Monday, February 15th, 2010...5:21 pm
Report: Mason Issues Trade Request
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Breaking news can now be done in less than 140 characters.
Adrain Wojnarowski tweets that the Spurs will seek to accommodate a Roger Mason Jr. trade request.
Mason wants more minutes.
112 Comments
February 15th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Bye, Roger. It’s been real.
So I guess a trade with WAS might be in the cards.
February 15th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
now or never to get Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons. DO IT SPURS
February 15th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
That’s a bad sign when guys want to be traded away from the Spurs.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
It was nice having you Rog.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
You don’t want Tyrus Thomas. I’m a die hard bulls fan. Tyrus is an absolute malcontent underachiever. there is a reason we want to get his butt out of here, trust me. Salmons is whatever. Nothing exciting. Having a very poor year compared to last year.
Quick question for you guys…on a 100 scale, what percentage chance will Parker give you a productive rest of the way up until playoffs? Sorry to do this but have an offer of Milsap for him. If healthy, its a great deal for me..but I know he has been anything but healthy. He ready to go this week? Please advise. Thanks.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
For the rest of my lift I’ll never understand why Keith Bogans has started so many games while Roger Mason wastes away on the bench. When was the last time a Spur requested a trade?
February 15th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I’m pretty happy we can actually trade that guy.. but it’s kind of sad that we could have played him instead of RJ and get the same result
February 15th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
He is one of the team’s best shooters and actually was a good player, not just scorer, off the bench. You know as good as Fin’s career was with the Spurs, he’s been stealing minutes from better players all season. Its really unfortunate this happened.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
This seems to contradict what Mason has said about wanting to stay a Spur. You can want more minutes without wanting a trade.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
@Spence: How are you doing in your league. If you’re already one of the top teams, there maybe little incentive for you to make a move; if you need a major move that could put you over the top, I’d do it (you’re getting Tony, right?). In my heart of hearts, I do think he starts playing better as we get closer to the playoffs… I just wish I could tell you that for sure.
@David: We’ve been starting Bogans because Pop really wants a Bowen-kind of guy who can lock opposing players down. Unfortunately, Bogans doesn’t even qualify as a homeless man’s Bowen, and has the offensive game of Jacque Vaughn. It was nice in theory but it’s not gonna work.
I’m gonna miss Rog, but the truth is he was vastly overrated last season because of his timely shots. There are other players on the Spurs who can do the same things, and it’s true that there’s a bit of a logjam in our backcourt. Should be interesting to see what we can get in return, especially if we package him with some other expirings.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
We actually just released Malik Hairston so he could go to Europe didn’t we?
I’m fully against Tyrus Thomas. Regardless it’ll take more than Mason to pick up Tyrus.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
That was Marcus Haislip, Bushka.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
i find it interesting that he just said on saturday that he wanted to end his career in san antonio. something fishy.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Guys and gals, remember this is a contract year for Mason. A very plausible scenario, in addition to more minutes, is that his agent issued the request knowing the Spurs were going to move him regardless. RMJ saves a little face that way and isn’t seen as a throwaway part heading into free agency. Just a thought.
And of course this means there will be action out of the Spurs’ front office between now and Thursday.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
As long as we can send Bonner with him, I’m completely fine with this. Trade for a decent role player and a draft pick, and bring up Hairston to give him some minutes.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
We weren’t gonna make any noise with or without him in the lineup. I understand his position, but its best to make a trade and just see what happens. I’m not surprised about them making a move. Our FO flies under the radar for virtually every trade. Who would have seen us getting RJ last summer? Maybe they can put something big together…
February 15th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
So where are we going to get 3-pt shooting from if we trade both RM and MB?
February 15th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
So I guess a trade (or two) is imminent here. Quick question: how will the Spurs cope with losing the team’s shooters (I assumne that all Finley, Bonner and Mason are on the trade block)? Manu is not a consistent shooter at least from the 3pt range, we all know Bogans can’t even knock down a wide open three, neither TP nor Hill is a shooter, and although he may be playing like one these days, RJ is definitely not (and shouldn’t be) a shooter. A deal with Chicago that includes getting (back) Devin Brown perhaps? Which will be the best trade scenario to fill in the gaps without making a big hole?
February 15th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Brown was never a good 3 pt shooter.
I’m not sure what makes the most sense. It could also always be more complicated and turn into a 3 team trade. The next 72 hours should be intense
February 15th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Bonner won’t be going anywhere because he’s worth more to the Spurs than his salary or trade value to another team. The 3 ball is so important to our success, plus he puts so much pressure on opposing teams because they have to dispatch a big guy to chase him all over the floor. Plus, stats have continuously shown that for whatever reason, he’s always part of the most efficient 5 man group we can put on the floor.
RMJ - Thanks for a year and a half of professionalism and solid basketball. May your career be long and fruitful.
February 15th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Wow what’s going on? It seems like the chemistry is pretty bad this year. After we’ve heard from Manu about him wanting to look into Free agency and looking at other teams next season, now we have RMJ demanding a trade.
February 15th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
now that this has happened how about the front office does this?
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ykaq7pc
what do yall think?
February 15th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Wait a minute…
Roger Mason was quoted just 2 to 3 days ago, via San Antonio Express-News, saying:
“I want to be in San Antonio for my career,” Mason said. “I want to win a championship here. That would be the ultimate.”
“If something happens, it happens,” Mason said. “You can’t really worry about it or control it. I can only control what I can, and that’s to help this team win.”
So, what I seem to decipher out of this is that he’s lobbying for more playing time on this Spurs squad. Why would he contradict himself and ask for a trade? I think he did this just to see where he stands with the organization, to find out how much the Spurs really want him and how many minutes they are willing to give him. That’s all. By asking for a trade, he might be able to actually get more PT with the Spurs because when he’s hitting his shots, the Spurs win, and we need him to play like he did against the Nuggets last week. I mean, didn’t Mason actually START against the Nuggets?
I mean, if this isn’t Mason’s strategy, it doesn’t really make too much sense.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Oh yeah sorry your dead on. Haislip was the malingerer!
As ThatbigGuy said. Bonner is going nowhere. Just like TP he is extremely valuable in terms of the spurs system.
The Stretch 4 is part of the modern game, it’s also a big part of why McDyess was viewed as valuable coming into this season. His long 2’s are a great asset.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Trying to fish through all the stuff on here. I actually liked Mason but I think if we could tinker a little and get that athletic 4 that we crave. Somehow, I keep thinking that Hakim Warrick may be in play here. Bucks are close to that last playoff spot….they need a shooter to replace Redd.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
RMJ is our best SG, I was so happy when he started against Denver and now this. what is going on? I don’t get Pop at all this year. Roger was good enough 2 guard kobe last year with the game on the line and make hard shots and this year he barely gets playing time when he is our only true shooter and has improved his all-around game? That doesn’t make sense at all. I really think the Hill-Parker combo wont work cuz Hill can’t shoot if his life dependent on it. But RMJ could work greatly in that role, allow TP penetrate or TD get doubled team and let RMJ make the other team pay the price by his shooting. I hope he goes nowhere but into the starting line-up. But if he really has to go somewhere I hope we get Shane Battier or T. Prince instead. (THE THING I WANT THE MOST FROM THE TRADING DEADLINE IS FINLEY TO GET SHIPPED AND THE SECOND THING I WANT IS BOGAN”S TO GET SHIPPED, even if we get nothing in return)
February 15th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
If we can get Thomas and Salmons for Bonner, Mason, and Finley, then I would be pleased. This does weaken our three-point game a bit but perhaps we can recall Malik Hairston and some other worthy player from the Toros. Then again, the Bulls might not want Finley and he could just re-sign with the Spurs after thirty days.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Ali
Seriously?
Mason our best SG? Wrong. Manu (even at this age) is leaps and bounds ahead of Mason. Manu plays nice D, can knock down the 3, get other players involved…and he’s Manu Ginobili. He can make magic happen.
And George Hill can’t shoot for his life? Wrong. Hill can knock down the corner 3 and he has a nice mid-range jumpshot.
February 15th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
This is unbelievable, the nerve of some people. I waited awhile before making a post to see what thoughts would come to mind, and first it was surprise and now it more of an annoyed feeling.
A player that laid an absolute goose egg in the playoffs and then had a horrible run of games this season now wants to get traded b/c he thinks he deserves more playing time? Get real! Bye Mason, no problem here.
Hopefully we can get Battier, Mike Miller, or another player that is not absolutely worthless if he’s not hitting shots.
February 15th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
@DanielB: Manu isn’t an SG, he’s Manu Ginobili.
February 15th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
rj + rmj for amare.
it works.
espn trade machine.
February 15th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
this is crap. I really liked rmj as a player and would much rather have him playing than keith bogans. He lost weight over the summer and worked hard, and some outside swingman takes his minutes. I can see some contender trading for his three point ability next season and raping us in the long run. Fml
February 15th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Daniel B. by our best SG I meant our best starting SG manu as a starter is a failure. So Hill could knock down the 3s go watch the end of 4th qrt of all the close games he played in he couldnt knock down anything. but remember rmj could even knock them down with the game on the line.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
THis BLOWS!
THe Spurs are a much better team with RMJ out there. He’s the best shooter. I can’t for the life of me figure out why POP put him on ice.
It’s no coincidence that The SPurs hit nine 3s agains the Nuggs. When RMJ gets it going its contagious.
WOW!!
I honestly can’t blame him. What’s with POP only bringing him in in the 4th quarter when the Spurs are down by 10? If Parker played against the Nuggs RMJ wouldn’t have even seen any playing time in that game.
POP himself said they need to step up and make shots. Yet he leaves RMJ on the bench.
Plus it was RMJ’s contract year. He would’ve shot the lights out trying to earn his money.
Now he’ll end up with the Cavs or Lakers next season.
Now I don’t know what to expect.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Mason had his chances earlier in the year, I am not saying he didn’t get deprived of a chance to play some minutes, we can all point to Pop and only wonder what was going on with his rotations this season. Some games he would empty the bench and play everyone in a uni and other nights he only played 7 or 8 guys like he was in already in playoff rotation mode. Still, the point is, this is just a very unusual year, for whatever reasons, multiple as they may be, this team just seems off. Mason hit shots last year but this year he has mainly missed when has been in the game, again I understand the fact that he was benched a lot but in some ways he put himself in that position, Pop saw that he wasn’t hitting shots and for a while, the whole team was seemingly struggle to make baskets. Pop tried to alter and went with more defensive minded lineups by starting Bogans and Hill and it didn’t work. Also, in some ways it seemed that if Mason wasn’t hitting shots he allowed it to affect his overall game, hid D would slip with his J and he simply can’t create his own shot which lead to many turnovers and akward moments with him handling the ball.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Four trades that I love for the Spurs, all of which work on the ESPN Trade Machine and all of which I think the trade partner team would strongly consider, in my order of preference:
1) Mason + Finley + Bonner + Mahinmi + 2010 2nd round pick for Marcus Camby + Rasual Butler
Why we do it: Camby gives us the best 2nd shotblocker we’ve had since David Robinson. Butler is a defense-first SG/SF who can knock down the three. We’ll need Butler to shoot well, given that we’ll be giving up most of our floor spacers.
Why the Clips do it: they shed $2.5M in salary for this year and gain two assets: a half season to check out Mahinmi (and his Bird rights) as well as a pick that doesn’t receive a guaranteed salary. LAC might ask for our 2009 1st rounder instead of the #2 and Mahinmi. I’d still do it.
2) Mason + Finley + Bonner + 2010 1st Round pick for Corey Maggette + Anthony Randolph
Why we do it: Maggette gives us what Jefferson was supposed to: a slashing, basket attacking SF who can make our offense less dependent on Duncan’s post play and Parker’s penetration. Maggette also excels at playing the 4 in small ball, something Jefferson does not, and regularly is among the league leaders in free throw attempts. We also get Randolph, who appears to be a knucklehead but has the talent to be a superstar.
Why the Warriors do it: Massive cap relief. The Warriors shed Maggette’s huge 4 year/$36M contract, which could be an enormous albatross if there’s a new CBA, in exchange for three expiring contracts and an asset - the pick. To get us to take on so much salary, they have to throw in a significant sweetener: Randolph.
3) Jefferson for Corey Maggette + Raja Bell
Why we do it: See above on Maggette. Plus, Bell gives us what Bogans was supposed to and is on an expiring contract.
Why the Warriors do it: Cap relief. Better to pay Jefferson $28M over the next two years and wipe him off the books (not to mention having his big expiring deal to use as a trade chip next winter) rather than pay Maggette $36M over the next 4. Bell makes the salaries work and gives us the incentive to do the deal.
4) Mason for Tyrus Thomas
Why we do it: we need another basket defender more than we need another shooter. RMJ is fighting for minutes at the 2 with Hill, Ginobili, and possibly Finley. Come playoff time, Pop will probably shorten to a three guard rotation of Parker, Hill, and Ginobili. Meanwhile, as George Karl pointed out, when teams run a high pick and roll against Duncan, there’s only Blair, McDyess, or Bonner left guarding the basket, none of whom alter shots. Thomas has many flaws, but he’s an excellent weakside shot blocker.
Why the Bulls do it: They add the shooter they’ve been desperately needing since Gordon signed with DET and cut $1M in salary. They’d rather include Salmons on this deal as well (in exchange for Finley’s expiring contract), but he’s expensive and wouldn’t get much PT behind our 3 main guards.
Thoughts?
February 15th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Guys calm yourselves.
It’s Roger Mason Jr…….
Also this made me laugh out loud
“rj + rmj for amare.
it works.
espn trade machine.”
February 15th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
@David
RMJ + RJ for Stoudemire might work on the Trade Machine, but Phoenix would never do it unless Amare told them that he wasn’t opting out of his deal this summer.
They want him off their books. Right now, he appears likely to opt out of his player-option $17M deal for next year, which makes him a valuable expiring contract. No way they give him up for lesser players (RJ+RMJ) AND take on RJ’s $14M contract for next season. They can sign someone better than RJ for the $17M Amare will clear from their books.
HOWEVER, if Stoudemire told the Suns that he was NOT going to opt out, they might consider something like this because RMJ is on an expiring deal and RJ would cost $3M less next season than Amare. Still, it seems likely that they could find a better deal out there even if Amare announces that he’s opting in to his $17M.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Bushka,
Yeah, a lot of the trade proposals are either really funny or just sad that someone would even bother typing them up.
Let’s live in reality, folks. Do some research, consider both sides of the trade, etc, etc.
Don’t just add contracts together on Trade Machine and see if the numbers add up, give us reasons why both teams would do the trade, and if you want, throw in some personal analysis about why you think it’s a good deal. That’s what we need more of.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Tough predicament…….if Mason were on the roster during the Spurs championship years (a-la Mario Elie), Mason probably would have been considered a “key” component to the system. I am a Roger Mason fan, he has a sweet jumper, however, there are probably about 20 players in the league who fit his profile. His lack of production and complete deference in last year’s winnable (on paper) playoff series against the Mavs showed that he is expendable and I understand why Pop tinkered with his minutes this year (plus, we don’t see what goes on in practices). I was the first to celebrate when Mason was hitting timely jumpers last season, but when the time came for him to make a play during the last 1/3 of the season, he completely disappeared. The Spurs need proven, clutch players if they are going to make a trade at all. This talk about Tyrus Thomas and Salmons is bullshit. Its the Jefferson acquisition all over again. Thomas is a complete waste of athletic talent underachiever and Salmons doesn’t have the “it factor” to make a difference in a Spurs playoff run. I will be completely disappointed if they acquire those two and I will really start questioning the front office if they make that trade (on top of acquiring Jefferson). I really hope I am wrong and Jefferson plays like a son-of-a-bitch during this stretch run.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Just saw that the Blazers got Camby ($9.1M expiring) for Blake ($4M expiring) + Outlaw ($3.6M expiring).
We couldn’t do better than that? We couldn’t find a deal to give the Clips more than $1.5M in cap savings? Frustrating.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
addendum…….I need to retract my Mason-Elie statement above. It is unfair to compare Mario Elie to Mason. My Mario Elie reference needs changing due to his contributions during the Rockets championship runs. I can still remember him hitting that 3 from the corner in Phoenix prompting his infamous “kiss of death” gesture to the crowd……..that shot and those Rocket teams were some of my favorite moments as an NBA fan. Period.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
@Bushka and Chris K
I’m with you on the trade proposals.
Heeellloooo, no one is taking on Jefferson’s contract! He’s here for the duration of his contract whether we like it or not. The worse he plays, the more stuck we are with him.
You guys with the Trade Machine have no realistic thought process at all outside of basic parameters of salary matching. For a trade to go down, both sides have to profit. This means only RMJ, Bonner, Finley, Ian, Blair, and Hill have trade value. We can’t trade Parker because he’s too injured, Manu because he’s expiring, Jefferson because he’s got death for a contract, Dice for the same reason, Bogans because he has no trade value period, and Theo because he’s our Duncan insurance policy.
Duncan will retire a Spur, and if you think otherwise, you’re an idiot.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
hey guys one player i would love to have and i think the twolves would be willing to deal is Al Jefferson, do you think theres anyway the spurs can deal him??? i mean i think that would lift us up and make everything just start flowing
February 15th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
oh wait is al jefferson even on the block what is the likelihood?
February 15th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
@zack
Al Jefferson is good, but not the least bit athletic. It would defeat the whole purpose of us addressing our need to become more athletic on the front line. Timmy is already an athletic liability, but he more than makes up for it by being the Big Fundamental. Al is no Timmy. Besides, the T-wolves love him with Kevin Love and will be building the franchise around those two. We don’t have the trade bait to entice them.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Al is on the block for the right price. Minny wants a GOOD SF back in return. That means no RJ in this deal. The only trade piece that might even entice them would be Parker. Many of you have said that Parker is untradeable because of his injury. I strongly disagree with that assumption. Plantar fasciitis is not a structural problem and is certainly not career threatening if treated properly. All Parker needs is a few months off chilling at the beach with drink in hand. If (and its a big if) he were traded to a team like Minny, whats it to them to let Parker chill for the remaining 30 games? They are missing the playoffs anyway. Besides tanking a few games might help their draft situation. They can get a top 10 PG to start next season.
Remember that Duncan had the same illness during the championship run in 2005 and he’s come around ok in the last few years…
February 15th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
@ThatBigGuy: I agree with you in general that RJ’s contract isn’t great, but to say he has absolutely NO value is a bit much. He has value as a contract that expires NEXT year; that’s not enough to be a centerpiece of a deal for the likes of Amare or Iguodala and the likes, but I could see him getting moved for another somewhat overpaid role player who we think might be a better fit.
Furthermore, Manu’s has value as an expiring contract, and Parker has value if you accept that it’s a little depressed at the moment because of his injuries.
The Spurs have several assets to make a move if that’s the direction they want to go. Whether or not there’s a move out there to be made that we think makes sense is another question.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Nobody wishes we could get david lee? we would kill them down low.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
@Hobson: Minny is also the team that’s strapped themselves to approximately 324 point guards already (or at least Flynn, Rubio, and Sessions). The last thing they need back in a Jefferson deal is another PG.
And yes, I agree Tony has value. But to say it’s as high as it was at the beginning of the season is simply being stubborn; if his value was as high as it was at the beginning of the season, we wouldn’t even be thinking of trading him.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Lee would be nice, Tristan, but there is no way the Knicks add payroll beyond this season, and there’s no incentive for them to trade an All Star with an expiring contract for a bunch of roll players with expiring contracts. Basically, we have no assets that interest them.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:09 am
According to the MYSA.com version of this story (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_Mason_open_to_a_trade.html), the Yahoo version might be a little overstated:
—————————————
“Mark Bartelstein, Mason’s agent, on Monday told the Express-News the veteran guard would be amenable to a trade if it offered him a chance for more playing time.
“Bartelstein, however, refused to characterize his conversations with Spurs general manager R.C. Buford and coach Gregg Popovich as a formal trade request.
“It’s not a trade demand,’ Bartelstein said. ‘It’s simply, if there’s an answer to the problem of not enough minutes, and everybody can come out good, they should look at that. That’s all that’s going on.’
“Still, Bartelstein said Mason would be comfortable finishing the season in San Antonio if a trade partner could not be found before Thursday’s deadline.
“One of the things I really enjoy about working with the Spurs is you can have conversations like this, where you can find something that is good for everyone,’ Bartelstein said. ‘They really try to do the right thing by players.’
“One league executive said he expects the Spurs to make overtures at the Miami Heat, who are shopping a number of players, including power forward Udonis Haslem and small forward Dorell Wright.”
—————————————-
Haslem might be interesting, though he seems largely redundant with Blair as an undersized rebound machine. Wright has never lived up to expectations.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:12 am
@ John: I agree that Minny has too many guards, but that could be a good thing. We could hypothetically trade an expiring contract along with Tony for a PG like Sessions. I think Minny made a mistake by signing him and his minutes have gone down this year because of their 324 PGs and we could use a backup or starter anyway. I agree that Tony isn’t as valuable now as he was in October, but to say he isn’t tradeable at this point isn’t true. The reason we would be trading him wouldn’t be injury related, but because of a really good trade opportunity. Tony should be fine at the start of next season and there’s only about 30 games left this year.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:15 am
last year at this time we almost landed Camby for no body y dont we try and land Camby this year as well
February 16th, 2010 at 12:16 am
Camby is already traded to Portland. At least that’s what I just heard. And yes, Portland got him for expiring contracts which we could have done.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:17 am
Hobson, are you saying we’d trade Tony and expirings for Sessions AND Jefferson? Otherwise, I don’t care if Tony’s injured, he’s still better than Ramon Sessions.
It’s possible, but I don’t know if it’s likely. I’m not really sure if Jefferson and Duncan fit together, and even if they “just” had Flynn, Parker, and Rubio, the Timberwolves would be looking to find a way to move one. I think if the Twolves move one of their PGs, they’ll be bringing back a wingman, not another one; I think they’re committed to developing Flynn as their PG of the future, at least until Rubio arrives.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:19 am
As far as I know, the Camby deal isn’t complete yet. But Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake are better expiring contracts than whatever we have to offer, probably.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:28 am
John, the salaries match up for say Parker and Mason for Sessions and Jefferson. Here would be my logic for it. You are right, Flynn seems to be the future in Minny, but theres no way in hell Rubio is going to sign with them. Rubio’s been pissed they drafted him from day 1. For the next year and a half Parker would be the man and Flynn could be his backup. Minny would also get a little cap relief this year which wouldn’t make them unhappy. I think Sessions and Hill would make for passable PG’s while Duncan would get some help on the front line from a guy who is a banger. We’ve talked all year how we need another big guy to help Duncan. I think it would help Duncans health also. Let Jefferson do the dirty work inside and Duncan play more of a high post with that patented bank shot of his. It probably wouldn’t pay off this year, but a front line of Duncan, Jefferson, Splitter, and Blair would be nasty.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:35 am
Maybe, Hobson. I guess I don’t completely buy the idea that Rubio is so pissed off at the Twolves right now; it’s not their fault that Memphis or OKC didn’t take him high enough for his contract overseas to be bought out. I think that whole “Rubio hates Minny” thing has been an invention of fans and media following other teams would would love for their team to be able to steal a talent like Rubio for essentially nothing.
It’s an interesting idea, and the closest I’ve seen on here in a while to a deal I think could actually happen. I’m just a little skeptical, because I don’t think Minny has given up on Rubio. From a Spurs perspective… I’d have to think long and hard about it.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:44 am
the reason i brought up jefferson is because his trade value isnt as high as it should be coming back from that knee injury, and this kid has a good bball IQ at 6′ 10”prior to the injury he was insane taking timmy all day, looks like hes def getting it back through some hard work, if we can land this kid hed be amazing to have as a low post major threat!!
February 16th, 2010 at 12:44 am
John, you may be right about the media fabricating all the Rubio hate, but I believe Rubio wouldn’t be able to come over for another year or two anyway. Don’t quote me on that, I wasn’t able to find the info, but if its 2011 until he comes over, Parker’s contract will be up which would free up another pg position for him. The trade’s a long shot, but it could pay dividends.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:52 am
Aw, man! RMJ could be crucial for us in the postseason with his ability to get hot. Pop should have given minutes to mason instead of the floundering jefferson! I hope we can get someone of real value - Tyrus Thomas!
We are going to lose our best 3 point shooter. With the way our offense is, I wonder how effective we are going to be. Bonner is a great 3 point shooter but he is going to find it difficult getting minutes. Ginobli is shooting horribly. Parker can’t hit threes and Hill only takes corner threes. Finley is probably not going to get much playing time and I don’t need to talk about Jefferson.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:57 am
No, you’re right Hobson, Rubio’s at least another year away. Still, I’m not sure if Minny would give away Jefferson, the kind of guy who can be part of your plans for the next 8-10 years, for a 1.5 year rental on Tony. I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’m just pointing out Minny would be very hesitant.
I’d also like to remind people that the mysa.com article seems to indicate that the Spurs aren’t hell-bent at all on moving RMJ, only if a deal that makes sense presents itself.
I will also be very unhappy if Tyrus Thomas ever actually dons the silver and black.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:03 am
SEnd RMJ back to Washington along with IAN for MIke MIller.
First of all the money is right. Miller just seems like he would fit in the SPurs system. Plus he could make up for the shooting that RMJ is taking with him. PLus Mike Miller can pass and put it on the floor.
THe WIZ are toast anyway. RMJ could get more playing time and LORD knows the Wiz need someone that can hit a shot. They also get to try out IAN for the rest of the season. They just lossed HAYWOOD. IF IAN shows them something they can resign him. IAN could be a successful big man. If not his contract expires and they can just let him go.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Mason seems to be a decent fellow, but he has not shot the ball consistently and his defense has not improved much in his one and a half years with the Spurs. Mason would probably respond to these charges that he needs consistent minutes to perform at his peak. Given our troubles with RJ so far, I’d keep Mason and give him the chance to earn some of RJ’s minutes. That might prove counterproductive, but it is conceivable that, after all, RJ might play better being the no. 1 option on the bench team.
Barring divine intervention, our best chance to fix this team in short order is (to borrow a phrase from Bob Marley) to “lively up” the frontcourt with a trade or by adding the backbenchers Ian and Theo to the rotation. It is no secret that the essential problem with the Spurs, insofar as it can be traced solely to personnel, is an undersized, under-athletic frontcourt. McD is backup quality, good for 20 minutes per night max. DJB is an excellent rookie with a gift for the game, but he is outsized by true centers and power forwards. Do I even need to point out Bonner’s deficiences?
February 16th, 2010 at 1:52 am
we can’t play with the lakers unless with our undersized roster even if the big 3 play like it’s 06, and two other guys mutate that big 3 into a Big 5… our defense just isn’t gonna be there with this group.
That said, i hope we play a tighter rotation here on out, or develop end-of-the-bench youngs… I don’t want to see ANY PART of Finley, Theo, or Bogans this year unless we have a ton injuries. Seriously! And I’m not here to hate on Bonner, put I don’t want to see much of him either. I’d much much much rather see a lot more of Mason, than fin or bogans.
February 16th, 2010 at 2:03 am
I’d have to think long and hard about Parker + expiring for Al Jefferson + Sessions. One major question is how healthy Al is. Hasn’t he gotten injured in the 08 and 09 seasons? That worries me.
I agree with what other people are saying in this thread, stay away from Tyrus Thomas!
We already have an athletic big man that was a project - Ian Mahinmi. If we haven’t been able to teach him how to play in 3 years or so, how would we be able to turn Thomas’ “potential” into something real?
Also isn’t the word around the league, with coaches and GMs, that Tyrus has rather low basketball IQ?
February 16th, 2010 at 5:09 am
Mason requesting to be traded makes great sense for him. He has been relegated to the bench, while lesser players continue to log minutes. It is a common sense call for Roger. Why would he allow Pop to destroy his marketbaility? Ive said all along that Pop seems to have lost whatever magic he once had..First, Marcus Haislip wants out, now Mason. Yet, I still cant find one single reporter that is willing to write a piece on Pop.
February 16th, 2010 at 5:46 am
While my last post is awaiting approval, I thought I would add this. With the way things are going in San Antonio, why are Duncan and Parker so quiet? They couldnt be pleased with the current circumstances. The team spent the offseason putting a team together. It looked great on paper, but during the season, it has all been undone. Realistically, Bonner should be at the end of the bench at best or in Europe, Bogans shouldnt even be on this team, and Finley is at the end of his career. None of the moves made sense. Mahinmi’s option was not picked up, yet he is still in uniform, rotting on the bench…We give Haislip a 3 year contract and then release him. I would go on, but I dont have the three days that it would take to hit on all of this. What in the world is going on with the Spurs, and why am I the only one asking?
February 16th, 2010 at 6:32 am
I understand the frustration that people have with the Spurs. I understand that Mason made some big shots last season but gets shuffled behind Bogans. I also understand why Pop did that. Mason simply can’t do anything other than hit threes on the floor, he can’t really defend all that well, and he can’t really score that efficiently, Bogans on the other hand, has done a serviceable job as a Bruce Bowen replacement.
While his rotations are somewhat confusing at times, I think Pop generally knows what he’s doing. I don’t believe that he would bench people without good reason. Obviously, the best Mason had to offer couldn’t carry them over the hump last season, so do you logically think that he would get better? I understand Mason’s frustrations over lack of playing time, but I think we all need to understand the one-dimensionality of Mason’s game. I also had high hopes for Marcus Haislip and Ian Mahinmi, the former got out and the latter sits on the bench. Does it make sense to me? Not in particular, but there must be something from practice that is going on where Pop has no confidence in either of them being on the floor at game time, going exclusively with McDyess, Blair, and Ratliff. It’s not like they only assess these things during games.
My belief of the reasons that the Spurs are underachieving are two-fold. First, we haven’t found a legitimate second big-man to play next to Duncan, in other words, we haven’t added another shot blocking presence. Secondly, I think Richard Jefferson is trying too hard to be a “good Spur”, while I could be totally off base with this, I think Jefferson isn’t playing within his own game, his confidence is shot, and he’s trying to be something he really isn’t and it’s keeping him from thriving. He needs to stop and just let his game come to him, because that’s the game that the Spurs traded for.
In terms of trading Mason, I’ve been all for it since the end of last season. Mason has shown us already all he can be: a streaky shooter, less-than-able defender, and inefficient scorer. I don’t dislike Mason, but honestly, in terms of building a championship caliber team, we’re missing pieces 4-7 of the rotation, Mason would be a good-to-great 8th man, 3pt specialist kind of player in the mold of Steve Kerr, but at this point in time, we don’t have any rotation players that are stepping up, except maybe Bogans (I personally don’t understand the hate for Bogans, sure he’s old, but at least he’s defending), Mason sure hasn’t done it, he’s expendable in my book as a trade asset. Honestly, we’ve already seen a whole season of Mason starting, and what happened last season? Sure we were riddled with injuries, but we still got embarrassed by Dallas in the first round, Mason didn’t make a difference then, he’s not going to make one now, he’s obviously not the answer the Spurs need at the moment, so I wish him the best and hope he gets on a team that can use him.
I’ve been pushing for trading Mason, Bonner, and Finley’s expiring contracts for a while. I hope they do something. They need to realize their needs and address them. If they don’t trade for a big man in hopes of Tiago Splitter coming next year, then I’m not convinced that the front office really wants to win this year.
February 16th, 2010 at 6:36 am
Incidentally, the T’Wolves apparently are trying to trade Al Jefferson, but I think they want a younger forward for him. I have a hard time seeing us being able to trade anything for Jefferson straight up, without involving a third team. I’m actually not very interested in these high profile trade names, one person that hasn’t been getting much playing time, but I think would do well in the Spurs system in all honesty is Darko. I say go for it.
February 16th, 2010 at 6:38 am
For the record, I too am against Tyrus Thomas.
February 16th, 2010 at 6:45 am
As Tim pointed out, this is a contract year for Mason. If he doesn’t get any playing time he won’t get any offers this summer.
He is a smart business man, afterall.
February 16th, 2010 at 7:05 am
no Tyrus for me either; he’s a head case and he’s a primadonna… those things don’t add up to Spurs basketball.
February 16th, 2010 at 7:29 am
Jaceman, great post. However, you stated that Bogans brings us Bruce Bowen type defense. NO, he doesnt! Not even close. Cant score, cant defend, not a great ball handler, and is too small to matter. Now, as for one dimensional games, Bonner is that guy. Other than hitting a shot, he doesnt bring anything, cant defend anybody, and at 6′10, is alergic to the paint. As for Mason starting last year, Pop had him playing point. This was idiotic, period. Jefferson is being overcoached and mismanaged the same way. If he cares about his career at all, he had better follow Mason’s lead and get out of town. Bottom line is that Pop is out of control. He actually seems to think that it is about him.
He got lucky and won with substandard talent back in the day because he was ahead of the leauge defensively. That is over now. Give him credit for teaching the NBA how to play unselfish basketball and good defense. However, the leauge has caught up to him and he has not been able to adjust. Maybe he is a one trick pony.
Regardless, Carlysle and Adelman are making him look like a scrub and in the process, the Spurs are the third best team in texas now. This is an emergency in San Antonio. We are the fans and we deserve better. No more crap. N0 more secrets, not more blind acceptance. Its time for the HEAT to be on Spurs front office. Its time for answers!
February 16th, 2010 at 7:30 am
Bushka-
thanks for your credibility. Bonner being a great part of our system. Please. I could throw basketballs from half court and be more effective than Bonner. his one three a game doesnt make up for the career night from whoever he is supposed to D up. He cant rebound either.
How Bonner even played hoops in college baffles me. W-O-R-T-H-L-E-S-S.
February 16th, 2010 at 7:47 am
Well if we’re going by it work in the trade machine, then I say we trade Mason and Mahinmi for Kevin Durant, or RJ for Lebron James straight up! haha
February 16th, 2010 at 7:53 am
espn says the spurs may talk to the heat about mason, i dont see anyone on that team that can help, (well maybe that wade guy but is he really better then roger? LMAO). beasley would work but the heat would not trade him and would he really help the spurs? maybe in the future. maybe cook, magloire, and arroyo? not sure that helps the spurs other then cutting salary?
February 16th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Interesting point in Cook. He did win the three point championship a year ago, but like most NBA players, hes dumb as a rock.
February 16th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Trade Roger Mason Jr and Tony Parker for Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, and Kenyon Dooling.
Spurs get younger, more athletic, and bigger guards. Harris makes $4 mil less than Parker, has 2 extra yrs on contract and is just as good. Lee is a young (24 vs 29 yr old Mason) proven, active 6′5″ defender that could grow to be a Bowen type player with more athleticism. Dooling, a backup insurance guard ala Jacques Vaughan.
Nets get a marketable player in Tony Parker to attract bigger crowd attendance and to attract free agents. Nets save $600,000 off payroll for next yr.
Spurs get guard rotation of Harris, Ginobili, Hill, and Lee.
February 16th, 2010 at 8:34 am
Sign me up
February 16th, 2010 at 8:43 am
ok i have to say this, i have read both here and in a couple of other places “lets trade roger mason for shane battier” ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN! houstons entire defense and energy comes from shane and landry. there is NO WAY IN HELL the rockets are trading shane, ESPECIALLY not to the spurs and especially not for a guy who can not defend, and doesnt provide energy.
i also read elsewhere “shane, dorsey, and ariza for mason, bonner, and mahinmi” 1) see above, 2)mahinmi IMO is better then dorsey and dorsey TRIES to play like blair so why would we want him. 3) screw trever ariza, we absolutely do not want that guys contract or his lack or playing skills. he can defend no doubt but he would be like the 9th best shooter on our team.
defense wise the second scenario is ok, but then we have the same problem we had 2-3 yrs ago, who is gonna score.
February 16th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Since all the teams in this league are currently shopping players, it would be best to just make a deal and hope for the best. Even though Tyrus hasn’t had the best work ethic with the Bulls, the attempt to make a run with new blood might be worth the deal. Beggars can’t be choosers, and that’s what the Spurs are.
February 16th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Trading Parker or Ginobili, especially in the middle of a season will most likely never happen. I only see TP or Manu leaving if they choose on their own accord once their contracts expire. I see the big 3 staying together until Duncan’s contract is up and he retires. Can’t see SA ever choosing to part ways with those guys. I would be incredibly surprised to see it happen.
I don’t think the Twolves are looking to shop Jefferson until the off-season. So any talk of a trade involving him will likely not happen.
Reportedly the Spurs are interested in T. Thomas from Chi. I’m not sure about his intangibles, but the FO must see something in him they are willing to work with. I don’t know if this deal would also include Salmons bc I can’t see SA willing to also take on his contract. If SA is actually going to deal RMJ than this is the only realistic deal I can see happening. Perhaps add in a couple of spare parts on both sides.
I really doubt SA will be taking on any more bigger names. There’s just not enough PT for everyone. I also doubt that a trade involving RMJ will include any other shooters (Fin, Bonner).
Also, dealing Richard Jefferson just isn’t going to happen. Nobody is interested in him right now. Especially not with the way he’s played.
February 16th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Seems like Miami is making a push for Amare, but Phoenix is not interested in Jermain O’neal’s expiring contract of $23MM. They claim it would take too moving too many players to make this work.
What if we get involved ? We would also need a gift from Kerr, but here are the trades:
Spurs get J. O’neal.
Suns get R. Jefferson and M. Beasley
Heat gets A. Stoudemire, R.Mason, and M. Bonner
Why would the Spurs do it? Two reasons: 1)We need a legitimate center. Yes, he’s old and probably won’t help much, but we can take a chance on him because…. 2) If it doesn’t work out, consider it part of the rebuilding process. He has a HUGE expiring contract that would give the Spurs the flexibility to resign Manu and add other part(s) next summer.
Miami would get Amare, and it sounds like they are interested in Mason too. They give up some financial flexibility by letting JO go, but that is partially offset by the 2 expiring contracts they are taking in this deal ($6.9MM from RMJ and Bonner).
As for the Suns, that’s where we would need Kerr to help us out.
RJ may have a horrible contract and zero trade value for every other team in the league, but he was born to play for the Suns. Playing in that system next to Nash would maximize his talent. Getting Beasley would be nice for them too. He’s a great young talent that runs the floor well. Seriously, for the Suns, this beats getting J.J Hickson and spare parts from Cleveland.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:09 am
@lvmainman
Devin Harris is done.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:13 am
It seems like people are against Ty Thomas.
I actually wouldn’t mind it. He’s young, he can rebound and he can hit that midrange shot from the wing. And we all know how that shot is always there.
If they deal with the HEat then Haslem would be bring the exact same thing.
It’s a toss up.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:55 am
@ junierizzle
Please explain the statement “Devin Harris is done.” Are you saying he’s retired from the NBA?
February 16th, 2010 at 11:33 am
No, he’s saying that Harris is always injured and when he is playing he doesnt play well. I havent looked at stats to see how true the last part of that is, but he is constantly hurt.
February 16th, 2010 at 11:47 am
I find it funny when people blame Pop. He never had the most talented team in the league, yet he won 4 titles.
Pop has bent over backwards not to overcoach RJ. He’s cut the playbook in half, and he understands he’ll never be Bruce. But there are certain rotations you just HAVE to be able to make in order to work in the Spurs’ system, and RJ hasn’t shown the ability to do that. If guys like Finley and Mason and countless other players have figured it out, RJ should be able to also for the amount we pay him.
It’s also not Pop’s fault that Tony has plantar fasciitis or that Manu is finally showing the effects of getting thrown around early in his career. You can complain about him not being able to settle on a rotation, but when all of the rotations you’ve tried have sucked so far, you just have to keep tinkering.
There are a lot of things going wrong with the Spurs right now, but I don’t think the man pulling the strings is one of them.
February 16th, 2010 at 11:50 am
@Ballhog
I fail to see how Mason is anything more than a one-dimensional player. Pop played him last year sometimes as backup point, but I do seem to recall that he also started at the 2 in front of Ginobili for MOST games. Bogans is a Bowen-esque defender, but I concede he’s not as good as Bowen and never will be. I fail to see how Mason starting next to TP was him playing point. Overall, we’ve seen what Mason brings and it’s not much, in fact, it’s probably comparable to having someone like Derek Fisher on the team. Keeping Mason isn’t going to make the team any better, and I think we all agree the team is much worse than last year right now.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Jaceman-
Bogans sucks. At everything. He misses rotations, and cant defend one on one. He is absolutely the worst player on the Spurs team. And worse, he doesnt contribute anything on the other end. Mason is an average NBA defender and if he gets the ball can shoot lights out. Bogans was reputed to be an excellent defender but he is no better than Mason and he cant make any sort of shot on offense. Udoka was better than Bogans.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Also- at least Bonner contests shots. He gets to the right point at the right time and doesnt blow rotations.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
I like the Miami, Phoenix, SA 3 way that B mentioned. I do not think it is a bad deal for the Suns and certainly not for Miami. As for us, one year try out for us
February 16th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
One more thing to note, this is a long thread, we probably need some news soon before we all just start repeating ourselves. And where is Kaveh when you need him for a laugh and laker jokes
February 16th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Just in from Woj on Yahoo: Spurs are putting Dice on the block. Fire sale? Phantom Duncan injury coming? What the heck is going on here?!
February 16th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Caleb, two things I take away from this:
The Spurs are SERIOUS about Tyrus Thomas. I’m not big on him, but the front office seems to be. I guess we could give him a chance for the last 30 games and then let him go in the summer if he still sucks…
I could be wrong, but the Spurs appear to be blowing this thing up. Dyess has played well the past few weeks, why trade him? Anyway, they need to change the direction of this team. They are an $80 mil salary, (5th highest in the league I believe) middle of the pack team at this point.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
This dosen’t suprise me though a player actually requesting a trade from the Spurs dosen’t leave a great taste in the mouth. How many games did Roger win for us last season? There was his 3 point shot in Boston, the Christmas day buzzer beater, the ‘and one’ winner against the Lakers (which I particuarly enjoyed since it came after a premature and gratuitous Kobe celebration) and one against the Clippers. Keith Bogans hasn’t been production and yet recieves minutes that really should have gone to RMJ. This is what happens when a teams rotations are still up in the air in February. Not happy.
February 16th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
And the Blazers just got Camby.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I like the proposal above to get Haslem:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yjf4e3d
He shut down Dirk in the last few games of the 06 finals and is one of the smartest defenders in the game. He’s not the shot-blocker we need, but he might be able to help us get some key stops down the stretch that we haven’t been able to get in close games. Also, you could then start giving some of those Finley/Mason minutes to Hairston, who at minimum can hit the 3 and defend. He knows the concepts of our system, so incorporating him into our schemes on both sides of the ball would be easier than adding someone from the outside. At this point, barring a swing-for-the fences trade of one of the big 3, it might not be such a bad gamble.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
This could be one of two things:
1. Mason really wants more minutes to prove that he is still a 3-5Million dollar player.
2. Spurs FO made him issue the statement so the FO wouldn’t be the “BAD GUY” in not resigning him or letting him go in the offseason without letting hi, get enough minutes to land a contract.
Either way, I dont like it. The guy can really shoot. I wish his defense was better so he could get 20+ minutes a game.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
From Twitter-
WojYahooNBA: Spurs trying to trade Antonio McDyess as prelude to making deal for Chicago’s Tyrus Thomas — http://tinyurl.com/yku4t3e
21 minutes ago from TweetDeck
February 16th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
@lvmainman
Im saying Devin Harris isn’t the type of player to lead a team to the finals.
I think he’s done because this is as good as he is going to get. I don’t see him being an All Star type player. Yes he is younger than TP but TP is a higher class of player.
I would never trade TP for Devin Harris.
Also, The Nets were just waiting for Devin Harris to come back and they still only have four wins.
I know he’s been injured but you’d think Harris would be able to lead that team to double digit wins by now.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
@moderator: why does it take so long to enter a post? Also, what is supposed to be entered in the blank for “Website”?
February 16th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
@TradeTP thanks for your input…..
“Bushka-
thanks for your credibility. Bonner being a great part of our system. Please. I could throw basketballs from half court and be more effective than Bonner. his one three a game doesnt make up for the career night from whoever he is supposed to D up. He cant rebound either.”
No you couldnt actually be more effective than Bonner.
Despite appearances people who play in the NBA are much better than you. They also tend to
(when not all round superstars like Tim Duncan), specialise in one particular skill that translates to on court team success.
I.E Matt Bonner shoots the ball better from three point range than most of the rest of the world.
Thats all he has to do to be successful. Sorry to blow on your house of straw but thats a fact.
Just look around. Do you think B.J Armstrong or Craig Hodges stuck with the bulls for their penetration and playmaking?
Do you think Eddie House is with Boston for his D?
Dennis Rodman won championships without being able to throw a basketball into a lake let alone play offense.
Remember Bruce Bowen? How’d he go at initiating the offense?
All these guys are at worst the one dimensional kings of swing and at best very good at one side of the game.
Matt Bonner makes the game easier for Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli.
Anyone that wants to penetrate a jammed lane or work on the low block against two shotblockers, fairs better when Matt Bonner is on the court.
In a league where teams that hit a lot of 3 point shots (the most efficient method of scoring available by the way) win often, draining an open look is a much sought after skill.
His D is not as bad as you think, it’s not great but its fundamentally sound, and his always a scarily efficient adjusted plus minus player.
Plus and this is huge, he doesn’t need the ball to be effective. He can sit out the perimeter and his man cannot double off him when Timmy is on the block. The guy marking him is a power forward or a centre by the way. So that means vs the Lakers his man Gasol/Odom/Bynum has to stay at home, away from the bucket, and Tims more likely to receive single coverage.
Hello and welcome to NBA basketball, all about pick and rolls isolations and corner 3’s.
This is why the spurs like Bonner, it’s why they also like Tony Parker because he can break down a Defense and throw it off balance with penetration.
Its why the spurs picked up McDyess, he brings a slightly shorter range, but again he can operate at the top of the key quiet happily and throw different looks at the defender. Yes he also is a better defender and rebounder..hence he tends to play more minutes.
Not every team plays the same, but this is how the spurs have played for a long time now. Have you not noticed?
February 16th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
@ junierizzle,
So Devin Harris, who played in last year’s all-star game, is not an all-star? Devin Harris has a higher career FT %, higher career 3pt %, and a higher season assist avg. the last 3 years vs. Tony Parker isn’t in the same class?
We’ll have to agree to disagree.
February 16th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Just a heads up, some of you guys need to actually realise that people track these things.
The most effective unit for the spurs so far this year is Parker, Hill, Jefferson, McDyess & Duncan.
I’m not making this stuff up. If you want to go through the real actual stats try 82games.com or other such sites.
Matt Bonner averages 17 minutes a game. He is a tool that Pop uses when he needs to. Thinking he is the issue is flat out nuts.
February 16th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Bushka-
Matt Bonner is a tool, you got that right. A three point specialist he may be. But in terms of contributing to our teams success. STRIKE. Hes awful. It would take him 20 three point attempts PER GAME shooting 50% for the YEAR to make up for all his deficiencies. Thinking Matt Bonner is better than Tyronne Biggums is INSANE.
Alright heres what I will do. I will give you 4 million per year if… You shoot a three ball at 40% and make 1 every other game. Let your man beat you to the basket, get dunked on, dont learn how to dribble, and make sure what ever you do DONT SET ANY PICKS, have your man get career highs in every stat possible, and never increase our winning percentage in any way shape or form… and let me call you REd Rocket…
Bonner has a sweet agent.
He does for us as much as Theo Ratliff does.
February 16th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
You really don’t get it. I am telling you
1. You can’t blame Bonners 17 minutes a game for poor team performance.
2. He is there to do a job. He does it just like many many people in the nba do a specific job. I gave you examples. You ignored them.
3. He does his job WITHOUT having the ball. In 17 minutes a game he hits a three and he drags D off Tim & Co. Thats what he is there for.
You need to understand that not everyone scores big or handles the ball to be important.
It’s a system. It’s the spurs system. You don’t understand it. He doesn’t have to score heaps and shoot heaps to be effective.
February 16th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
@Bushka
Sure MB contributes, and Pop has tried to make him work by revising the system to use him. This adjustment has been a significant step backwards for the Spurs, especially defensively. We were better off with a Rasho, Nazr, even a Oberto. Likewise, what we lose by playing McD, Blair, maybe even Theo would be an overall gain, once we integrated these different talents.
More to the point, we’ll be better off after trading him and trying to get outside shooting from other positions, and what we lose in stretching opposing bigs, we gain with a tougher screener, better defense, better rebounding, and ideally more free throw opportunities.
The Bonner experiment is a Fail. It was worth a try b/c of the lack of quality bigs in this league. And yet Portland now has 3 on the roster, not counting the ideal version of Bonner (Aldridge). Show me a great team that wins with soft shooters at the 4, Bushka, and I’ll say it didn’t won’t work for Dallas, and you can have Orlando. Thanks Matt for your work ethic, you’re a rich man, adios.
February 17th, 2010 at 2:14 am
TD4life.
Mate I don’t know who you are responding to.
I never said he should start, i’ve never advocated he get 40 minutes per.
I’d rather have him on the bench to be utilised when it’s necessary.
The past month he is playing only TEN minutes per game. He is being utilised in spots only.
I got annoyed at people in the thread carrying on about issues that obviously are not the problem.
Matt Bonner is a role player. He is Tenth in minutes per game on the year. TENTH.
Matt Bonner is not..the freaking…problem.
February 17th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I’m not trying to be a pain, I am finding the entire negative this guy sucks vibe to be a hell of a chore the past few weeks.
Tony Parker is injured. Richard Jefferson got abducted by aliens. Manus still just getting his mojo (shot) back. George is young. Dejaun is for all his rebounding a green rookie. McDyess has only just started getting it together.
These are the reasons we are not performing well or gelling like we’d prefer.
If the opportunity presents itself I have absolute confidence that Pop & RC are the men to pull the trigger.
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