Friday, August 28th, 2009...7:56 am
Globetrotting with the Spurs
If you’re jonesing for Spurs basketball, it’s not such a bad time of year. Yesterday’s slate featured Tiago Splitter, Tony Parker, Ian Mahinmi and Nando De Colo.
Tiago Splitter and Brazil Beat Dominican Republic
Brazil’s national team won a tight, come from behind contest against a tough Dominican Republic team (Al Horford, Charlie Villaneuva) on Wednesday. The Painted Area recapped Tiago Splitter’s contribution to the victory with these words:
Tiago Splitter had to sit long stretches due to fouls, but still was the best all-around player of the game. Splitter gave Horford all types of problems, and was mainly responsible for Horford’s foul issues. Splitter finished with 14 pts, 10 rebs (3 off) & 3 stls. The Spurs win again.
Splitter really displayed his importance with a key stretch of successive possessions starting around the 5:00 mark of the 4th:
1) 5:00, 4th: Tiago breaks a 66-66 tie with a nifty up/under move on the left block. Brazil never trails again.
2) Next possession (4:55): Villanueva drives baseline, Tiago slides across the lane to take the charge, Villanueva done with 5 fouls.
3) Next possession (4:35): Tiago finishes at basket off a Huertas feed, Brazil 70-66.
4) Next possession (4:22): Tiago jumps out on the perimeter to make a great steal, keeps the ball in bounds, hit-ahead pass leads directly to a Garcia transition lay-in, Brazil 72-66.
5) Next possession (4:18): Tiago gets defensive rebound.
6) Next possession (3:30): Tiago posts on the left side, surveys, finds Varejao cutting on the baseline for a reverse lay-in, Brazil 74-66. Game Over.
We mentioned in the preview that Splitter’s footwork has steadily improved, and he showcased two sweet up/under moves (just like he did at the Tuto Marchand Cup). No surprise Splitter was an all-around force defensively changing shots, moving laterally, and jumping passing lanes.
Man, as much as the Spurs have improved this offseason, Splitter sure would be another nice piece to add to counter the Lakers’ bigs, but he’s still a year away from the NBA. I wonder if, come next May, we’ll be writing in this space that Tiago was the one key missing piece of the puzzle that the Spurs needed to overcome L.A.
Brazil Cruises Past Venezuela
Brazil followed yesterday’s victory by crushing Venezuela 87-67 last night. Brazil’s Leandro Barbosa and Alex Garcia were too much for the Venezuelans to handle. Splitter’s outing wasn’t nearly as definitive as the Dominican Republic game but he still showed off some skill-one highlight came early in the third when Splitter displayed a soft touch on a baseline high arcer. It was the sort of shot most guys know not to attempt, but Splitter gently half-hooked the ball over his defender. Splash.
In the quote cited above, Jay Aych writes “I wonder if, come next May, we’ll be writing in this space that Tiago was the one key missing piece of the puzzle that the Spurs needed to overcome L.A.” It’s a good question, but I doubt Tiago Splitter is that kind of difference maker.
Splitter is a safe bet, and he’s clearly a good basketball player. NBA good. But every time I watch him play I see the makings of an above average first substitution; he doesn’t strike me as a player who will dominate his position. More of a sneaky productive Joel Przybilla type. And while sneaky productive Joel Przybilla types are nice to have around a roster, they’re not Goliath killers.
But my estimation of Splitter’s ceiling is slightly lower than most pundits. A year ago John Hollinger wrote “[Splitter's] projected NBA numbers are outstanding — 18.5 points and 10.3 boards, 54.4 percent shooting, 18.11 PER…” If that’s true, he’s a Brazilian gravy train.
Setting aside the stats, Splitter does possess at least one skill the Spurs lack. He has the defensive foot speed to stick with mobile bigs or occasionally cover on a high switch, making him a potentially devastating addition to San Antonio’s pick and roll defense. His combination of length and lateral speed give Gregg Popovich options against Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Where Would Splitter Fit?
We’ve previously discussed that Tiago Splitter can join the Spurs next summer, and without the complications of a rookie contract. But where would he fit on the roster? Are the Spurs in a position to absorb his minutes?
Matt Bonner’s contract is set to expire after the season, and the mysterious Marcus Haislip’s contract is not guaranteed next year. But the Spurs’ offense features a shooting big and I expect the team to keep at least one of them beyond this season. Haislip’s athleticism and versatility make him the more intriguing of the two, but Bonner’s productivity as a 4th or 5th option is tough to dispute. Since Haislip comes at a cheaper price, let’s assume the Spurs keep him for the full duration of his deal.
The 2010 frontcourt includes Tim Duncan, Antonio McDyess, DeJuan Blair, Ian Mahinmi, and Marcus Haislip. Tiago Splitter is talented enough to demand some 20 or 25 minutes a game. And his body is young enough to withstand the rigors of an NBA season. Ian Mahinmi is dripping with potential, but unproven. Antonio McDyess will be 36 at the start of next season. Tim Duncan is the Spurs main engine, but his minutes will decrease as he passes through his 30s.
It’s not hard to imagine where Tiago Splitter will find the minutes to make his trip across the ocean an exciting prospect. Maybe he’ll displace McDyess or replace Mahinmi. Perhaps Pop goes with a bruising foursome frontline and leaves the floor stretching to the past. With those variables it’s impossible to say anything dogmatic this far out, but San Antonio is well-positioned to receive Splitter into its rotation. Splitter, for his part, is well-positioned to help the Spurs’ current pursuit of a title and transition into the next phase of franchise history.
Let’s assume Hollinger is correct, but show more modesty, by penciling Splitter in as a soft double-double center. That’s great. And better still, he’ll be 25 next fall. In itself, that doesn’t guarantee the Spurs’ ability to remain competitive beyond 2011, but it’s an important step in that direction. Have an imagination. San Antonio might march into the post-Duncan era with its chest out. Or, put differently, the the Spurs could find continuity between the Duncan Spurs and the Parker Spurs. Splitter’s pedals spin fast enough to run with a Parker led squad. It’s an easy fit. Splitter looks just fine blazing baseline to baseline with Leandro Barbosa. And he’s got game enough to work comfortably in a half court set.
If you’d like to re-watch either game, Brazil-Dominican Republic and Brazil-Venezuela, they’re currently archived on ESPN360. Today’s Argentina vs. Brazil game starts at 1:30 EST. The tension of watching Luis Scola and Tiago Splitter play at once will cause some fans a mild emotional meltdown. What fun!
France Loses To Beligium
That Tiago Splitter has the stuff of a productive pro is beyond dispute. The bigger, more decisive question is whether Ian Mahinmi can develop along those lines. While I think Tiago Splitter is a safe bet as a productive NBA big, Spurs prospect Ian Mahinmi is more of a fascination. He may never be as good as Splitter, but that means nothing against the remote possibility that he could be a much better. It’s a foolish comparison, I know. But when Mahinmi flashes talent, the flash is supernova bright.
The maddening thing about Mahinmi is that he’s like that beautiful girl you sometimes pass, but whose schedule is unpredictable. If the incidental passings were a little more frequent, you’re certain you could chat her up. Every time I see Ian Mahinmi crossing the street, I’m a half block too late. I pick up the pace, but he fades from view.
In the opening game of their EuroBasket qualifying playoff, France layed an egg against Belgium. Tony Parker came to play, dominating the first quarter and finishing the game with 26 points. Not enough or too much, depending on how you look at it. Ronny Turiaf helped Parker’s cause by contributing 14 and 12, but the rest of the French team didn’t really show up. Not so with Ian Mahinmi. He only played a scant few first half minutes, looking good all the while. Why he didn’t play more minutes is beyond me. In his short time, he had one of those luminescent talent flashes, punctuating a Tony Parker pass with an impressive dunk. Coach Collet needs to find his new big bigger minutes.
I’m always tempering myself on Mahinmi, but I’m bullish about his prospects this season. The only thing that stands between his talent and his production is minutes. But in his case, it’s not one of those he’s never got minutes, so we don’t really know if he can play scenarios. No, quite the opposite. The Spurs own a D-League team to avoid precisely those scenarios. Mahinmi produced in Austin. When the Spurs gave him summer league minutes, he answered the call. And he’s looked solid in his time with Les Bleus. Let the kid play. He always responds in kind.
Of course France needs to get its act together to provide Mahinmi with opportunities. Game 2 is Sunday in Pau, and France is in a must-win situation. Is it unpatriotic of me to cheer so heartily for Brazil and France? If so, tell me in October. I don’t want to hear about it now.
39 Comments
August 28th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I hadn’t realized this before but if Splitter comes over next summer that provides the Spurs with a wonderful amount of average - above average bigs. Duncan, McDyess and Splitter should be able to hold their own, with Mahinmi and Blair as question marks.
If we keep Ginobili for a lesser price tag next year that’s an amazing roster.
August 28th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Tiago Splitter does have the makings of a transitional Spur, one that will shift the Duncan era to the Neo-Spur era, and it has been made possible by the respected front office; this well-planned and thoroughly thought-out draft pick will pay great dividends considering how many other powerhouses sadly diminished because of faulty draft choices, i.e. Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns (trading Rondo, Rudy Fernandez), etc.
Instead of waiting the occasional grace-period from a team that is transition from losing an All-Time great, we can see a smoother, less chaotic shift that will maintain ticket sales and playoff hopes. The future looks bright in San Antonio, with Splitter, Mahinmi, Blair, Hairston and De Colo in the future plans. Undoubtedly, they will be an intriguing team to watch. With Parker running the team and able to perform at MVP levels like in his 55 point epic in Minnesota, the Spurs have the proper tools to fit around him and stay ahead of the league in financial flexibility, international savvy, and championship aspirations.
The Spurs of the Future are set, and they will not let the Spurs fans down.
August 28th, 2009 at 11:53 am
does anyone have a recap of the argentina vs brazil game today?
August 28th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Brazil wins easy, Splitter played well.
August 28th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Splitter could potentially make a Ginobili-esque immediate impact. I’m not saying he becomes one of the 15-20 best players in the world, I mean strictly as a seasoned international player stepping into a championship contending team and filling a need. He is, at least theoretically, exactly the type of big the Spurs need next to Duncan and to better match up with the Lakers’ bigs. For the last three years of Duncan’s contract (and potentially, career) he’ll have more depth and overall help on the front line than he’s ever had.
Tim, obviously Pryzbilla types aren’t Goliath killers singlehandedly, but when you consider all of the other pieces this team has in place, and how well Splitter theoretically matches up with the Lakers bigs, he could be enough to make the difference. You don’t think Ginobili, as a key reserve in ’03, didn’t help the Spurs overcome the Lakers? Yeah, Duncan was at his absolute peak, Jackson was a real find, and Claxton played as well as he could possibly play, but adding one more talented piece that fills a glaring need could be the final piece to get the Spurs over the hump.
August 28th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Just saw an article on Ball Don’t Lie. It’s written by a Celtics fan telling us that Garnett is in fact now clutch (http://www.celticstown.com/is-kevin-garnett-clutch.html)
Obviously you can’t mention Garnett without mentioning Duncan and this is what the author has to say about Duncan:
“Tim Duncan, long considered the best power forward in the game, isn’t a guy who demands the ball in crunchtime. Most of the time, Gregg Popovich gives the ball to Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili to create offense rather than dumping it in the post to Duncan. Yet, because of his four rings, Duncan is considered clutch.
If he had been stuck with Garnett’s teammates, does Duncan win more than Garnett’s one title? I doubt it, just as I doubt that Garnett would have won any less than four rings if he’d been blessed with Duncan’s teammates.”
While I don’t think that Garnett isn’t clutch, I also don’t think that he raises his game mainly because he can’t. What I hate is those Celtic fans who suddenly feel the need to put Duncan down as soon as they get Garnett.
August 28th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Garnett isn’t clutch. For all his ranting and raving, he’s always shied away from physical contact in the post on both ends of the court, particularly with the game up for grabs. On offense, he prefers to shoot fade away or face up jumpers with the game on the line, rather than putting pressure on the defense. He was never a true go-to scorer, just a phenomenal all around talent.
Duncan, on the other hand, like no big man since Olajuwon and before that, Abdul-Jabbar, was clearly a go-to scorer for championship teams. Particularly in ’99 and ’03, there was no All-Star perimeter creator on the Spurs. When the Spurs needed a key bucket or someone to make a key play, it was Duncan. In ’05 and ’07, due to the ascension of Ginobili and Parker, of course Pop put the ball in their hands more in key situations. No matter how great a big man is, in last shot situations, it’s always better to put the ball in the hands of a creator on the perimeter.
I can’t think of a more clutch big man than Duncan in the history of the game. I know Russell has 11 rings, but strictly in terms of coming up big in big moments/games, how many times has the guy done it? Garnett, for as great a player as he is, doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Duncan historically.
August 28th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Duncan is the greatest Power Forward ever… In this era, no one comes close….
Great news on Splitter I certainly hope he will suit up for the Spurs next year!
August 28th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I completely agree about the Garnett comments as I dont’ believe he is that clutch either. When he was with the Wolves, the only time he reached the conf finals was because he had Sam Cassell. And Cassell was the one to take and make all of the big shots. I know that Ginobili and Parker are big players now, but it’s not like they were super stars when they came into the league. The Spurs won because of Duncan making everyone else around him better. Garnett couldn’t do that until he moved to Boston and got Allen and Pierce as teammates. With Pierce taking all of the late game shots and pressure shots.
I’m obviously biased because I love Duncan, but he is just better than Garnett. There’s a link on Truehoop where Kelly Dwyer lists the top defenders of the decade. Both Bowen and Duncan are on it, Duncan coming in at 4. He’s got Garnett listed at 1. I think Duncan is getting short changed, any thoughts from anybody? Tim, your thoughts on Duncan’s defense?
August 29th, 2009 at 5:07 am
Tim,
I think you should re-post the question about having another trade before training camp…
Captain Jack wants out of GS.
He wants to go to Cleveland, “anywere in Texas” or NY and he wants to win another ring (NY? Houston?).
http://dimemag.com/2009/08/breaking-news-stephen-jackson-wants-out-of-golden-state/
He’s got an unreasonable contract (4 years, somewhat around 27M left) and he is a gunner, who will fire a number of ill advised threes (making a good share of them, anyway).
However, he can play 2 (starting) and 3 (when needed) (damn, he played some 1 in GS) and he is a tremendous upgrade in those positions over any Spur not named Emanuel or Richard.
The problem is that we can only have him in a loopsided deal, in a combination of Mason, one between Fin and Bonner and a future 1st rounder.
In the remote possibility that Nellie would accept such deal, I would do it in no time.
I think that’s one of the reasons why no billionaire ever appointed me as the GM of his NBA team…
August 29th, 2009 at 6:25 am
Nick,
Nah. There’s nothing to write about other than Captain Jack saying he’d like to leave G.S. And you’re correct about his contract, it’s unreasonable. Jax is also 31. And he’s heavy drama. I suppose if Golden State would take back Bonner and Mason Jr, as you suggest, then I’d think about it. But I wouldn’t want to give up any draft picks or young players. Taking on his contract is bad enough.
August 29th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Greg,
Dwyer also mentions when he puts Duncan there that he’s severely underrating him and you could make a case for him to be in the top spot. So while Duncan probably is getting short changed, Garnett is much quicker and can defend guards very well in a pinch.
What I find more impressive is that of all the defenders that Dwyer listed, Duncan is the only one that is ‘the Man’ on his respective team. He has to do everything.
August 29th, 2009 at 6:39 am
Nick,
One more comment, this time in Jax’s favor. He’s a good defender when he wants to be, and his 6’8” would be a great upgrade over Roger Mason’s undersized efforts.
His comment about wanting to come to Texas is not necessarily coded language for San Antonio. He was born in Houston.
But my first response was too dismissive. If Golden State is looking to deal him, San Antonio ought to at least make a phone call. But, of course, Jackson doesn’t really have any leverage to choose his destination. Golden State could send him anywhere. And like most other trade demands, this one will probably go nowhere fast.
August 29th, 2009 at 6:56 am
According to ESPN’s trade machine a package of Matt Bonner, Michael Finley and George Hill would be enough to bring Jackson back to San Antonio.
While I’m sure none of you would oppose seeing Bonner or Finley walk I can understand many would be against seeing George Hill go. But from my line of thinking, if we’re going for broke now then we really need to go all in and Stephen Jackson would be an upgrade over Hill for this season and maybe the next. Essentially you’re trading a 10-15 minute backup for a starter capable of heavy minutes and playing three positions in various lineups who has a track record of hitting clutch shots. Imagine a small ball lineup of Tony, Manu, RJ, Captain Jack and Tim.
Moving forward I’m not sure the hit to our future would be as bad as you think. Tony Parker is just entering his prime and is fully capable of playing 35 minutes a night. So any meaningful playing time for Hill would be predicated on the Spurs ability to play both he and Parker in the backcourt together on a consistent basis. I’m not sure thats the best case. It is a lot easier to find a backup point guard than it is a starting swingman with Jackson’s skill set.
As far as the backup point guard situation this year with a trade like that: Well we all agree that Mason at the point guard was a disaster last year (with Ginobili out me and my friend use to make bets on how many threes Mason would launch when he took over the one. Usually we fell short) but with Jackson and Manu returning, Ginobili could remain the league’s top sixth man and could work as the primary playmaker in Parker’s absence. And behind that, Mason and Jackson are capable of bringing the ball up the court in a pinch.
August 29th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Jesse,
Well-reasoned, but the Spurs can’t go forward with one point guard on the roster, even granting what you say about the ease of finding a reserve point. I wouldn’t include George Hill.
Golden State might be in a bad position. I doubt there is much of a market for Jackson. Jackson’s in a bad spot of having opened his mouth without possessing any actual trade leverage.
August 29th, 2009 at 7:06 am
And before people start blasting Jackson as a teammate for demanding a trade please consider two things:
1.) the situation in Golden State. The power struggle in the front office has left that team in turmoil. Baron Davis, who made the entire team work, had a contract in place with Chris Mullin only to have the deal taken back by its new GM before signing with LA. Don Nelson has completely lost it and is seemingly losing respect every day. The entire situation has changed since Jackson signed his extension.
2.) Unless they were being polite or lying to the newspapers, Duncan and the rest of Jackson’s former championship teammates absolutely love him.
August 29th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Jesse,
I agree with you on both of these points.
August 29th, 2009 at 7:19 am
Timothy,
Like I said, I completely understand the reluctance to include Hill in the trade. But I’m pretty sure the Warriors would want him included in any trade talks as the only young, reasonably proven asset. In this situation it’s just a matter of if you trust Mason to guard backup point guards (I do) because we can all agree if Parker goes down, another point guard isn’t going to matter for what we want (championship) anyways.
For the record, a package of Bonner/Mason/Mahinmi also works and sends a little more money than what would be coming back. Only with the way Nelson has handled his other raw but supremely talented F/C (Wright) I’m not sure Mahinmi would be enticing to him.
What the Warriors would really need is a point guard capable of guarding shooting guards to make the Montay Ellis dynamic work. Hill might be able to provide that. Mason can too, but not with the same upside.
August 29th, 2009 at 7:25 am
Jesse,
I wouldn’t want to give up Mahinmi, but you’re right that Golden State would have absolutely no use for him.
August 29th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Tim,
Rationally, I can see this trade is not likely and I can see it would be a big unnecessary risk, so you are right.
However… It’s just because we are talking of Captain Jack.
Let’s start with the bad.
I agree that his contract is really what kills his value, but it gives him some leverage too, in my opinion.
Which team would even consider to trade for him knowing he does not want to play there?
The Warriors are on the verge of a serious cost cutting mode and will need to make some space in the next 2 years to sign some of their talented youngs (in the summer of 2011, Wright, Morrow and Azubuike will be FA, in 2012 they will have to deal with Randolph). To me, this means Jax and/or Maggette (should I say their contracts?) are leaving G.S. sooner than later, mostly because their better basketball days will end soon, despite I bet Jax will age better than the average player (seems like a player that uses its size/strenght over his explosivity).
His attitude may be a potential problem, but he’s NOT an headcase (he never starved a dog or took the last bus for the WCSF naked, as far as I know).
He is a “pride” defender, he is capable to deny everything to his man when he’s got the ball, but his help D is non existent and he looses his man on backdoor cuts.
On the good side, he seems to be the kind of player that lights a fire in his teammates and he is literally fearless: in a tight fourth quarter of the seventh game of a PO series, I would rather have him in my team than any current Spurs outside the Big Three (and that definitely includes Jefferson).
With age, he also became a nice passer, even if you put his current pace inflated numbers in perspective.
Last, who in the league would have a comparable 5th scoring option?
I would also be willing to include that 2011 first rounder, which probably/hopefully would be a pick in the late 20s.
Jesse,
on the other side, I am totally against trading Hill: apart from position implications (as Tim points out, no way we enter the regular season with only a PG), Hill is a valuable asset now, while that 2011 pick, in the best scenario, would help only in the 2012/2013 season… and it seems to me that we are in win now mode.
Apart from that, I basically agree with everything you said.
Best,
N
August 29th, 2009 at 10:17 am
It would be great to have Jack back. If only he had realized in 03 that its mainly about winning championships and not the money, he would’ve had about three more in his pocket.
But I can only see Bonner and Finley going, Bonner being a younger power forward who can space the floor and knock down the three, and Finley who has been involved in nelson’s system before with his time in Dallas.
George Hill going to Golden State makes no sense. They’re pretty heavily loaded at the guard position, and Mahinmi going just doesnt fit. So throw in a 2011 first rounder maybe?
Other than that, lets wait till February
August 29th, 2009 at 10:55 am
I love Captain Jack. I would love to line him, Manu, RJ, and Parker (or Hill for that matter) up together with Duncan. Unfortunately its probably unrealistic, but man…that would be great. Jackson can handle the ball as good as Turkoglu, but hes a more consistent defender and in my opinion a better passer. Turkoglu worked great in Orlando’s system, but Jack could do what he does anywhere.
August 29th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
First off, I have a serious bromance with Captain Jack… He will always have a place in my heart as my favorite crazy athlete.
I want Stephen Jackson back. I know the contract is unreasonable… BUUUUT, didn’t we already push all our chips into the middle of the table??
Duncan loves Jack. Pop loves Jack.
Here’s the deal that works and makes the most sense: Bonner, Finley, Marcus Williams.
All are in the last year of their contracts… how enticing G-State! Bad economy, shrinking cap… get that almost $40 mil guaranteed off the books and start fresh in 2010.
First 4 off the bench… Manu, Jack, Blair, Hill…. Are you effin kidding me???
A motivated Jack is an all-star in my eyes.
We want Jack! We want Jack!
Make it happen R.C.!!
p.s. Graydon- Glory Glory Man United!!
August 29th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I have no interest in the Spurs acquiring Jackson. He’s mostly a defenseless, inefficient gunner who likes to over handle. He’s got a bloated contract at a position the Spurs no longer have a need for.
Mason is a better fit for this team. Two years younger, significantly less wear and tear, a much more efficient shooter and an overall hard working, committed team-first player, with no drama.
I’d be surprised to see any significant long term payroll added at this point. I suspect Splitter fills Bonner’s salary slot next year, Ginobili and Mason are re-signed to similar salary deals to what they’re making now and the rest of the roster is fleshed out with minimum or near minimum salary types like McClinton, possibly Gist and a potential 1st round pick.
I know when many Spurs fans think of Jackson they think of him in a romantic sense as far as what he contributed in ’03. But this is a different team now and there is no need for him on this team. At $8-9 million a year for 3-4 years, to do what? Play roughly 25 mpg and generally sit in crunch time? He’d inevitably cause problems with this role because he thinks he’s better than he is.
August 29th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I’m with Rye.
August 29th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I’d take Captain Jack if we don’t have RJ yet…
having said that. I dont see a trade happening we are already over the cap and a 3 for 1 deal at this point is not advisable ’cause we gonna lose some flexibility that we might need when February deadline comes…
August 29th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
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August 29th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I agree with Rye on the long term projection, but i’ve got to disagree with your assessment of his personality. The guy has been out of trouble for two years now, and clearly is more motivated to win a championship than ever. I dont think his ego or his personality would be a conflict.
Also, Manu will have to sign for less than hes making now. His heyday is past, and if he demands more than hes getting now i doubt the spurs keep him.
August 29th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
But I don’t think Manu is the type of guy to demand too much money. He wants to be a Spur and wouldnt want play anywhere else. I don’t see him getting all tied up with the money.
Looks like we’re not gonna do anything until February, although i do believe the Spurs front office is thinking about possible holes in the roster we could have..and contemplating some backup plans
August 29th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Watch out for Splitter. Duncan is sure to need rest this year, and if Splitter stepped in it could be a welcome surprise.
http://www.BasketballinBlog.com - NBA News/Discussion
August 30th, 2009 at 2:37 am
I think Pop’s doctor forbids him the single idea of playing Manu and Cap Jack on the court at the same time.
Back to Splitter (well not exactly Splitter), I have the same feeling now than what I felt two years ago: the Spurs made a mistake with Scola a la Suns-with-Rudy. Saving $2M by sending him to Houston was a miscalcuation: a paint with Splitter AND Scola AND Duncan, even with an aging Tim, would have been spectacular.
Huuu, not really “spectacular”, but you got the idea.
August 30th, 2009 at 5:00 am
Buns,
That first sentence made me laugh out loud.
August 30th, 2009 at 5:19 am
This is all just wishful speculation, but if Jackson came in I doubt he’d be sitting in the clutch.
August 30th, 2009 at 5:37 am
[...] about Globetrotting with the Spurs [...]
August 30th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
[...] this point, there are only two trade scenarios I would consider (both of which were mentioned in a comment thread on Friday): Jackson for Bonner and Mason; or Jackson for Bonner, Finley and Williams. In terms of [...]
August 30th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Don’t buy the “Manu will sign for less” and am not sure “his heyday has past”. Ginobili has signed for below market value in the past and considering what he’s accomplished since signing that contract, I have a hard time believing he takes a pay cut. I don’t expect him to get a raise, but roughly $10 million for 2 guaranteed seasons sounds about right (assuming he get’s through this season healthy and shows he’s still effective).
As for him being past his prime, do people realize that when he’s been healthy in the past 2 seasons, he was playing at a consistently higher level than he ever had? He was a top 10 player easily 2 seasons ago (Marc Stein had him 5th on his MVP ballot) and last year before the All-Star break he showed signs of getting to that level again.
I’m not guaranteeing anything, but I also wouldn’t be so sure to write this guy off, when there’s ample evidence to suggest that he’s not past his prime. He’s ultra competitive as well and with all he’s accomplished he deserves the benefit of the doubt, especially from Spurs fans (the same goes for Duncan).
August 30th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Jesse, who exactly would Jackson usurp in crunch time? Generally speaking, the Spurs will need two bigs, which means McDyess will be out there. The times they can get away with going small, I could see Jackson filling in.
Outside of that, there’s virtually no chance he’d be out there ahead of Jefferson or Ginobili and obviously Duncan and Parker will be out there. Unless the Spurs convinced the NBA to allow them to play six guys at once, he would, more often than not be sitting in crunch time.
August 31st, 2009 at 10:23 am
Rye,
I think in the situation you’re describing it depends more on who was playing better in the game or match-ups than “we have a set rotation for who plays in crunch time.”
If Jefferson is having a poor shooting game and Jackson was playing well I would expect to see Jack finishing the game.
August 31st, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Which is why I said generally. Jefferson comes with a hefty price tag. I can’t imagine them sitting him in crunch time on a regular basis. Also, he’s a true SF, unlike Jackson, has better strength and a better reputation defensively. Someone will need to guard top opposition wing men in crunch time and he’s the guy who’s already been designated to do that by Pop.
On top of that, he’d likely eventually complain and would Holt really want to see the centerpiece of his spending spree this summer benched in crunch time? It would cause friction all around.
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