The Hits Keep Coming

by

Add James Gist to the list. He reports to San Antonio on Sunday.

And all the people said amen.

(HT: Bruno)

  • Chris K.

    So that almost fills the roster, right? Probably another center with our MLE, but that’s it.

    By my count that makes 12 players:

    Parker, Hill
    Ginobili, Mason, McClinton
    Jefferson, Finley
    Duncan, Blair, Gist
    Bonner, Mahinmi

  • Rick

    Seriously, this is turning into the best off-season I can remember, except for drafting Mr. Duncan back in 1997. I think that this year is quite possibly when all of the seeds they’ve been seeding over the last couple of years (Toros, arrangement with Biella, etc) start really paying dividends.

    I know folks have grumbled in here about whether we can actually develop good young talent, but I’m getting the feeling we’re going to see the payoff for several years of hard work coming up.

    BTW - I strongly suspect that Blair will get a strong chance to start at center (not PF - Duncan goes there so he can make the All-Star team). With Duncan working more in the high post on offense this last year (and with that likely to increase this year as we try to lighten the load on his legs), Blair can be the offensive rebounding machine to scoop up the misses.

    Pulling Duncan away killed us on the boards last year, and Blair has the ability to immediately cure that problem, and he’ll have the foot speed, young legs, & lower center of gravity (one benefit to his unusual build) to play good pick & roll defense up high and recover quickly to the middle, leaving Duncan to guard the rim more.

    With Gist, Hairston, and Hill to complement our draft picks (and I like De Colo and McClinton too) in shoring up the bench, I’m already glad I became a first time season ticket holder earlier this spring.

    Now we just need to shore up the center position a bit. Gortat perhaps? I have a hard time believing Orlando can afford to keep him, especially if they try to resign Hedo.

  • Jordan

    Wow! I’m thoroughly excited for this upcoming season. This is why we don’t get knocked out of the first round of the playoffs very often. Our front office makes huge improvements every time we do! Kudos to them.

    And thanks Tim and Graydon for your work on 48MoH. It’s always great to read your posts.

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

    Chris,

    We’re not sure what Finley plans to do yet. I’m writing a post about the remaining roster spots right now. It’ll go up later today or tomorrow morning. Here’s my best guess at next season’s roster-I know, it’s not even July.

    Parker, Hill, McClinton
    Ginobili, Mason, (Finley)
    Jefferson, Hairston, Williams
    Blair, Bonner, Gist
    Duncan, Mahinmi

    That leaves the MLE and as many as two roster spots, depending on Mike Finley. Longer version forthcoming.

  • http://www.hoopinionblog.com hoopinion

    Finally, some good news for the Spurs.

  • Jason

    Tim,

    We agree on the big picture but in my crystal ball I see the details of our roster a little differently…

    PG - Parker, Hill, ______
    SG - Mason, Ginobili, McClinton
    SF - Jefferson, Finley, Hairston, __?_?_?__
    PF - Duncan, Blair, Gist
    C - ______, Bonner, Mahimi

    Judging from RC’s comments last night when he was gushing about McClinton as a shooting specialist and catagorically denying any intention to play him at the point, I think the Spurs are still looking for our obligatory 3rd PG who we’ll probably sign for very cheep… we have a young PG in Hill, one in his prime with Parker, it only makes sense that pop goes for a wiley vet for our 3rd string.

    At the SF, my gut is that Finley will come back given the moves we’ve made, if he’s half as excited about this team as I am, he’ll play for peanuts and be the vet at the 3 spot splitting the back-up role with Hairston. (By the way, has anyone else noticed this pattern of having a vet, a star, and player in development at every position? At the 2 & 4 the vet is the star but the effect’s the same… The Spurs clearly care about having continuity from generation to generation.) I leave that blank at the end of the SF rotation because I still think that if he’s bought out the Spurs would rather have Bruce’s cheep defense and leadership instead of a 3rd PG.

    Of course that big blank at the starting center position is where our MLE goes.

    I don’t have Williams because he’s not currently under contract and I’m skeptical he will be now that we’ve made these other moves. I have Tim at 4 because I agree with Chris that’s where he’s gotta be to be his best, let someone else bang down low.

  • LionZion

    I gotta go with Jason’s break down of the roster judging by RC’s comments yesterday.

    Except, why is Hairston on the roster? I thought that was contingent upon his summer league performance. Or is he already a guaranteed contract?

  • Jason

    I don’t think we’ve promised him any money yet, but he’s gonna play in the summer league and I think he’ll make it out to the regular season.

  • the little o

    Jason’s projected line up seems great. I would prefer to have Bruce instead of 3rd point guard also, but Manu’s injury during the season and postseason showed us how important it was to not have a serviceable 3rd point. Granted, that would’ve never been a problem if he would’ve continued to develop Hill at the point more throughout the season. Well Pop said that he would be doing that this season, so I don’t think we should have a problem.

    Now, concerning the starting center spot, or first back up center which we have yet to get with some or all of our MLE, what will be more beneficial for us? To have a shooting 4 man, much like Rasheed Wallace, or a true banger down in the post to lighten the load on Timmy? What characteristics will this big man need to have, ideally of course? Are there any guys that are free agents that fit this criteria?

    On another note concerning our line up. Not only am I pumped for the upcoming season’s lineup, how about our summer league lineup?

    PG - Hill
    SG - McClinton
    SF - Hairston
    PF- Blair
    C - Mahinmi

    reserves will be Gist and Williams (assuming De Colo stays in Europe, which he most likely will).

    Also, one more question… who will be our 4 to guard the shooting 4’s in the league ( Nowitzki, Lewis, Odom)? I’m guessing Mahinmi, or our free agent acquisition right? Gist?

  • BlaseE

    My 2 cents….

    PG: Parker, Hill
    SG: Mason, Manu, McClinton
    SF: RJ, Finley, Toro Representative (Williams, Hairston,….)
    PF: Blair, Gist, MLE 4 Buford wants to sign or is this bunk now that we got Blair?
    C: Duncan, Ian, Bonner

    That is 15 and then possibly Bowen or Oberto back. There is also some speculation Splitter is the player in Europe we are bringing over but he’d be sacrificing a lot of money so it doesn’t really make sense until next season.

    A second to talk about “Toro Representative”. I believe that last season Pop send Hairston to the D-League and called up Williams just to get Williams the money from a 10-day NBA contract. I think it is important for all of the players in the D-league to be on our roster at some point in the season because D-League pays very little compared to the NBA contracts. We want to keep our guys happy and does it really matter who gets those minutes at the end of the bench in blowout losses or wins? I think Hairston is still ahead of Williams and may get more time but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them alternate at times. You may even want to include McClinton on this routine of call-ups and send-downs to the Toros throughout the season. I think a player like (not necessarily this guy) Austin Nichols might be a better addition to the roster than a pure rookie like McClinton.

    I also expect our MLE to be used on a big but drafting DeJuan Blair confuses me on Buford saying he wanted a 4. Obviously, Buford didn’t know he would draft Blair so is a 5 the priority now?

    Finley is an absolute idiot (which I don’t think he is) if he doesn’t pick up his option. 1. Who is going to pay him more than 2.5 million? 2. What team would actually start him if that is what he wants? 3. He just fell into a bench role on the hottest team in the NBA right now. Who cares if you only 15 minutes a game behind RJ if you get that second ring? If retiring was his original plan, RJ just reduced your minutes and workload by a ton.

  • BlaseE

    Also….

    All of the Oberto/Bowen he said-they said stuff is really confusing at this point…..

    I really get the feeling Oberto just wants to go get some minutes and paychecks in Europe.

    I’m just lost on whether we want Bowen to come back or not. It seems like he wants to.

  • BlaseE

    Varner,

    With your lineup, do you start Mason or Manu?

    and

    Who does Pop start in game 1 of the season, Bonner or Blair or “whoever we pay the MLE to go over the luxury tax better be good enough to start with Duncan over a rookie or Bonner”?

  • duaneofly

    I hope we don’t start Bonner. He had a chance to show what he could do this season and it isn’t much.

  • BigFresh

    Don’t get me wrong. I love George Hill. But am I the only one who thinks that he might not have what it takes to run the point in the NBA?

    He shoots the ball well, defends like a beast, and can take it to the basket… but his handle and awareness are lacking.

    I just hope that we’re not slotting him in the #2 PG spot just because Mason did such a poor job there last year. If Pop asked both Mason and Hill to work on their PG skills during the offseason and they both took him to task, who do you think would come into camp more equipped to back up Tony?

    McClinton’s height w/o shoes is listed at 5’11”. Kinda short for a SG?

    Maybe Blake Ahearn (a dead eye shooter), who some claim is the best PG in the DLeague would be a better choice at PG?

    (http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2009/2/17/762298/blake-ahearn-best-point-gu)

    He has experience with the Toro’s system. We could bump Hill up to SG and use him sparingly at the PG position??

  • Samuel

    Bonner performed pretty well this season I thought. Do you want him as your starting center on a championship caliber team? No, probably not… but let’s not undervalue his year last year because our’s ended so abruptly.

  • Dani

    Say we can’t sign Sheed (assuming he becomes a serious, possible prospect for the team) or anyone of that caliber, could Mehmet Okur be worth the MLE? He has size and can spread the floor with his shooting and though he may not be a spring chicken, he is technically younger than Wallace. Plus, he does have playoff experience. With all the talk about Sheed and Mcdyess and Zaza, I haven’t heard anyone mention “Memo” . . . or am I just too far off? Not that I personally want Okur, I just want to know if he is a legit prospect for our 5 hole? . .just tryin to explore all options . thats all

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

    Dani,

    Okur is not an option. He’s too expensive.

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

    Bonner is a really solid 4th or 5th option.

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

    Neither Hill nor McClinton are true points. Doesn’t matter so long as they’re productive. If Marcus Williams makes the team, he’ll play a point foward role, which should allow Hill and McClinton to play off the ball. And I think McClinton, Gist and possibly Hairston will rotate in Austin.

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

    BlaseE,

    If I had to guess in June, I’d say Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson, MLE, Duncan.

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

    Bowen would come back, no doubt. But I’m starting to get the feeling that his ship has sailed.

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

    BlaseE,

    I agree about the 10 day contracts. I don’t think the Blair pick changes MLE priority. And besides, a big is a big. Personally, I think they need a vet who can stretch the floor.

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

    the little o,

    Your final questions about guarding Lewis, Odom, etc…is a good one. I’m not sure of the answer. Gist will probably play in Austin. At least that’s my guess.

  • Dani

    Varner,
    First, thanks for the Memo thing, I needed that. I honestly had no idea he was too expensive. Second,
    you said a big vet that can stretch the floor . . would Kurt Thomas still be welcomed back? . . maybe not as much as Bowen would be but still.
    This of course assuming he is bought out of his contract (i read somewhere all 3 could be bought out). Since the FO has replaced Bruce’s SF position doesn’t that make Thomas or Oberto slightly more appealing in them possibly coming back considering the holes in the lineup? Or are we officially and eternally done with them? Not in an exclusive sense but more of the “done” with players like them (experienced, not pretty to watch, but effectively and quietly productive) “done.”

  • Ryan

    Guys Duncan is the starting center they just list him as PF because the whole country of china votes for the overhyped yao ming

  • Ryan

    And Blair will probably start because he’s a big body and that’s really what they need is a big strong inside guy to help out doing the dirty work. It’s kind of nice to see a power forward getting praise that isn’t just in the league for being tall. Too many 7 footers thinking they can play the 4 out there.

  • Ryan

    I hope Pop will start Ginobili and give him 40 mpg so they can get max production out of him. He’d be an all star every year if for defense alone if he started. Granted Kobe would be the all star team starter but coaches like Manu’s overall game. And I’m not really that impressed with Mason Jr. I think by 28 a player should already be developed. As for Jefferson I think he’s a lot like Finley has been in the latter half of his career where he can score well but has very very average on the ball defense. I don’t know how they plan to have him cover the opposing team’s best player, he’ll get rolled over.

  • Jason

    No, but we’re for sure done with the two of them, not another dime to anyone at the 5 spot who isn’t at least 250lbs… my only exception would be Sheed, just because I think he’d help breathe a lot of extra life into Timmy as the two are apparently buddies, and he’s the kind of shooting big man that can stretch the floor and basically do Bonner’s job with much more efficiency, guts, and attitude. He’s expressed interest, so I’m hopeful.

  • CraigMack

    Yeah we got better but we still missing a big who can stretch the floor we need Sheed,Camby or anyone of that caliber big to put us toe to toe with LA its a no brainer coach Pop make them get one of them.

  • Pacman

    If Sheed is a real believer of team ball, he will go to Spurs for less than MLE. If he joins SA, it will be much better than the 2004 and 2005 Pistons starting five.

  • robert smith

    what about gooden we should keep that guy is so close to tim duncan style and he brings energy and size towards getting rebounds. also he can let tim rest alot with him at center. bonner is a good 4 but not a 5 and he is still to green to catch up with (lewis, nowitzki, odom). and gist we still dont know if he can play at an elite level like gooden.we need to keep gooden and let go vaughn, udoka, finley those guys are to slow and we need to have fresh legs in our lineup in order to beat the lakers, orlando, cavs, nuggets.

  • http://myspace.com/ka1z3r KA1Z3R

    since everyone’s doing it, I will too. My ideal (but still realistic) Spurs roster.

    C- Duncan/Ian/Bonner
    PF- McDyess or Sheed (preferably McDyess)/Blair/Gist
    SF- Jefferson/Finley/Hairston
    SG- Mason/Gino/ a split with Hill and McClinton
    PG- Parker/Hill/Mason

    That’s 14 players. As I expect McClinton, Gist, and Hairston to be splitting some time being shipped back and forth between the d league.

  • Gilbert Medina, MD

    Many good thoughts about the roster out there, but try this one.

    PG-Tony, Hill,+/-McClinton
    Mason and Ginobilli serve as 3rd point guard for a few years until we see if possible development of McClinton for the position
    SG-Ginobilli, Mason, Hairston, +/-McClinton
    Don’t know how closely you guys paid attention to his minutes, but I think Hairston was VERY impressive. Very good shooter who is also a quick and explosive penetrator who fearlessly attacks the basket with very good leaping ability and strength for a guard. And, he’s also a very good defender. Scored 23 ppg, shot 44% from the 3pt last year, 53% from the floor, and 83% from the stripe along with 5.5 reb, and 3.7 assist in 40 min/game. This guy has a future. I promise. I think Pop was doing his best job to hide him from other GM’s until this year so we could make space for him. McClinton falls under this category for now, but we all know we will attempt to teach him the 1 given his size. With his shooting ability, could you imagine how lethal he could be as the distributor with the ball in his hands the majority of the time. A real massive threat to just launch it at any moment.
    SF-Jefferson(baby!Sweet!), Finley, Williams
    Williams is also a keeper. Remember this guy came out after his sophomore season and would only be a rookie next year had he stayed in college. Lots of promise. 23ppg in 42 minutes with 7, yes 7 reb, and 5, yes 5 apg while shooting 44% from the floor. Needs to improve 3pt, only 32%. Agree with earlier comment about rotating important guys onto roster to give them a pay raise and keep them happy but would also add that Pop also rotates them to keep them from other GM’s. Pops Mensah Bonsu, Hairston, and Williams were all signed within days of being named NBADL players of the week. Only lost Pops because of Gooden and Hairston was cut late in the year because most teams had already positioned their rosters for the playoffs at that point and Williams was coming off player of the week. It was a gamble in order to keep both Hairston and Williams because I am positive we like Hairston more.
    PF-Duncan, Blair, Gist
    I watched the summer league games last year over internet video. Gist is a very impressive player. Kind of like Bonner in that he is fairly good rebounder and tough in the paint while also stretching the floor with good 3pt percentage. But, he is more athletic. Bonner might have a higher motor though.
    C-Mahinmi, Bonner, (Sheed or Gooden if they’ll go for MLE). If not, are you ready for this one? Robertas Javtokas (previous spur pick, 6’11”, 270#’s, Draft Express lists him as the 27th best player with NBA rights held. He can be had for cheap and fill a void. He is very athletic, shot 67% from the field, and once set a world record by dunking a basketball at 12′. Apparently he had fully recovered from an auto accident that was thought to be career threatening at the time. Now you remember him? Look him up on the internet. He’s chiseled somewhat like Dave Robinson. By the way look up Mahinmi on youtube. He’s very athletic too.

    Thats it. If we field that team and Manu and Tim are healthy. Spurs win championship. You can mark it down!

  • Daniel B

    Any news on how things went for Gist today?

  • Tim

    Rasheed
    Okur

    We need a big who can score so the spurs can actually play 5 on 5 for the first time in years. Is okur or rasheed wallace a probable pickup? If not who else? We need a C who has size and needs to be defended.

  • http://fdsa.com adsdsff

    gooden………
    you all left him out

  • Tim

    Massive Tim Duncan fan here. Just thinking out loud with his one. Very good shot at another ring this year with our lineup of Tim, Dice, RJ, Manu and Tony. Throw in a young but descent enough bench including Hill, Mason, Blair etc. Looking good to contend again. But…

    Tim has more money then all of us who read this do put together. Does he really need another 22 million this upcoming season? Would be good for him to consider a paycut to have heaps more $ to sign another sweet free agent.

    2 examples. Be great to steal Lamar from Kobe. Be great to steal Tyson away from Chris Paul. But were to cash strapped right now. Rings should be more important than $ at this stage in one of the greatest careers we’ve ever seen. We could win another Ring with this roster but i wouldnt mind some more insurance, this is one way to make some more cap room to do so:)

  • Tim

    I dont have much $ and living in Australia i’ll never be able to catch an NBA game. I did buy tickets to see Team USA at the Sydney 2000 Olympics especially to watch Timmy play. Then that shocking knee injury…. So dissapointed:( Would love him to add a few more rings to his collection.

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

    Tim,

    Player’s can’t renegotiate the terms of their deal after the fact. But they can extend their contracts. Last time Tim Duncan extended he did take a voluntary paycut so the Spurs could do the sorts of they are right now. Duncan has done his part, and then some.

  • Tim

    Thanks for that TV i didn’t know players couldnt renegotiate the terms of their contracts. I know he took a voluntary paycut last time he did his contract to help us be where we are now, that was awesome:) He’s a true San Antonio and NBA legend. Never been more excited for a season to begin… Go Spurs Go