of what is wrong with today’s professional athletes.” As crass as referring to him as a “moron” doesn’t nearly reach the naive bliss this comment does.
Sports commentary? Big personalities? Well, your take is your take. I suggest it takes a big ego in order to have a “big personality” and that it distracts from the overall class of the sport. I don’t take issue with it through other big personality players, yet I find Wallace often does it at the expense of his team. The technical foul in itself is a knock on the team’s goals and it’s not as if we’re referring to one infraction here, he’s a repeat offender and often through run of the mouth.
Well put Big50 and I’ll highlight your second sentence as my big point of contention with Rasheed. Maybe it’s old fashion, or too much to ask now a days, but I have high expectations in my own life, my family, of those in a position of influence/role models and even of our elected officials. It’s fair to dismiss this behavior with young players, but a seasoned vet such as Rasheed should have grown up a little bit more by now. I imagine many Spurs followers enjoy their overall classy approach to their professional aspirations and their lack of ‘tude and posturing during their efforts. Rasheed is a high contrast to these values.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
BigJ,
Isn’t it also the case that the Spurs are known to “whine and complain”? Doesn’t Kobe Bryant get a large number of technicals? Does that mean that you wouldn’t want Kobe on your team? It’s hard to imagine that ‘Sheed doesn’t have at least a little bit left in his tank, his averages have remained at a fairly steady 12-14 points and 7-8 rebounds per game. The issue isn’t necessarily with the technicals but rather it’s with the impression that because of the technicals, ‘Sheed is obviously a bad influence on the team, which he isn’t, as most of his teammates from Detroit are quick to point out. Don’t tell me that Spurs don’t posture and have “‘tude”, Robert Horry for one, Bruce Bowen I would consider a second, don’t forget Dennis Rodman was once a Spur. Sure, they didn’t get technicals, but I think the effect of ‘Sheed on the organization is the same.
Certainly he’s on the tail end of his career, but he’s the best available that’s realistically attainable. Sure, I’d want Amar’e to play next to Timmy, sure I wish that Yao were always healthy and could play next Duncan, but we’re not getting Amar’e or Yao.
In terms of adding depth, perhaps Rasho Nesterovic could be had for the veteran’s minimum. Also available would be someone like Brian Skinner.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
[...] On Tuesday Veteran guard Michael Finley told the Spurs he plans to return for another season. One article considers Rasheed Wallace in San Antonio [...]
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
“respect for authority/the game” talk about a guy like sheed, who as they say has forgotten more basketball than you’ll ever know, makes the rest of us worried that you’ll be telling us to get off your lawn next.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Jace,
Rasho at the vet minimum would be a steal…
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Big J,
The idea that athletes have some ethical responsibility the average individual doesn’t (they should be role models, etc…) is the naive notion. Acknowledging that an individual can be boisterous and outspoken without being egotistical or morally inferior is what is realistic.
By accepting his role on the team (which Sheed has always done) and simultaneously treating the game as theater, Sheed has inherited the traditions of the NBA’s elder statesmen, not disrespected them. An honest look at the history of the NBA will reveal a lot of very animated players who had a fair amount of attitude.
Then again, outspoken black athletes are hardly ever appreciated during their time, only in retrospect.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Has anyone seen this yet?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303449
It’s about the Celtics offering a deal to Sheed, but Sheed obviously hasn’t agreed yet. It also mentions how the Spurs are favoring Gortat over him. Who actually believes that? I call BS.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I think the spurs must get rasheed. We just saw the Lakers get better with the addition of Ron Artest. The Magic and Cleveland have gotten better. If the Celtics steal Sheed away then signing Jefferson was a waste of time and money. We might as well have just kept our old guys, let their contracts expire, and grab some big name next year. No Rasheed means no title, and I’m not just talking about the Nba Finals, but also the Western Conference Finals. Spurs must use their their expection to get that extra 1.9 million to add to the MLE to counter Boston’s offer. Only way we win is with Sheed. Don’t hold back spurs. You’ve been the catalyst for the rest of the league by grabbing Jefferson and causing every other good team to go after big names, now finish what you started and go sign Rasheed!!!!!
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 pm
and as for Gortat, if we do sign him, I guess I’m okay with it because he shows promise, but I don’t see a title in the mix. I see that as a mix of a win now(jefferson) and as the new era transition (gortat) since he is so young and that would mean replacing one brick at a time to build the new spurs of the future. Still no rings will come this year. Ian M. better get in shape
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I hope that Rasheed’s ego, (hehe) will convince him not to sign with Boston since he would be coming off the bench from there. Come here Sheed, you’ll start!
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Amazing Phoebus. By your reasoning, since you agree with Sheed, or have an overwhelming desire for him to join your favorite team, you clearly know as much about basketball as he does? How does that line of thinking follow? I suppose being a fan/consumer of the sport means I should know better than to question it?
And Graydon, did you seriously throw out the race card as casually as you just did? How about having a respectful difference of opinion without tossing that one in at the end. Come on.
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Big J,
I really don’t think he was accusing you of being racist, but certainly race has an impact on the mass perception of players. Look at Chris Anderson for example, he doesn’t carry nearly the same connotation as Sheed does but he actually served a two year drug suspension from the NBA and plenty of Spurs fans still wanted him, despite how hard it is to actually get a drug suspension in professional sports these days.
I would say that Wallace often gets a bad rap for being on the Jailblazers back in the day, but that was quite a while ago, he’s won a championship since then, I’m willing to believe that a man in his late 30’s has matured since then, to think otherwise is to buy into a media caricature of Rasheed Wallice. Besides, in terms of technical fouls, Sheed may have led the league last year, but barely, and the year before he was 3rd. In fact other players like Rip Hamilton get ejected about 3 times as much as Sheed… see for yourself:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbafouls&qual=true&sort=techs&league=nba&split=0&season=2009&seasontype=2&pos=all
Clutch City, I don’t think the situation is quite as urgent as you make it out to be, I think the Spurs can still contend even if they only have a serviceable big next to Duncan. I don’t think I agree with the notion that the Lakers have gotten better. I was bored at work today and did some math and based on a projected roster for this year that includes our currently signed players, plus a couple from our summer league, even if the Spurs signed Sheed AND Oberto in free agency, they will have pushed the average age of the team down from a 29.47 last year to about an estimated 27.5 this year, even with bringing back 9 players from last year’s roster who are all a year older.
To contrast, the Lakers just basically traded in Ariza for a version that’s 7 years older while everyone else on the team got a year older. Don’t expect the Lakers to have a youth or athleticism advantage on us next year… if we don’t do something about our front court soon they may have a solid size advantage though.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:39 am
Wow, excellent comments above. I really want Sheed on the Spurs because he’s an impact player, but I can understand when others caution a long term contract battle with the Celts.
It says a lot that all the Celtics stars are in in Sheed’s living room right now. It’s tough to know if the FO will spend for Sheed.
I’m against adding mcDyss, and dobt even mention Oberto and Rasho, Pop doesnt eben want to play those guys. They dont deserve new huge contracts.I say try to engineer a trade for someone similar but younger.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 am
Arrest makes the Lakers a lot tougher than they were, even though adding Odom will come back to haunt the Lakers. Odom’s overrated, they should have kept Ariza instead.
But Artest balances out our addition of RJ and then some. Maybe, just maybe he will move to LA and be disruptive bc of his decision making, but honestly I see him as stepping up as the third best player on a team on it’s way to another title.
Wow, we need a player that’ll protect the paint.
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:05 am
[...] contenders to sign with. No better way to counter crazy than with crazy and smart. Graydon Gordian seems to think so, and at this point the Spurs are running out of good options, with 'Sheed probably being the [...]
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:50 am
When was adding a high basketball IQ player a bad thing? Sheed would be a good fit for the Spurs. He played for several Detroit teams with systems revolving putting premiums on defense and execution staples of his. I can imagine him doing smooth high-low plays with Duncan, precision pick-and-pops with Manu or TP or even RJ, or Timmy funneling slashers to the baseline for Sheed blocks (and vice-versa). He won’t be asked to score in bunches, all he has to do is play Spurs team-basketball. Yes I do agree, that he does take some stuff off the table, with techs, lack of focus, but hey, Timmy and Pop is there to back him up (or pull him back to the sidelines). When Larry Brown was coaching the Pistons, Rasheed was at his finest, I can see Pop doing the same thing even at this stage of Sheed’s career.
Hands down, acquiring Sheed would more than benefit the Spurs, it should solidify them as contenders.
Go Spurs!
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:59 am
Big J,
In no way am I accusing you of having said anything racist. I’m just trying to point out that race plays a role in our perceptions of athletes, and I think that is especially true when we are talking about what I might call “socially disruptive” black athletes, i.e. the ones who make their voices heard whether they’ve been asked to or not.
Some people characterize that behavior as being disrespectful towards authority, while others, like myself, prefer to see it as a) theatrical or liberatory or b) irrelevant just as long as the player gets their job done.
Either way, I do think athletes who are aggressively outspoken, whether politically or in incidental situations like Sheed, tend to have their on court achievements obfuscated until after they have retired and the discussion shifts from their words to their actions.
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Graydon,
Thank you for the follow up. I took a double take at your previous comment and wondered if the inclusion of the comment was a separate point or was a reply to my comments.
That said, I do agree with your observation and I’ll add that I sense this is a component in the mis-characterization of the NBA among groups in this country.
July 4th, 2009 at 5:52 am
So in discussing Sheed vs. Gortat vs. McDyess, does that mean everyone is convinced Okur wouldn’t sign for the mid-level? The free agent money is drying up pretty fast out there.
July 4th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I am completely off of the Rasheed bandwagon. McDyess was the better rebounder last year for Detroit, especially offensive rebounds. Rasheed shot a terrible FG% last year for a big and took way too many 3s. His performance in the playoffs was abysmal. I always assumed he was a few inches bigger than McDyess, who has been listed at 6′9″ for years, but it turns out that’s not true- every photo of them side by side shows they’re about the same size. Count me definitely in favor of McDyess over Sheed. There’s no way I want the Spurs to handcuff their future by offering him a three year deal.
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