Wednesday, July 8th, 2009...2:30 pm
The Two Week Reload
Antonio McDyess has agreed to terms with the San Antonio Spurs.
Unless they surprise us, the Spurs offseason is more or less finished. The Antonio McDyess signing caps off the most dramatic offseason of the Tim Duncan era, and one of the more impressive offseasons (of any team) that I can remember. The Spurs frontoffice didn’t exactly rebuild this summer, but in the space of a couple weeks they did more than reload-they exchanged their dead-eye little six shooter for an uzi.
Antonio McDyess is the best big to flank Tim Duncan since David Robinson. That’s not hyperbole. Yes, the same Antonio McDyess who will be 35 when the season starts. And yes, the same Antonio McDyess who nearly averaged a double double last season. Consider these per 36 minutes numbers:
| Age | Year | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Blocks | |
| David Robinson | 35 | 2000/1 | 29.6 | 14.4 | 8.6 | 2.5 |
| Antonio McDyess | 34 | 2008/9 | 30.1 | 11.5 | 11.7 | 1.0 |
In Antonio McDyess, the Spurs gain a no nonsense rebounding presence, a wealth of blue collar professionalism, and quietly productive scoring. And although McDyess is not a lockdown post defender, he typically drew Detroit’s most challenging low post assignment, fairing decently despite being a tad undersized and old. McDyess may not have the range of Rasheed Wallace, but he fits the Spurs better than any of the remaining free agents. His age and injury history are a concern for San Antonio, no doubt. But the things he does well are not dependent on athleticism. He’s a great get for San Antonio.
Last season, Rasheed Wallace had a TS% of 52 and his efficiency rating was 14.91. McDyess was every bit his equal, posting a comparable TS% of 52.9 and a PER of 16.63. The statistical difference between McDyess and Wallace is a wash.
In recent seasons, McDyess has become a deadly efficient mid-range shooter. He’s good out to 22 ft. Think Kurt Thomas, but with twice as many sweet spots and increased mobility. Kurt Thomas is a good pick and pop pivot that can score up to 17 or 18 feet, but only from a few select areas. Antonio McDyess, on the other hand, can pick and pop, screen and roll, and catch and move. The net gain that is Antonio McDyess spills out in all directions.
The forthcoming front court is vastly superior to its 2008/9 predecessor.
Let me try this from a slightly different angle. The 3-big rotation of Duncan-Blair-McDyess will out produce last year’s pre-Gooden foursome of Duncan-Bonner-Thomas-Oberto. But of course, the Spurs won’t play with a 3-big rotation. Ian Mahinmi, Marcus Haislip and Matt Bonner will compete for the balance of the front court minutes. Those players may not provide the instant offense of Drew Gooden, but they should solidify the frontcourt as a ball controlling juggernaut while providing Pop with a diverse array of offensive configurations. And besides, the debut of Richard Jefferson and the return of Manu Ginobili is certain to give the team’s point production a tremendous boost. In a dramatic turn from previous seasons, the Spurs suddenly have offense to spare.
And here’s an important note: Antonio McDyess primarily scores off of jump shots. The Spurs should have no worries about him losing his offense with increased age. The penetration of Parker, Ginobili and Jefferson should provide him with plenty of space to work within his wheelhouse. Athleticism wanes with age, but jump shots live forever.
And speaking of wheelhouses, LJ Ellis gets a gold star on his chart for suggesting this compliment:
Tim Duncan's 2008/9 Shot Chart
When TimDuncan sets up on the left block, he likes to shoot over his man or dribble to his right for a jump hook. Antonio McDyess’ comfort shooting from the top of the key and extended elbows provide Duncan with plenty of lane-crossing outlet pass opportunities, especially if McDyess’ man elects to sag and collapse. But more importantly, McDyess should be able to feed Duncan the ball in the left low block. From there, McDyess simply waits for Duncan to work his magic. If opposing teams double off of McDyess, they’ll leave him open from his favorite spots. If the opposing team sends a small pest Duncan’s way, one of Parker, Ginobili or Jefferson can slide into open space or cut to the hoop. Either Tim Ducan will face a bevy of single teams or he’ll see career highs in assist totals. Last season, Tim Duncan’s assist numbers were just shy of his MVP campaigns. The Spurs’ increased offensive weaponry could push Duncan’s assists numbers to 4.0 a contest. That’s a big claim, I know. But Duncan is surrounded on all sides by offensive threats.
Antonio McDyess' 2008/9 Shot Chart
(Don’t mind the low percentages in the corners. That’s where the wings fill. The Spurs don’t want their bigs hanging out there anyway. Spacing, people. Spacing.)
Despite all this talk of jump shooting, Antonio McDyess still pays homage to his once other worldly athleticism by occasionally finishing above the rim. It’s astonishing that a player his age-and with his injury history-is still able to grab and stick an offensive board before his feet hit the ground. It’s eerie. Antonio McDyess and Grant Hill are their generation’s poster boys of the if-not-for-injury-could-have-been club.
One of the more striking features of McDyess’ game is his rebound rate. Namely, it’s not given an inch to age.
| Year | Rebound Rate |
| 2005/6 | 14.9 |
| 2006/7 | 17.1 |
| 2007/8 | 17.9 |
| 2008/9 | 19.3 |
Again, this suggest something which should be greeted with open arms by the Spurs faithful. McDyess’ ability to rebound has everything to do with technique and desire. At this point in his career, he’s simply smarter about positioning, and he’s willing to do the dirty work to establish it. Put differently, Antonio McDyess stopped trying to out jump guys for rebounds several seasons ago, and he’s a better player for it.
Think about this: the Spurs could get 23 rebounds a game from the triumvirate of Duncan-McDyess-Blair. A crucial ingredient to any great defense is the ability to limit second chance opportunities. We know the Spurs will contest every shot hard, and they should have the personnel to convert most misses into one and done possessions. Whatever players like Ian Mahinmi, Marcus Haislip and Matt Bonner bring to the table is gravy.
The McDyess signing makes sense off the court, as well. First, he’s a noted professional who will not only fit within the Spurs’ locker room, but deeply appreciate it. In some ways, Antonio McDyess reminds me of amnesty tax refugee Michael Finley. He’s a noted professional, private and soft-spoken, who is public in his desire to win a ring. There is something heartfelt and sincere about the good guy veteran’s quest for a ring that endears itself to the Alamo.
Jeff McDonald is reporting that the Spurs have offered McDyess the MLE for three years, and the third is only a partial guarantee. This is a sly move by the Spurs front office, one that speaks well of their cap and roster management skills. When the Spurs traded for Richard Jefferson, they blew up their 2010 cap space. But what they’ve done since shows a grander scheme in their design. The Spurs have simply pushed back their big free agent spending spree until 2011/12. The only significant contract the Spurs have on the books that summer is Tim Duncan. If things aren’t going well heading into that offseason, the Spurs will have plenty of expiring contracts to deal to jump start a proper rebuild. Richard Jefferson’s expiring contract will bring back 15.2 million in other contracts. Antonio McDyess’ partially guaranteed 5.8 could be used in exactly the same manner as Bruce Bowen’s.
The two year window also puts a cap on the possibility of bleeding a slow death through luxury taxes, especially given the projected drop in the salary cap.
Some fans wonder if 5.8 million is too much to pay for a 34 year old with injury history. The short answer is that it’s actually a good deal for a player that averages a near double and is a perfect edges fit within the team’s system and culture. And ironically, it may have been necessary to bring in an older player to insulate against the relative youth of the frontline. Excluding Duncan and McDyess, the Spurs bigs are 25 yrs old on average. Haislip and Bonner are not spring chickens, but the veteran know how of McDyess balances the inexperience of some of his teammates.
The Spurs have enough young bodies for now. George Hill, DeJuan Blair, Jack McClinton, Ian Mahinmi, Marcus Williams and Malik Hairston add enough young legs to the current roster.
Finally, a word about how this affects Tiago Splitter. In short, it doesn’t. If he is willing to play for the Spurs next season, and the Spurs want him, he’ll simply assume the roster spot and cap space currently allotted to Matt Bonner. Splitter is good enough to come in and win meaningful minutes right off. Splitter would take over as full time starter in 2012, with a season within the system under his belt.
To the Spurs’ front office: Well done. It’s been a masterful two weeks. You’re the best in sports.
| Year | Rebound Rate |
| 2005/6 | 14.9 |
| 2006/7 | 17.1 |
| 2007/8 | 17.9 |
| 2008/9 | 19.3 |
89 Comments
July 8th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
SWEEEEEET!!!!
July 8th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Awesome! Haha, something tells me you had this ready to go for awhile now . . .
Either way, great job! Its a good day to be a Spurs fan . . .
July 8th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
I love this signing. I think that Blair will also benefit from this as I see the two of them being similar.
On a side note, with McDyess’ injuries he actually has fewer games in his career than other players his age, and maybe a few years younger. This has to benefit the Spurs in that he still has a little left in the tank.
July 8th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Me too, Jordan. Me too.
Because of the playoffs and injury, Duncan has played over 100 more games than McDyess.
July 8th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Outstanding breakdown guys. These past 2 weeks have thrown open the window. We are not done yet. NBA, take notice.
July 8th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Hallelujah that it’s McDyess and not ‘Sheed! He’s got the Spurs’ mentality!
Great job of breaking down the stats, complementary nature of McDyess/Duncan, and the intangibles, too.
I agree that the R.C., Pop, and the rest are the best!
One question: Any chance that the “interest” in ‘Sheed was a calculated smokescreen?
Their “Plan B” of McDyess seems so much better, and it was almost like they couldn’t wait to show their hand once the Celts & ‘Sheed agreed… GO, SPURS, GO!
July 8th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Yeah yeah yeah! It’s funny how the experst don’t realize that San Antonio has a great chance to make some serious noise in 2010.
Great job front office.
I’m just curious to how the backup frontline situation is gonna work out, and who is going to be in the rotation at small forward.
Other than that, im with Danis
It’s a great day to be Spurs fan
July 8th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Fantastic post!
This upcoming season promises to be one of the best of all time. Just think of the top teams that have IMPROVED - Magic getting Carter, Boston getting KG (back) and Rasheed, Lakers getting Artest and the Cavs getting Shaq and of course the Spurs improving as has been detailed here. Not much has been made of the Mavs’ moves, but they have also assembled a very decent team - they got Gortat (who is very underrated), got Kidd back and they’re probably getting Marion now as well.
These moves should make for an unbelievable 2009-2010 season!
I cannot wait to see the new-look Spurs and actually see Spurs games with multiple dunks! Go Spurs!
July 8th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
This is exceptional work. I’m sure you were probably writing this ahead of time, but it’s still incredible. Thanks (as usual) for the great read!
I look forward to a great season.
July 8th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Top notch post, man. Really, high quality stuff. Thanks for the work. It has been an exciting couple weeks.
July 8th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I’m very excited. Like many other Spurs’ fans, I’ve long wished to see Dice in the Silver-n-Black. It was a longtime coming, but I’m happy he’s finally here.
So, what will be the championship mantra, this season? When Finley arrived it was “Win For Fin”. What will be for McDyess?
“Roll the Dice, Win One for the Thumb”? I’m not clever enough to come up with anything better.
July 8th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Area Man, the Spurs aren’t much for trendy mottos anyway. I remember Robinson’s “We want it (the ring) Now!” seasons as quick embarrasing exits.
Just cue the opening music to AC/DC’s “Back in Black”…..Tonight we need to party like it’s 1999!”
July 8th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Great write-up.
The additions of McDyess, Haislip, and Blair also remind us that the Spurs are smart enough to look for talent and character together…. the main reason I admire and follow their team.
July 8th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Great post, Tim. Very impressive 2 weeks by the FO, indeed! I’m going to have to bite the bullet this year and order NBA league pass so I can watch all the Spurs games here in Cali.
Can’t wait to see this team on the court!!
July 8th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Great job Buford! I convinced we now have the deepest team in the league with a starting line-up of….. Duncan, McDyess, Jefferson, Ginobli and Parker.
July 8th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Im glad that the Spurs have guy who can play alongside Tim but also play with the guy who come off the bench.
July 8th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I’m so happy! Dice brings the midrange game, rebounding, and “super-nice guy you wanna win a championship for” that we needed.
I’m so so happy.
July 8th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
I am literally ecstatic. How spoiled are Spurs fans? I actually expect this sort of thing.
Could the summer have gone better? Is it possible to be more excited? My goodness.
Question: Although I realize we’re almost certainly done for the summer, are there any other possibilities? Could some combination of Bonner/Mason/Udoka/Gooden/Mahinmi/Finley yield something substantial, or is that over-reaching?
Mm mm mm. Keep up the good work, Tim and Graydon.
July 8th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
2009-2010 Spurs’ expected Roster 2 weeks ago:
Parker-Hill-Vaughn
Manu-Mason-Hairston
Finley-Bowen-
Bonner-Thomas-Mahinmi
Duncan-Oberto
2009-2010 Spurs expected Roster now:
Parker-Hill-McClinton
Manu-Mason-Hairston
Jefferson-Finley
McDyess-Blair-Bonner-Gist
Duncan-Mahinmi-Haislip
Please correct me. I know I’m forgetting or misplacing a few players.
July 8th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
San Antonio McDyess.
July 8th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Great offseason moves by the Spurs. But is it enough to match up with the Lakers? I think another big body (Rasho maybe) could really put us over the top.
July 8th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Wonderful post, Tim. What a great couple of weeks to be a Spurs fan, eh? If we can do something with Bonner and Finley, then bring back Bowen, this offseason might be even better.
July 8th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I am very impressed with our FO. With clever decision-making, foresight, and a little luck, they have completely revitalized our roster. I honestly didn’t think it could be done!
Great post as well. Clearly you’ve been mulling over the possibilities with McDyess for a while. My enthusiasm for this upcoming season is so great that I am not even bothered by your decision to use a Splitter photo featuring one Luis Scola.
July 8th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
This is a great signing for the spurs, no doubt. However to say that due to injuries Mcdysse has played less games and is thus “younger” than his age is really ridiculous. Injuries hurt longevity not benefit it!
Nevertheless, Mcdysse is a great fit for you guys. I still think that my lakers have the edge as long as we re-sign Odom. Duncun is not the Duncun of old. Ginobli is still young so i assume he will be his normal self next year, and parker is amazing. However Jefferson is not a good fit for you guys. He is a volume scorer and needs his load of shots. Also his defense isn’t too great.
The lakers are getting back a healthy 21 year old Andrew Bynum. Remember that he only got back from injury 4 games before the playoffs started. Before his injury, Bynum was an incredible talent. I remember a clippers game when he scored 42 points. After his injury he was very rusty and still had not regained his mobility and athleticism.
So Bynum comes back and we get Artest.
That’s a starting five of:
Kobe
Farmar (i’m assuming that Fisher will come of the bench next year)
Artest
Pau
Bynum
Off the bench we get:
Odom
Fisher
Walton
Shannon Brown
Vujajic
I still say we have the superior team on paper at least. But without doubt the Spurs have closed the gap.
July 8th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Outstanding analysis in this piece, very well done.
To Juan and other Spurs fans wondering about who’s backing up who, I get the feeling that the Spurs roster is deep and versatile enough this year that some people’s min will be increased by playing backup at other positions, for example Mason could get min as a point guard behind Parker and Hill. This would allow the Spurs to give Blair some time as a SF, given his effectiveness as an undersized PF he could really do some damage with those long arms at the 3 and create some big headaches for other coaches.
Other “out of position” players could be McClinton as a SG and PG, Finley and Hairston between SG and SF, and McDyess and Timmy each playing PF and C at different times in different rotations. It seems to me Pop really likes versatility and this might be the most talented and versatile lineup he’s ever coached, I can’t wait to see the mental circles he’s gonna run around every coach in the league with this lineup… If winning in the playoffs is about match-ups and adjustments, we’ve got as many options and ways to adjust as anyone.
Can’t wait for this season. I think we’ve got a good shot at a championship, and if we don’t win front office of the year, that award’s a joke.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Is anyone else bother that this barely made the ESPN Headlines? They put it as a follow up of the changes made by the Pistons!
July 8th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I can’t agree with Kaveh. Now, there is no way to distinguish between LA and SA to say who’s better “on paper.” That’s merely personal bias. You say LA’s better. I say San Antonio’s better. You give your reasons, I’ll give my reasons.
1. I’ll take SA’s bench over LA’s anyday. Yeah, you have Odom on the bench. But the depth issue (which used to be swayed towards LA) has tipped towards SA. Look at your backup guard positions!
2. Where’s your point guard? As it stands now, both Hill and Parker are better than both Farmar and Fisher. (Here are Hollinger’s PER’s for each player last year. Parker: 23.47, Hill:11.61, Farmar: 9.93, Fisher: 12.15). Statistically speaking, Fisher is barely better than our backup point guard, Hill, and Fisher is only getting older, while Hill will continue to mature. Factor in Hill’s incredible wingspan and good defense, San Antonio has the CLEAR advantage at the point guard position.
Basically, no one will truly know who is better than who until the final game of the 2010 playoffs. Until then, everyone is entitled to their opinions concerning LA vs. Spurs, but it’s like (or worse than) splitting hairs to say that one is better than the other “on paper.”
July 8th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Thanks all for the kind words about the piece. It’s a good day for Spurs fans.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Kaveh,
Watch my lynching.
I agree with you. The Lakers are better on paper. And you’re right about McDyess. But relative to where the Spurs were 14 days ago (respectable 50+ win team) to where they are now (bonafide 60+ win contender), you can see why we’re so happy. And they’ve managed to get younger in the process.
Another place we agree is that the Spurs have closed the gap. The Spurs are right on the Lakers’ heels, and they have a shot to be the best of a handful of insanely stacked teams. This 5 or 6 team arms race has created as many super great teams. It’s been a long time since the league has seen so many elite rosters. Next season will be a bloodbath.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
The press release came out just before 5:00 pm EST. ESPN will run plenty on it during tomorrow’s news cycle.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Jason,
I think you hit the nail square about the Spurs’ multi-position diversity. Pop should have fun this season.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Rocko-texas,
I wondered if our readers would throw rocks at me for that photo. I’m incorrigible that way.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Latin_D,
It doesn’t seem right without Bowen, I agree.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Rikiddo,
Yeah, I wrote it Monday night and added the shot charts today. That Dana Carvey bit was me making fun of me.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
PSUSpursFan,
No one has couched the Wallace courtship in those terms, but it doesn’t seem far-fetched to me. He might have been a smokescreen.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
[...] [...]
July 8th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
This season is going to be like those Battle Royale wrestling matches from the 90′s where there were a bunch of dudes just body slamming each other. This could be a flat out, brutal slug fest of Rocky proportions. I’m one happy camper.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
I’m glad that we got Antonio Mcdyees, he is a great defender in pick and rolls(better than sheed) also he is great rebounder and has a excellent mid-range jumper which in our system he will get alot of good looks. Though I feel we are lacking in our defence.We won championships because of our defence not becuase of our offense(but it certainly didn’t hurt to have alot of good scorers). This season we had inconsistent defence and to me it just wasn’t “Spurs” defence. Is it possible to get a free agent that specializes in defence(like Bruce Bowen) but a bit younger for whats left of our money(if there is any left). I feel more comfortable challenging the other elite teams if we get another lock-down or at least a great defender on our roster.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Kaveh,
I might’ve agreed with your analysis if the Lakers hadn’t signed Artest. As a Spurs fan I am thrilled the Lakers did that and lost Ariza. Talk about someone who needs to shoot a high volume! In fact, if we had gotten Sheed, it would’ve been a close contest to see who would’ve taken more I’ll-advised 3s.
I am looking forward to the Lakers putting Vujacic or Artest on a healthy Ginobili. After seeing them getting chewed up in Game 1, Kobe will have to move over to Manu, leaving Artest guarding…Jefferson? I’ll take that, thank you very much. Now, Timmy on two good knees against Bynum, and Dice taking Gasol? Again, I like our chances. Odom is a wild card again, but don’t all y’all forget that Kobe’s days of leaving Bruce in the corner and roaming as a safety are over.
Lastly, Spurs faithful should give Bon Bon a chance to show what he can do as a sharpshooting PF/SF, and not have his head messed up playing (I use that word loosely) Center. Hopefully Pop has learned his lesson and doesn’t try Mace at PG anymore.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I’m happy with what the Spurs have done so far this off season… but maybe they have one more move left to surprise us… WE have certainly improved no doubt. But with the current lineup, i think we still have not solve the matchup problems with Dallas Nowitzki in particular.
(or maybe Haislip can guard him???)
Dallas has quietly improve too.. retained Kidd and about to sign Gortat and Marion while maybe only giving up Wright and Stackhouse.
Hopefully the Spurs F.O. doesn’t overlook this….
July 8th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Robby,
Haislip and Mahinmi and Gist. The Spurs have solved that problem.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Drew -you’re kind of stating the obvious.
Of course this is only our opinions -it can be nothing else since we are talking about the FUTURE. No one can know anything, and this INCLUDES the possiblity of the Memphis Grizzlies winning the championship. Someone can have that opinion as well since the games have yet to be played.
But we can make arguments. SA is getting Richard Jefferson and Dice and the draft pick Blair. These are the three i see making a significant difference next year. Coming back is Manu. However, this guy has been riddled with injuries for the last 2 years. Who is to say he is coming back healthy for all of next year? Who is even to say that if he is healthy that he will be the same player he was a few years ago? Tim Duncan is old. I hate to say that about someone who i respect so highly on the basketball court, but it is true. As i heard an ABC announcer say: father time is undefeated. He is NOT the same player he was. Neither is RJ for that matter, although his decline may be due to other reasons than age.
The lakers are getting back Andrew Bynum healthy. Now he may be hurt again next year, but for now we know that he will start the season healthy and his former self. But it doesn’t stop there -this kid is 21 years old and has improved dramatically every year. The lakers are also getting Ron Artest in exchange for Trevor Ariza. Artest is going to help beyond imagination. Of course he is a great 3pt shooter, hitting 40% of his threes last year. However, it must be noted that next year his 3pt shots will be wide open because of Kobe/Pau/Odom, while in Houston they were not. However, more important is his defense. This guy won the defensive player of the year in 2004 for a reason. He is 29 now, a basketball players prime. Last year Kobe had to guard the other team’s best player as Ariza was continually abused by them. Carmelo/Lebron/Pierce, etc. Ariza was simply too weak. Carmelo scored 15-20 points in the FIRST QUARTER of a game against us in the WCF this year until Phil switched Kobe on Carmelo. This year we have Artest guarding the other team’s best and Kobe saving his energy for offense and roaming.
Also, the Lakers are starting on a much higher plane, since they just showed everyone that they were the best team in the NBA while SA is coming off of a 1st round exit to the Mavericks, who got their butts kicked by the Nuggets, who lost in 6 to the Lakers.
Again, I’m giving SA a lot of credit i think. I’m saying that they have improved tremendously. I rate them as the 2nd best team in the west and perhaps 3-4 overall. This is an improvement because i rate them as the 7th best team in the west last year. Only ahead of the Hornets.
Again, we don’t know anything for sure…that’s why they play the games, as they say.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Robby,
And you’re right about Dallas. With Marion, they look strong on paper.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Timothy,
Yeah, i can’t wait until next year starts. The 5 elite teams with all these changes, is going to be awesome. SA vs LA -will the rivalry be renewed? Kobe against Shaq + Lebron? Boston with KG back and the ball does not lie Sheed? Vincanity with Orlando…it doesn’t stop. I’m just waiting to see what the season opener on ABC will be or the Christmas game. I’m betting Kobe vs Shaq/Lebron.
It’s going to be a great season.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Hey what up guys! I’m a HUGE spurs fan from singapore and i’d just like to say this blog is really awesome! The coverage, the articles, the over-excessive praise of the FO (Just kidding HAHA)…. This rocks big time. Go spurs can’t wait for 2010.
And by the way i just had this feeling too they were gunning for Dice and i traded for him a couple months back in the 2k9 Dynasty mode. Awesome stuff, Spurs all the way!
July 8th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
kaveh
the lakers got ron ron, and he can guard a lot of positions. but one position ha cannot defend is PG (something that Ariza could). And last i checked the spurs have a pretty good PG. And i believe you mentioned Bynums 40pt game againt the clippers, let me repeat: the Clippers, nuff said. Yes Bynums really good, but all these knee injuries at such are young age are worrying.
on a side note, whats up with everything on ESPN.com being insider only? i like reading their stuff but not enough to pay for it.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Andrew,
Welcome aboard. Fix yourself a drink.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
blacksilver
You wrote:
“I am looking forward to the Lakers putting Vujacic or Artest on a healthy Ginobili. After seeing them getting chewed up in Game 1, Kobe will have to move over to Manu, leaving Artest guarding…Jefferson? I’ll take that, thank you very much”
Yuck, if Vujacic is even in the game it’s a crime! Firstly, i hate to state the obvious, but Artest is one of the best defenders in the NBA! He is a beast. He did WIN the defensive player of the year in 2004. Also, I absolutely LOVE our backup PG, Shannon Brown. This guy is probably the most athletic guy i’ve ever seen play basketball. At 6’4 - 6’5″, quick as heck. I swear i saw his head get as high as the rim on a block (see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2zyWVieESg). Anyway, this guy is a defensive stopper and also has a great offensive game. No doubt he will see major playing time next year as he really came through for us in this year’s playoffs. And since he only had 18 regular season games with us (we got him in the trade for Vlade Rodmanavich), i’m sure he’ll be much more familar with our schemes next year. With Brown and Kobe and Artest, i promise that we will have no issues guarding Manu/Jefferson/Parker.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Sorry but i forgot to give a link to Shannon Brown’s block -a picture says a 1000 words as they say:
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/images/2009/02/17/shannon_brown_blocks_mario_west_aga.jpg
July 8th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Thanks for the info Tim…. so Gists will also be on our roster?
July 8th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Robby and all,
This has me thinking…
The Spurs need to clear a roster spot for Gist.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
kaveh, i agree that the lakers are slightly better on paper, but how can you argue that manu will be slowed by injury and then turn around and say we have to assume bynum will be healthy when the guy has been injured for seemingly most of his career?
for a guy who moved to china from austin, i sure regret not being in texas for all these moves and the upcoming season. spurs fans are just too few and far between here.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Nice breakdown. If he can give what Kurt Thomas gave us, I’ll be happy.
Pop’s gonna love McDy. I see him nodding his head in practice everytime Tim feeds McDy for the midrange, and then flipping out and blowing his whistle whenever Blair and Ian throws down a dunk.
Anyways, I like our chances.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Kaveh - Brown is a very nice backup guard but if he had no problem guarding TP or Manu I think most teams would’ve been lined up for his services. I think it’s safe to say that he will receive zero votes for Defensive POY. He’s athletic and serviceable yet he’s still no George Hill.
I also think you are being much too hopeful with Bynum. What he may/will be become is all based on ho(y)pe. Manu is a prime-time proven player and future HOFer. Bynum is a hope to be All-Star who discovers how to avoid foul trouble in playoff games. You can also put me in the camp that likes seeing Artest in LA over Ariza, in that it hurts LA ball movement and chemistry. Plus, Artest is there to guard LbJ not TP or Manu. Ariza was better at the latter but not former, but it only matters if LA makes the Finals vs. Cleveland.
No matter who is better on paper come season opener, LA is the champion so they deserve the respect and benefit of the doubt that Boston received this past year and that S.A. has often not received in post-title seasons. That the Spurs are the one West team with a legit shot to dethrone LA and earn a fifth title is exciting and a fitting finish to the past decade of basketball.
July 8th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Well articulated. I would also have to be in the camp happy to see Ariza out of LA. I think the Lakers are going to miss him more than they think. It’s looking like the Spurs are going to be much faster, and ALOT more athletic. While LA still has a more solid frontcourt, not by much anymore. I just think our depth at PG/Wing will be what really sink the Lakers.
July 8th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Just an idea, but what about sending Bonner and Finley up to Portland for Rudy Fernandez?
July 8th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Timothy,
Currently are roster looks like this (I think)
PG: Parker/Hill
SG: Ginobilli/Mason/McClinton
SF: Jefferson/Finley/Hairston
PF: McDyess/Blair/Haislip
C: Duncan/Mahinmi and Bonner
if Blair and McClinton will be signed.
It looks like our depth in the backcourt is pretty thin… Any trade in the works that you might know? possibly involving Bonner and William (partially guranteed)
i also hope that Gists stays in Austin if a roster spot is not cleared for him….
July 8th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Plus, as other people are pointing out, we now have a whole slew of players that Pop can utilize in different sets to cause fits for other teams. Is this the best team Pop has ever coached?(on paper atleast)
July 8th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
stupid question… but how do i post a hyperlink inside the comment? pls help…
July 8th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
how do I insert a link in my comment?
July 8th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
The Lakers are the defending champs right now, so it’s silly to say that other teams are just as good right now on paper, especially when you are listing off players that will probably not be essential parts of either teams rotation.
But wow, when you look at it, the Spurs projected rotation matches up pretty well with any team in the league right now.
It feels good to be a Spurs fan again.
July 8th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
mavs fan here, much respect for the spurs…loving the moves by the two teams…gonna be great everytime these two teams meet.
cheers
July 8th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
so we keep saying we need a good perimeter defender…and i clicked on that last link you sent out Tim, and read some of the comments. i’m just going to copy/paste something i saw and really, really liked:
“how about Finley and Bonner (and whatever else is needed - picks, cash) for Shane Battier? The trade works, he’d round out the team perfectly - defensive 3 who can play some smallball 4 and hits from deep, not to mention All-American team guy. Also, his contract ends in two years, which fits the 2011 retooling plan. That would bring the roster back to 15 and we’d have the stopper we need.”
i would rather send Mason away than Finley personally, because Mason tends to force shots sometimes. I know he hit lots of them, but i can remember thinking “Crap, Mason is coming off the screen- here comes an off balance 3. Well, at least it went in…” I’d rather have someone who doesnt force the issue so much. What are your thoughts on this Tim and everyone else? We get back a guy who can guard the Kobe type at least as good as Bowen (at this point in their careers, probably better). He averages almost one steal and one block per game. He also averages two more assists per game than bowen and is a better rebounder. He shoots a slightly lower percentage than Bowen (i would attribute some of this to volume-he made more than bowen shot last year), and is also better at handling the ball. I remember cringing everytime Bowen put it on the floor- i wouldnt have the same reaction with Battier. I think the Rockets are getting ready to go into rebuild mode, depending on what Yao does, and they really, really owe us after the Scola deal.
July 8th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
This has me thinking…
July 8th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Also, looking at the trade machine, the Rockets dont have anyone other than Yao, Battier, and some Joey Dorsey guy on contract for more than next year (this doesnt include ariza yet). Why arent they being mentioned as MAJOR players in FA 2010? If we give them Bonner and Mason or Finley, thats only three guaranteed contracts for them. I’d say thats a pretty appealing deal for them since they dont realistically have a chance to compete this year (depending on how long Yao is out).
July 8th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Testing to insert (a link) espn…
July 8th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
McDyess set to sign with Spurs
July 9th, 2009 at 1:02 am
@ Spursfansteve
That battier tidbit you posted would really seal the deal for spurs being best in the west. But it seems highly unlikely though.
July 9th, 2009 at 2:50 am
yeah, we now have a Fab Five: Duncan-McDyess-Ginobili-Jefferson-Parker
July 9th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Think Sheed is alittle unhappy that McDyess got an extra year on his contact than he did? With any luck he’ll feel hard done by enough to mail in the season.
Also I like the fact that all the contenders (with the notable exception of the Spurs and Cavs) have one bonefide potential headcase.
I’m not convinced that Kobe’s and Artest’s “marriage” is built to last. I can’t wait for Kobe to flash his “intense bottom teeth showing face” as Artest hoists contested 3 after contested 3…. Also I’m not sure Artest can take the critisim of the Team/LA media. As a spurs fan, if Phil Jackson wasn’t coaching that team… I’d enjoy our chances alot more.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:34 am
This is my first comment, so I’ll start with my thanks for this site. It has some good reporting and analysis and I appreciate the intelligent comments from the fans.
About this piece, I think it’s a good assessment. I’m not entirely convinced by the shot chart analysis because, aside from Dice’s baseline jumpers, their preferred shooting areas are the same. But it’s a moot point, really, because Dice has always been content to play a complementary role-even at Alabama. And his ability to complement Tim is much less important on the offensive end than on defense and the boards.
What really impresses me about this signing is that, much like Rasheed, Dice is well suited to play both alongside Tim AND as his backup. So for key stretches, Pop can play two first-rate veterans who can play with equal effectiveness at PF or C. (As others have pointed out, that versatility is priceless for a smart coach like Pop.) But for other long stretches, Pop can rest Tim without having either a poor fit or a drastic drop-off of talent in his place. While I think the comparisons with Robinson at 35 are… overly enthusiastic, Dice is really an ideal fit for this team.
I’ll also second someone else’s comment about this being a good signing for Blair. I don’t actually see Dice and Blair as being all that similar-they’re very different, physically and in terms of personality and talents. But it’s good to have a second former All-Star and former Olympian big man to help show Blair how to play in the NBA and to ease the pressure on him to develop too fast. It will help him early on in developing good habits, in the middle of the season when he hits the wall, and in the playoffs when he suddenly realizes that the NCAAs really don’t prepare you for the level of intensity.
Oh, and also I agree that the structure of the contract is pretty savvy, too. Well spotted.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:56 am
Agreed. Thank you for this post. I cannot wait for some of these matchups during the regular season and the postseason.
NBA finals - Celtics vs. Spurs in the final minutes…KG, Sheed, Allen, Pierce and Rondo on the floor vs. McDyess, Duncan, Jefferson, Manu and TP.
Gives me chills just thinking about it.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:35 am
As excited as I am in knowing that this team can compete with, and beat, the Lakers, what’s the take on the improvements Dallas has now made?
July 9th, 2009 at 5:48 am
With the so called “arms race” going on amoung the top 5 teams in the league, is the difference in coaching going to be more important then any of the top teams lineups?
Phil Jackson has a proven track record of managing lots of talent.
I don’t think you can beat Pop at X’s and O’s
Stan van Gundy struggled getting Howard on board with the game plan, something that will only get harder with VC
Mike Brown is a spurs guy but he is unproven.
Doc Rivers may be the least equipped but he also has really solid vets to lean on.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Greetings from Puerto Rico. Excellent blog Timothy. Ive been a spurs fan all my life, maybe the only one in the whole island. And there hasn’t been a more exciting summer for a basketball fan as this one. I can’t stop checking different websites to see which player was signed or traded, seems that a least one team a days put themselves in the championship hunt.
San Antonio in my opinion created all this commotion with the Jefferson trade. Now every team wants to catch up, and most have done that. The addition of McDyess might be the most important of all. I love it when the least commented move is the one that ends up being the most important. We get a post player with offensive skills beyond anyone that played besides timmy after The Admiral (even he was not that much of a threath), and it barely made the news. But again, flying under the radar is what we do best, and this season is no different. Last year people expected an odd year championship and we couldn’t deliver, maybe now that they are giving the repeat to the lakers we can make some of our own sweet chin music.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Guy who moved from Texas to China,
Manu vs Bynum.
The reason I have more confidence in Bynum returning healthy next year and questions regarding Manu are two fold:
1) Bynum has already returned. He played the last 4 regular season games and the entire playoffs. Although the rust was still there and some of his fitness/mobility was missing, i expect with another 6 months getting healthy, he will return in form. Manu, however, i have not seen healthy yet. Also, his injuries seem to be nagging injuries.
2) The biggest reason is AGE. Bynum is 21 years old. Manu seems to be past his prime. It’s much easier for the young to recover from injuries as opposed to the old recovering from nagging injuries.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:02 am
idahoSpur? Is the Big D on the move?
Dallas just made things interesting, but to me this is a similar signing to the Kidd trade. Paying a great price for a mediocre improvement.
But first, to what the Mavericks gained: an explosive player. Marion can defend well on the wing, and the Howard-Nowitski-Marion-Jet-Kidd combo at the end of games can certainly cover up previous backcourt defensive flaws. Marion will even benefit from JJ on offense.
However, the Mavs can sign up for one of the weakest depth charts in the league for years to come. With Marion’s addition, they lost future cap room, their starting shooting guard in Wright, and the chance to keep Bass this year. The loss wont be as obvious as, say, Devin Harris single-handedly destroying the Eastern Conference and the silence during the 1st round of the draft. Still, was a 5 year deal with Marion in a buyer’s market even neccessary? Look for Josh Howard and JJ to expect the same payout, even if it means losing this year’s version of “Wright” or “Bass.”
July 9th, 2009 at 11:16 am
“Ice for Dice”
At least that’s what Need4Sheed was calling this past year. You know, before it fell to pieces. The only upside of this is that McDyess will be playing in my time zone.
http://need4sheed.com/2009/07/hello-gordon-and-villanueva-goodbye-mcdyess.html
July 9th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
anyone see this exchange form John Hollinger’s chat today?
————-
Josh (Knoxville, TN)
Marcus Haislip - what’s his potential ceiling for the Spurs?
John Hollinger (3:22 PM)
Ever watched “Being John Malkovich”?
————-
I’m inclined to trust Buford and his boys more than JH when it comes to evaluating overseas players, but that comment is not confidence-inspiring.
July 9th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Thanks for the analysis ChillFan. Even though there is a load of time before tip-off and a lot of free agency moves to be made, I can’t wait to see some previews (ESPN, etc) for the upcoming season.
July 9th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
[...] Sorry if already posted… 48 Minutes of Hell Wednesday, July 8th, 2009…2:30 pm The Two Week Reload Jump to Comments Antonio McDyess has [...]
July 9th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
SpursfanSteve, I’m in agreement. If we get Shane Battier, oh man. Personally, I think he’s the best wing defender in the league. Maybe as good as Bowen was in his prime. Shane Battier just has such a great attitude - I think its a shame he’s in Houston, not in San Antonio. But it’s definitely wishful thinking to believe we will do this. We’ve had such an eventful offseason already. But who knows - especially in light of the link in Tim’s comment…
July 11th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Im a spurs’ fan from the Philippines. Really excited about the development with the team and how creative they have done it. The current team for me is a guaranteed 60+ win team. And the idea of having Shane with the spurs would make them ,if not the top team, at most second best team in the NBA.
On the otherhand, any update with the injury of Manu?
July 11th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Spurs fan checking in from Chicago, I believe the Spurs did the best retooling this off-season, adding RJ, McDyess, and Blair. I think that puts them right on par with the Lakers, and the Lakers aren’t guaranteed 2 repeat, remember they signed Artest, and plus they still have 2 re-sign Odom. Up 2 this point, he hasn’t excepted their offer yet, and If I’m not mistaken, the Lakers have offered him a contract simular 2 the one that Ariza turned down, so u guys have 2 take that into account. I’m also intruiged by the Shane Battier comment, I would love 2 have Battier on the Spurs, that would put them over the top as favorites 2 win the championship, send me some input on this please!!!
July 12th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Excellent piece on the Antonio McDyess acqusition and the San Antonio Spurs organization. I have watched Antonio McDyess since coming in the league to the Phoenix Suns. He has always been and remains a player I like to watch. Upon arrival to Phoenix, as a young 19 year old, he quickly established his hard work ethic, athleticism and strong character. I took my two young sons to the summer workouts and Antonio when approached was like meeting a friend. Down-to-earth, polite and interested in things beyond his trade. The Spurs have a player who wants a ring, but more importantly, his desire to leave his mark in another city as someone anybody should cheer for.
July 13th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Dear Sir,
Who are you and where did you come from? Up until 15 minutes ago I had no idea what “48 Minutes of Hell” was. Why should I even bother searching for analytical insight and absolute professional journalism anywhere else? 48 Minutes of Hell is, simply put, is THE BEST sports blog I have yet to encounter.
Consider this. I am, like much of your target demographic, a sports fanatic. However, first and foremost, I am a husband, father, professional bread-winner, etc. This means that I get my sports from TV and the Internet. The gluttony of amateur and amateurish sports blogs have tainted my reliability on Internet perspective (Bleacher Report.com comes to mind).
I have not yet read your other articles but I assure you that I now will and am now a permanent customer. Please tell me you make a living from your writing. If so, there is justice in this world. You are a real talent, whoever you are, wherever you came from.
Most Sincerely,
Robert D. Shelton
July 13th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Gordon,
I just read your bio and, much to my pleasant surprise, found out that your favorite teams include the Mets and the Steelers. I grew up 10 miles from Shea Stadium and was born into a Mets family. The Steelers thing comes from fantasy football. Please tell me you write on them as well. Also…I do not have a website. I meant to write: NA. Just a fan.
R. Shelton
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:48 am
[...] I’m inclined toward McDyess, but it’s a difficult call. Both players amount to great signings. So far as Sheed is [...]
April 17th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
[...] no. 1: The Two Week Reload, Richard Jefferson, DeJuan Blair and Antonio [...]
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