Episode 4 of the 48MoH Podcast: Fin & The 13th Spot

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Because you just can’t get enough of the sounds of our voices, we’re back with the fourth installment of the 48 Minutes of Hell podcast. In this episode Andrew, Tim and Jesse discuss the surprising news of Michael Finley’s departure, the possible names that could take his place on the roster, the recent performances of both Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson, and whether or not the Spurs can sustain a high level of play longer than two games.


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  • http://48minutesofhell.com Andrew A. McNeill

    For those that care, Cleveland was the other NBA team that Dwayne Jones spent time with.

  • http://48minutesofhell.com Andrew A. McNeill

    Oh, and also, woohoo! This was the 1,000th post on the site. Here’s to 1,000 more.

  • grego

    George Hill is shooting 42.3% from 3 pt (post all-star: 16.4 ppg) in 7 games. Best Spurs 3pt shooter right now.

  • grego

    Also, even though the Spurs are in luxury tax territory next season, RJ is an expiring contract. So…. he’s a good trade piece or, he’ll come off the books and leave a lot of relief, so you can take the burden of a medium sized contract from Manu.

    This is accurate enough.
    http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/spurs.jsp

    I do see the Spurs using the full MLE. They have a lot of players they lose next season. I can see why they are sticking with Bogans. Trying to get him to improve his knowledge of the defense and the team because he would be a cheap re-sign (doubt much else out there). And maybe keeping Bonner in good graces to offer him a smaller contract.

    Then you have Hairston who’s partially guaranteed. And if they like Ian at all, he’ll definitely be cheap and they can start from scratch.

    Any way you flip it, the rotation will still have a lot of new players. Although, RJ might benefit from the Spurs second year bonus. A lot of the key Spurs who have come over recently have tended to thrive in that 2nd year. Hedo maybe would have fit into there if he got a second year. He took off shortly after his Spurs stint.

  • http://www.48minutesofhell.com Tim Varner

    @Grego, I’m not sure re-signing Manu is as easy as you believe. The tax line, please remember, will be much lower next season. 63 million is a conservative working number, but many think the tax will come in closer to 62 million. Without Manu, and with their seven contracted players, the Spurs are already at 56 million next season. You add in a rookie and an MLE signing and fill out the roster with inexpensive players and the Spurs are still looking at quite a tax haul. Plus, a long, semi-expensive contract for Manu eats into the teams ability to sign a young All-Star in 2011 and 2012, when they have mucho cap space. The problem for the Spurs is that the 2011 FA class is bad. That’s helps Manu’s cause. That, and his Manu-ness.

  • http://www.48minutesofhell.com Timothy Varner

    One more thought…

    In terms of a the 13th man, the Spurs might think to sign a player (Jones) to a two year contract with only the remainder of this season guaranteed. Why? They might be able to flip that players quasi-expiring deal to a team like the NYK so they can clear another million or so of cap by moving, say, Wilson Chandler. If NY makes a pitch for LeBron, and they will, Chandler is in the way. This is a creative way for the Spurs to fill out their 2010-11 roster.

  • Kevin

    Here’s to 10,000 more. And a video podcast with music and graphics and highlights and explosions.

  • http://48minutesofhell.com Andrew A. McNeill

    @Kevin

    If we eventually get to a video podcast, there will be star wipes. Lots and lots of star wipes.

  • grego

    @Tim

    I don’t mean to say that signing Manu is a cake walk. Spurs are in pretty much a catch 22 season. You don’t want to sell Manu short with a contract, but you also don’t want to overpay.

    The ownership and front office have to decide if it is worth hitting luxury tax to the extreme (since they usually aren’t in this area) for a 2nd year.

    In order to milk the Duncan years, they are going to have to spend for 2 straight seasons. And even then will fall short because they’ll have to wing it with a few of the roster spots to get by during the season until the roster is shortened for the playoff run. .

    In regards to Manu leaving. The team with money has to have a very convincing argument to move. Manu will likely be as loyal as possible within reason. A team like NY needs a lot of work, and even with Lebron, is still questionable if he’s the only addition. This is why I think Manu will choose very wisely.

    Most of the winning teams can’t offer more than the MLE though, so I do believe that helps limit the offers from “contenders.” That’s not to say that a 2nd tier (playoff team), can’t make a decent offer to pull him over.

  • grego

    Forgot to read your post right below. I agree with your perspective. Jones is a sound idea.

    He’ll be a cheap investment, and if they really don’t believe in Ian (even though he could be cheap re-signing), it’ll help shore up roster spaces.

    Spurs are going to be forced to depend on young players much more than ever before just to keep costs down (and they are only have the MLE and bi-annual exceptions).

  • Ivander

    Finley signed with Boston… This hurts… Can’t help it but I’m upset. And I wonder if he’s gonna play a lot more for the Celtics… Plus, I don’t think the Celtics have what it takes this year to go to the Finals. I hope not……

  • grego

    Only veteran teams like the C’s would be willing to sign him, so that you should be expected. It was probably one of his few choices. That doesn’t mean he will necessarily get lots of playtime though.

  • Chris

    I don’t think Manu will be as loyal as you’re saying he’ll be. He seems like this time he’s going to treat it as strictly business and is ready to move if necessary. If the Spurs continue to struggle and not get better or get very far, I’m not so sure Manu will want to be here. Even if it meant accepting less to be on a top contending team he might do that.

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