tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51633738775240226272024-03-13T16:31:17.213-05:00REIGNING BLACKNews-Notes-Links-Updates-Articles on the San Antonio Spurs and the NBAEric Salinashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04061912794817635554noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-34348510820483339202011-02-08T12:52:00.001-06:002011-02-08T12:54:30.026-06:00More shot attempts near the rim better for Jefferson, Spurs?<i><b><span style="font-size: small;">by Tyrone Anthony</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is now February and the Spurs have a 42-8 record. It has been an enjoyable ride these past 50 games. But with regards to the Spurs offense, would they benefit from more scoring at the rim and in the paint? I would bring you to the attention of one player, who in the past, has been a highflyer, catching passes from the likes of Jason Kidd, dunking and scoring the ball with brilliant cuts to the rim, Richard Jefferson. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img align="right" height="240" src="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/110204_10.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right;" width="161" />It has come to the attention of many a Spurs fan that Richard Jefferson's improvement, especially from beyond the 3-point line, has netted the Spurs many victories. When it comes to crunch time, the 3-point shot has been almost automatic. However, is that all Richard Jefferson can do? If all Richard Jefferson is relegated to is being a 3<b>-</b>point shooter and jump shooter, does he really warrant the 4<b>-</b>year, $40 million contract? Surely, there is more he can bring to the table. Otherwise, the Spurs may have as well signed a 3<b>-</b>point specialist at the SF spot to fill in for Richard Jefferson to shoot 3s.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, if Richard Jefferson has another option to go to, like the chance to slash to the rim off the ball and not primarily be a 3<b>-</b>point shooter, could it improve the Spurs offense? For the record, 78% of Richard Jefferson's shot attempts come from jump shooting. By comparison, 80% of George Hill's shot attempts are jump shots and 96% of Gary Neal's shot attempts are jump shots. Wouldn’t Jefferson be more of a difference maker in the rotation with stats like that if he were attacking the rim more often?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With all the talk about Richard Jefferson's improved efficiency shooting the ball, where has his offense near the rim gone? Free throw shooting attempts have dipped from 3.5 per game to 2.7 per game from last season to this season. Shot attempts have also dipped slightly from 9.6 to 9.0. Where is Richard Jefferson's reward for his improved efficiency? Is there a reason why Gary Neal is taking more shot attempts than Richard Jefferson on a per minute basis? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With that said, it is important that we look through what the Spurs and Richard Jefferson can do to open up space inside. The alley-oop play has been a potent weapon for the Spurs to utilize, but the baseline cut from Jefferson has been missing this season. Richard Jefferson has been more than happy to showcase his new<b>-</b>found range from the 3-point line and not cut to the rim, so as not to affect spacing. As the saying goes, 3 points is worth more than 2. Of course, it would be easier for Jefferson to put the ball in on a lay<b>-</b>up than a 3<b>-</b>point attempt, but he chooses not to do so in order for the Big 3 to have more space to with which to work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Living and dying by the 3 is an option. But if there are other viable options, such as Richard Jefferson's ability as a finisher, wouldn’t the Spurs be wise to take advantage of it? Making him just a jump shooter is really a waste of talent and not maximizing his ability to be an off<b>-</b>ball threat in every area of the court, particularly near the rim. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is never over watching Spurs basketball, making new observations everyday. Let's hear what you think.</span>Dark Armed Dragonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359709047241240731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-50920186877857915952011-02-07T16:50:00.001-06:002011-02-08T04:03:04.616-06:00Tale of the Tape<p><strong><em>by Radoslav Komljenovic</em></strong></p> <p><font size="4"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/110114_43.jpg" width="162" height="240">With the midway point of the season having come and gone and the Rodeo Road Trip underway, the Spurs sit atop the league standings at 42<strong>-</strong>8.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Just how good these Spurs are is an open debate. But their record is so gaudy that it puts them on pace for 69 wins. How rare is that? So rare that only the ‘71<strong>-</strong>‘72 Lakers and ‘96<strong>-</strong>’97 Bulls have had as many wins to end the regular season and only the ‘95<strong>-</strong>‘96 Bulls have ended with more (72).</font></p> <p><font size="4">Barring a rash of significant injuries or a collapse of epic proportions, it's safe to say the West should be wrapped up. The Spurs have a seven<strong> </strong>game lead over the second place Mavericks, have eight fewer losses than the third place and reigning champion Lakers and sport a four<strong> </strong>game lead over the Celtics, who own the second best record in the league.</font></p> <p><font size="4">While it remains to be seen how they'll finish, this much is certain: The Spurs can no longer be considered a second tier contender, but rather the class of the league.</font></p> <a name='more'></a> <p><font size="4">Three other teams have distinguished themselves as legit contenders: Lakers, Celtics, Heat. Some may argue for another team to be included in that mix, but those four have by far the best point differential in the league and are constructed in a way that has them possessing many of the elements found in past champions.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Before I get to how the Spurs are likely to match<strong>-</strong>up with each team, here's how I expect the minutes to be dispersed in the playoffs (roughly):</font></p> <table border="5" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" width="196"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>PLAYER</strong></td> <td width="89" align="middle"><strong>MPG</strong></td></tr> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>Duncan</strong></td> <td width="89" align="middle"><strong>36-38</strong></td></tr> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>McDyess</strong></td> <td width="89" align="middle"><strong>26-28</strong></td></tr> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>Bonner</strong></td> <td width="89" align="middle"><strong>20-24</strong></td></tr> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>Blair</strong></td> <td width="89" align="middle"><strong>14-16</strong></td></tr> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>Jefferson</strong></td> <td width="89" align="middle"><strong>32-34</strong></td></tr> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>Ginobili</strong></td> <td width="89" align="middle"><strong>36-38</strong></td></tr> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>Parker</strong></td> <td width="89" align="middle"><strong>38-40</strong></td></tr> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>Hill</strong></td> <td width="89" align="middle"><strong>28-30</strong></td></tr> <tr> <td width="94" align="middle"><strong>Neal</strong></td> <td width="90" align="middle"><strong>8-10</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><font size="4"> <p>Rotation<strong>-</strong>wise, injuries, slumps and specific match<strong>-</strong>ups could always change things, but based on how well the Spurs have played thus far, it's difficult to see them deviating from the nine players they've gone with most of the way.</p> <p>Seven players are locks to be in the rotation (Duncan, Ginobili, Parker, Jefferson, McDyess, Hill and Bonner), so it comes down to four players (Blair, Neal, Anderson, Splitter) for two spots. The seven locks are also the players who will close the game, at least when the result is undecided coming down the stretch.<br>Now, onto how the Spurs are likely to match<strong>-</strong>up with these three title contenders.</p></font> <p><strong><font size="4"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" border="0" src="http://www.officialpsds.com/images/thumbs/lakers-logo-psd11453.png" width="100" height="85"></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="4">Bigs</font></strong></p> <p><font size="4"><strong><strong><font size="4"><strong><font size="4"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/101229_105.jpg" width="203" height="140"></font></strong></font></strong>PF: <font color="#4d1669">Gasol</font> vs McDyess, Duncan, Blair, Bonner<br>PF: <font color="#4d1669">Odom</font> vs Bonner, McDyess, Blair, Jefferson<br>C: <font color="#4d1669">Bynum</font> vs Duncan, Blair, McDyess, Splitter</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4">Since the Spurs don't really have an answer for the Lakers’ bigs on an individual basis, look for them to throw the kitchen sink.</font></p><font size="4"> <p>However they match<strong>-</strong>up, whoever Duncan isn't guarding will be at a significant size disadvantage (unless it's McDyess on Odom). Even in the case of Duncan, Gasol and Bynum are both taller and longer and Bynum is much heavier as well.</p> <p>Look for the Spurs to combat this by playing a scrambling brand of defense and throwing various looks at the Lakers bigs. Digs, half doubles, hard doubles, on the catch, on the move, from the top, from the blindside, etc, they’re all tactics that will be used to throw their bigs off balance, putting them in the position of playing in a phone booth, and hopefully resulting in the turnovers that will fuel the Spurs’ transition game. The least amount of time the Spurs have to play against the Lakers’ length in the half court, the better.</p> <p><strong>Wings</strong></p> <p><strong><strong><strong><strong><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/101229_110.jpg" width="135" height="200"></strong></strong></strong>SF: <font color="#4d1669">Artest</font> vs Jefferson, Ginobili, Neal<br>SF: <font color="#4d1669">Barnes</font> vs Ginobili, Neal, Jefferson<br>SG: <font color="#4d1669">Bryant</font> vs Ginobili, Hill<br>SG: <font color="#4d1669">Brown</font> vs Hill, Neal</strong></p> <p>Unlike the bigs, where no matter how you slice it, it's advantage Lakers and merely about minimizing the damage, the Spurs stack up better on the wings.</p> <p>At minimum, Jefferson should be able to play Artest to a draw. Physically, Artest is a tough cover for Ginobili and Neal, but he's such a mediocre and erratic offensive player that if the Lakers go to him in the post in this match<strong>-</strong>up, the Spurs should consider themselves lucky.</p> <p>In their initial meeting, Ginobili and Hill made a point to challenge Bryant's every dribble when he was facing up. When he took them into the post, the Spurs did the same thing they did with the Lakers bigs.</p> <p><strong>Points</strong></p> <p><strong><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/110203_45.jpg" width="135" height="200">PG: <font style="background-color: #ffffff" color="#4d1669">Fisher</font> vs Parker, Neal<br>PG: <font color="#4d1669">Blake</font> vs Parker, Neal, Ginobili</strong></p> <p>Despite the Lakers much ballyhooed bigs, this match<strong>-</strong>up is actually the biggest mismatch between the two teams.</p> <p>Neither Fisher nor Blake have any chance of preventing Parker from going wherever he wants and doing whatever he wants — consider the floor his oyster. For the Spurs to beat the Lakers, Parker has to have a big series. And there's no reason to think he won't.</p> <p>The reason I list Neal and Ginobili in the PG match<strong>-</strong>up and not Hill is because the Spurs won't waste Hill's defense on either Fisher or Blake. They'll need him to guard Bryant. Because of the lack of a threat at the point for the Lakers, the Spurs can easily get away with Ginobili and Neal defending them when Parker is out.</p> <p></font><font size="4"><font color="#008000"><u><b></b></u></font></font> <img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kNv79wk33oI/S6FO_lvHwnI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/KS56hKSU8tE/s400/celtics-logo.jpg" width="100" height="105"></p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Bigs </strong></font></p> <p><font size="4"><strong><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Boston+Celtics+v+San+Antonio+Spurs+GLmZ-WElhkEl.jpg" width="135" height="183">PF: <font color="#2c704a">Garnett</font> vs McDyess, Blair, Bonner<br>PF: <font color="#2c704a">Davis</font> vs Blair, Bonner<br>C: <font color="#2c704a">Perkins</font> vs Duncan, Blair, McDyess<br>C: <font color="#2c704a">S. O'Neal</font> vs Duncan, Blair, McDyess</strong></font></p><font size="4"><font color="#008000"></font> <p>Like the Lakers, the Celtics have a significant size advantage over the Spurs inside. Unlike the Lakers, their bigs aren't as renowned for their post games, nor their rebounding. As such, this is mostly a tossup. However, Duncan is the best big between the two teams and if he's on top of his game, that could be enough to tip the scales ever so slightly in the Spurs’ favor.</p> <p>Sure, O'Neal is still a load and a factor in stretches, but that's just it: He likely won't play enough to be that big a factor. Perkins is, not a non threat, but mostly an afterthought offensively. Garnett is the biggest concern. Garnett isn't exactly Duncan down low, but given the match<strong>-</strong>ups, he'll inevitably be playing in the post more than usual.</p> <p>The Spurs are likely to have some trouble in the post with both Perkins and O'Neal, considering their sheer mass. The Spurs don't have anyone with that type of girth. The only big who comes close is Blair, but he's undersized.<br>Look for the Spurs game plan to be similar as it is against the Lakers. Of the four bigs, only Davis is likely to be played straight up regardless of match<strong>-</strong>up.</p> <p><strong>Wings</strong></p> <p><strong><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bFGaLMc9CbAq/340x.jpg" width="135" height="187">SF: <font color="#2c704a">Pierce</font> vs Jefferson, Ginobili, Hill<br>SG: <font color="#2c704a">Allen</font> vs Ginobili, Neal, Hill<br>SG: <font color="#2c704a">West</font> vs Neal, Ginobili</strong></p> <p>Should the Celtics go with West over Daniels, they'll be playing without a second small forward<strong>-</strong>sized wing in their rotation, much like the Spurs. Other than when Ginobili or Hill are on Pierce, the Spurs shouldn't be susceptible to the post up.</p> <p>Much like the bigs, this is mostly a tossup. As with the bigs, the Spurs have the best wing (only by a hair), but the Celtics have the edge after that.</p> <p>Allen will likely be the most difficult match<strong>-</strong>up for the Spurs. None of the Spurs wings are renowned for their ability to chase through screens. In their initial meeting, Allen both flummoxed and burned the Spurs when he was coming off, catching-and-shooting.</p> <p><strong>Points</strong></p> <p><strong><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 5px; display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com/images/c66c4eb564_PGs_03202009.jpg" width="135" height="119">PG: <font color="#2c704a">Rondo</font> vs Parker, Hill<br>PG: <font color="#2c704a">Robinson</font> vs Hill, Parker</strong></p> <p>Again, the match<strong>-</strong>ups are mostly even. Give the Celtics the slight edge here, though, because the Spurs aren't particularly adept at defending lightning quick point guards, while Rondo is arguably the best point guard defender in the league. Also, Rondo is the rare player who can impact the game in a big way without scoring.</p> <p><strong><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" border="0" src="http://images.allansgraphics.com/picture/2/m/miami_heat_logo-599.gif" width="100" height="137"></strong></p> <p><strong><strong><strong><b><font color="#000000"><b><font color="#000000"><strong><strong><strong><strong><b><font color="#000000"><b><font color="#000000"><strong><strong><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/multimedia/dynamic/00661/Hornets_Heat_Basket_661717k.jpg" width="135" height="180"></strong></strong></font></b></font></b></strong></strong></strong></strong></font></b></font></b></strong></strong>Bigs </strong></p> <p><strong>PF- <font color="#9f0000">Bosh</font> vs Blair, McDyess, Bonner<br>PF- <font color="#9f0000">Haslem</font> vs McDyess, Bonner, Blair<br>C- <font color="#9f0000">Ilgauskas</font> vs Duncan, McDyess<br>C- <font color="#9f0000">Anthony</font> vs Duncan, Bonner, Blair</strong></p> <p>Unlike the Lakers and Celtics, who are both significantly bigger than the Spurs, the Heat are not, nor do they posses the quality of bigs that those two teams do. Bosh's quickness off the dribble is an issue, but other than that, the Spurs match<strong>-</strong>up good with the Heat bigs.</p> <p>The Heat will probably lean on Dampier some to take a turn guarding Duncan, but look for the undersized Anthony or the even more undersized Haslem to man the pivot for stretches. If the Heat close with Haslem at center, then look for the Spurs to play through Duncan, because he'll have to be doubled.</p> <p><strong>Wings</strong></p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://img.mikespickz.com/2011/01/Dwyane-Wade-LeBron-James-Miami-Heat.jpg" width="135" height="96">SF: <font color="#9f0000">James</font> vs Jefferson, Hill, Ginobili, Anderson<br>SG/SF: <font color="#9f0000">Miller</font> vs Ginobili, Neal<br>SG: <font color="#ff4a2b"><font color="#9f0000">Wade</font> </font>vs Ginobili, Hill, Neal</strong></p> <p>In James and Wade, the Heat have arguably the game's top two players. Their combination of size, strength, athleticism and ball skills will be major issues for the Spurs.</p> <p>Jefferson will have to stay out of foul trouble, since he's the only Spurs wing with the size and the strength to somewhat guard James, especially if Anderson isn't in the rotation.</p> <p>Unfortunately for the Spurs, James and Wade in particular, are good defenders, so getting it back on the other end won't be easy. Still, that's the Spurs best hope when it comes to minimizing the damage done.</p> <p>If the Heat send James and Wade into the post, look for the Spurs to deploy similar schemes as they do against the Lakers bigs.</p> <p><strong>Points</strong></p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://nbcprobasketballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/107776601.jpg?w=200&h=170&crop=1" width="135" height="96">PG: <font color="#9f0000">Chalmers</font> vs Parker, Neal, Hill<br>PG: <font color="#9f0000">House</font> vs Neal, Parker, Hill</strong></p> <p>Arroyo could easily usurp House. The Heat could also utilize James/Wade as the backup point, bench both Arroyo and House and insert Jones into the rotation.</p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://www.semarmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Eddie-House-Heat.jpg" width="75" height="96">Still, if it's House, who's a more proven playoff performer than Arroyo and Jones, then look for the Spurs (when Parker is out) to cross match defensively and use Neal a lot defensively on either. Ginobili is another option, so Hill can be used to guard Wade and maybe even James. Hill would be wasted on whomever the Heat play at the point, since they're all limited, spot up shooters in the Heat offense.</p> <p>So, who do the Spurs match<strong>-</strong>up best with? It's close enough that a case could be made for all three. I'd rank them as follows . . .</p> <p><strong>1) <font color="#000000">Heat</font>:</strong> Despite the fact that they have arguably the two best players in the league, outside of that, they don't have quality size to give the Spurs problems and they're weak at the point. Perhaps more importantly than any match<strong>-</strong>up, though, is the fact that they've played the least time together out of any of the contenders (in fact, their projected top eight haven't played a single game together yet). As such, they don't have a stable rotation, nor the chemistry that championship teams typically feature.</p> <p>Because of their high<strong> </strong>end talent, they can't be entirely dismissed. But my sense is they're a season away from putting it all together.</p> <p><strong>2) <font color="#000000">Lakers</font></strong>: The consensus is probably that they're the toughest match<strong>-</strong>up for the Spurs, but it probably shouldn't be at this point. Their size advantage over the Spurs is legit, but the advantage that it nets them is overblown. The Lakers’ lack of a reliable outside shot allows the opposition to send help down to the interior that would otherwise be occupied at or near the 3<strong>-</strong>point line. Teams will take their chances with the Lakers’ shooters before allowing their bigs free reign in the lane. In reality, the Spurs have held their own rebounding<strong> </strong>wise with the Lakers and have played them well defensively going back to when Gasol was acquired. It's still an advantage for them, though. But outside of it, they don't really have an advantage over the Spurs.</p> <p>Whether it's not being as hungry, the wear and tear of three straight Finals appearances, a decline, or a combination of all of the above, they're seemingly in denial about where they're at.</p> <p><strong>3) <font color="#000000">Celtics</font></strong>: They're the one out of the three who seemingly have an answer for everything the Spurs can throw at them. Lightning quick point guard to defend Parker and make him work at the other end? Check. Quality shooting guard to somewhat offset Ginobili, while tiring him out at the other end as he's forced to chase him through a maze of screens? Check. Championship proven closer? Check. Lock down defense to combat the Spurs' explosive offense? Check. Size? Check. Depth? Check.</p> <p>This team is highly motivated, focused, selfless and in tune with what it's going to take for them to reach the top again. You won't find anyone who routinely breaks off the offense and ignores the game plan to do as they please. In that sense, they're a lot like the Spurs.</p> <p>I picked the Spurs to win it all before the season started and suffice it to say, nothing that's happened so far this season has changed my opinion.</p> <p>Home court in the Finals in particular is a huge advantage, because of the format (2-3-2). The Celtics would need to either sweep the middle three or win two on the road. With two teams this evenly matched, it's difficult to envision either happening. But as someone who will undoubtedly have a hand in deciding how the championship is decided once said . . .</p> <p>Anything is possible.</p></font> Nick Kapsishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169510501176396430noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-1697232114170333122011-02-04T20:00:00.002-06:002011-02-05T16:20:25.500-06:00McDyess Silences Lakers' Statement in Final Tick<p><i><b>by Scott Pieper</b></i><br><br><b><span style="font-size: large">Spurs 89 – Lakers 88</span></b><br><br><span style="font-size: large"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/110203_32.jpg" width="172" height="240">It was starting to seem like one of those kind of nights. Having played 15 seasons in the League, Antonio McDyess had seen the signs before: shots that rattle halfway down the chute before popping out; rebounds that careen directly into the opponent's hands; arguments that fall on deaf ears. Coming fresh off a disappointing loss in Portland, the lights of Staples Center were shining bright, the Lakers had just surged into the lead, and it looked like another letdown was in the works.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">Then, after a night of tough calls and bad breaks, the veteran journeyman gathered his legs, leapt, and took his vindication with one soft, subtle tap.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">“It bounced off, kind of like slow motion, and I was able to get my hand up,” said McDyess, who finished with eight points and eight rebounds.</span></p> <a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large">The result would be an astounding buzzer-beater that turned an unlikely Lakers upset into a Spurs 89-88 win. Coach Gregg Popovich knew the shot was good immediately, as he broke into an uncharacteristic display of emotion and applause while the team victoriously mobbed McDyess at half court. Zen-master Phil Jackson seemingly knew, too, as he conceded directly into the locker room without even viewing the replay.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">“I was in the right place at the right time, and it bounced right to me,” McDyess said. “I haven’t had too many (buzzer-beaters). I can probably count them on one hand, but this is a big one.”</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">By the end, all that was left standing was Derek Fisher, two-time defending champion and villain of Spurs fans everywhere, vainly twirling his finger in the air and waiting for a phantom call that wouldn't come. The fifth loss in the Lakers' last nine games set them back to 7½ games behind the Spurs for the Western conference lead.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">"Both teams played hard," said Popovich, who remained modest in his assessment of both teams' efforts. "We shot the last shot, I guess. Had there been one more shot, maybe they would've won." </span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">"Tony [Parker] was great. He kept us together like he has all year long, and just did a fantastic job."</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">Tony Parker led the Spurs with 21 points and 2 assists, including a dominant third quarter stretch in which he scored 14. Richard Jefferson had his fourth consecutive solid outing with 18 points, and hit half of his 8 three-point attempts. Manu Ginobili had a rough night with his shot (14 points on 5/17 FGA), but distributed 8 assists and gathered 5 rebounds, and led the team in plus-minus (+10).</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">The Lakers, meanwhile, are now 1-6 against the five teams that have better records than themselves, but they still have enough championship swagger for Pop and several other Spurs to label them "the best team in the league." </span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">Considering their three consecutive trips to the Finals and two consecutive titles, a statement like that is just as much posturing as it is flattery, but it's still an advantage that the Lakers own. Teams fear them, and they are better for it.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">They played tough in this game, too, and seemingly did what was necessary to put themselves in a winning position. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum dominated the post to combine for 29 points and 17 rebounds while holding Tim Duncan to a paltry 8 and 8. Lamar Odom tossed in 16 points off the bench, and Ron Artest seemed engaged after recent trade rumors. Kobe Bryant, like Ginobili, struggled shooting the ball, but was running the offense so efficiently that he nearly put together a quiet triple-double (9 rebounds, 10 assists). For a few brief minutes at the end of the fourth quarter, the Lakers suddenly became the Lakers again.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">Yet here they were, making all the right moves in their home arena in the waning moments, and they still ended up walking off the court empty-handed and frustrated; a tip and a tenth-of-a-second too short.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">"It's a tough game that we wanted. Anytime you lose a game like this it hurts a little bit." said Lamar Odom, who admitted to getting caught watching the ball and not being in position to box out McDyess on the final play. </span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">Kobe Bryant downplayed the toll the losses have taken in the Lakers' locker room after the game.</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">“Mental toll? Not much,” Bryant said. “I think it builds mental toughness.”</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">Still, one has to wonder how many times the Lakers can be silenced in statement games before their collective psyche begins to crack. February games don't decide the playoffs, and one loss alone won't rob a championship team of its aura. But moments like Thursday night, with Gasol slouched over in defeat and Fisher begging for a bailout?</span><br><br><span style="font-size: large">These are the nagging reminders that the playing field has become even, and those seeds of doubt are the bane of championship swagger.</span> Nick Kapsishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169510501176396430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-64381486149969239702011-02-04T15:26:00.003-06:002011-02-04T15:31:24.073-06:00A picture is worth a thousand words<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:70a28241-f753-43bb-8987-ecadcc083551" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; width: 448px;"><div id="6935ff10-8c1e-42b9-8efd-284a9e810418" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrmeeZrF0pc&feature=player_embedded#" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('6935ff10-8c1e-42b9-8efd-284a9e810418'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KrmeeZrF0pc?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/KrmeeZrF0pc?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_htmgI86z_Mg/TUxqy-78cKI/AAAAAAAAADQ/9_UROfhs6L0/video00f6601d0c8f%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /></a></div></div></div></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And a YouTube is worth considerably more.</span></div>Nick Kapsishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169510501176396430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-69735607282555037982011-02-04T07:47:00.022-06:002011-02-04T15:32:39.432-06:00Corporate Breakthrough<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>by Charvaka</b></i></span></div><b><i> </i></b> <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mokEQMflr6A/TUwMs1QTbHI/AAAAAAAAAAk/WJmfoYMkpgQ/s1600/popsmiling.jpg"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img align="right" alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mokEQMflr6A/TUwMs1QTbHI/AAAAAAAAAAk/WJmfoYMkpgQ/s400/popsmiling.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">The spontaneous smile on the otherwise stoic Gregg Popovich (in victory) said it all. Antonio McDyess' 0.2 tip<b>-</b>in as time expired snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as the Spurs topped their perennial top rival, Lakers, 89-88 in a closely fought encounter — of the meaningless regular season kind. Coach Pop isn’t one to give into emotion of satisfaction or happiness during games, anger and passion is quite a different story. But even he could not restrain himself from giving a guffaw of immense satisfaction after seeing his veteran free agent signing of 2009 outwork the lengthy Laker frontcourt and grab yet another offensive rebound to tip victory into the Spurs favor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The interesting aspect about McDyess' final tip was that, it wasn't surprising. As <a href="http://blog.mysanantonio.com/buckharvey/2011/02/what-the-mcdyess-tip-saves/">Buck Harvey of San Antonio Express points out</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">, he had provided key offensive rebounds in the final possessions after misses by Ginobili, Parker and finally Duncan. And it fit the pattern that has become of the Spurs’ season — no longer are they a three horse, one stallion team. The Spurs are beating their competition by committee with a rejuvenated Richard Jefferson, a meteoric McDyess and the lesser but equally effective play of the gangling George Hill and gunning Gary Neal. And the final possession epitomised it — misses by the Big 3 in recent history would have been curtains for the Spurs, but not necessarily this season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because the Spurs were threatening by committee, McDyess was able to find the right position and opportunity to tip in the game-winning basket. <a href="http://nbaplaybook.com/2011/02/04/lakers-strategy-for-off-ball-screens-leads-to-game-winning-tip/#more-10551">As this excellent breakdown by Sebastian Pruiti of NBA Playbook points out</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">, the threat offered by a clutch shooter in Manu Ginobili and the efforts of his committee members Richard Jefferson and McDyess to set him free, actually predicated the Lakers' defensive strategy of off ball screens to allow Ron Artest the ability to keep pace with Manu. Only this led to McDyess getting space away from his defender, Odom, and allowed him to avoid being boxed out from prime rebounding position.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-b4otsXkvg&feature=player_embedded"><img alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_htmgI86z_Mg/TUw_Ifb_W_I/AAAAAAAAADM/W6F5f2tb_Ao/videofc9131fd7042%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In many ways, the final possession was symptomatic of the Spurs' success this season. Last season Coach Pop was insistent that things were not falling into place as expected or as smoothly as hope with the additions of Jefferson and McDyess because of the lack of "corporate knowledge". Graduating to becoming (veteran) sophomores within the team oriented Spurs system, gave these newcomers enough time to gain that knowledge and it showed in the final possession. The lineup: Parker, Manu, Jefferson, McDyess and Duncan is now officially announced the Spurs’ crunch time playoff lineup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No wonder, coach Pop was chuffed at the committee’s execution. The corporate president of basketball operations had finally seen the high rate potential net returns from investments made last year. That was why even he could not resist displaying the emotions of triumph in an otherwise meaningless regular season game. This was yet another page added to the "boring" tome written on the Spurs' longish success story. Expectations of a similar team-performance in the playoffs are now quite high.</span>Charvakahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845948193104414657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-33553362725073543952011-01-31T14:06:00.002-06:002011-01-31T14:23:25.687-06:00Attention back on the Weberian Spurs<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">by Charvaka</span></span></b></i><br />
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<img align="right" border="0" height="165" src="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/110129_80.jpg" width="121" /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Spurs </span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">are <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tsl_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&type=advanced&lg_id=NBA&year_min=2011&year_max=2011&franch_id=&c1stat=&c1comp=gt&c1val=&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=wins">atop of the league</a></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> and absolutely rocking when compared to the competition. Typically guarded about their success and cautiously optimistic of their championship possibilities, the Spurs are going about their business as "normally" as possible. But the reaction nationally (and internationally) to the Spurs dominance of 2010-11 has been till now, puzzling.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spurs have either been relatively ignored or dismissed — remember all those experts who said an injury is waiting to happen to derail the Spurs' chances —in recent years. This is in comparison to the near frenzy coverage afforded to the much touted Miami Heat(les) or the atypical big market teams including the over-hyped New York Knicks. Chris Sheridan of ESPN New York for example, embodies the derision for the Spurs and the hyper-love for the mediocre Knicks the most, as he tries to make a </span><a href="http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/35932/nba-with-chris-sheridan"><span style="font-size: large;">mountainous story out of every molehill quote</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> from a Knicks organisation person, while striving to undercut the euphoria for the winning Spurs based on his irrational expectations of <a href="http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/35932/nba-with-chris-sheridan">“inevitable” health problems for their main players</a>. Then, there is the Car'Melodrama' that seems to define this season more than any other story. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But as the Spurs' juggernaut rolls on, that kind of attention or lack thereof cannot any longer continue. Now, you have a grudging acceptance of the Spurs' contending status. Advanced stats based experts of the game — the relatively more objective lot – are <a href="http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/36677">already calling express attention</a> to the Spurs' dominance. The storyline back in some conscientious outlets hovers around the Spurs' sound fundamentals — the fact that the team has consistently won since Tim Duncan's drafting, the value based culture that has spawned the winning and the continuity of all of it, the Spurs' value addition to the league in the form of front office, coaching and scouting expertise and the "Groundhog Day" phenomena about the organization. <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2011/1/23/1905774/learning-from-san-antonio">This article from a Nets beat writer</a> is the best example recently speaking to all of the above and how the Nets are keen to emulate the Spurs. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To the long time Spurs fan, all this is again expected. The lack of continuous love for the Spurs and attention to its winning ways and the reasons for its squad's renewed dominance is a function both of the fact that the team plays for a smaller market and also that the squad is low key by the league's terms of glamor and showmanship. Apropos the latter, while across the league, those attributes are necessary to fuel emotions and give cutting edges to athletic abilities; in the Spurs' case, these are seen as distractions from the core of its way of playing basketball. But let us dwell on the former aspect.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The NBA, as the cliché goes is just a business. Albeit, a highly regulated one, with tendencies toward equalization of talent and team performance through the restrictions on spending — the Cap System and through the Lottery-Adjusted-Reverse-Order-Priority drafting system. And through a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the owners (Capital) and the players (Labour), it has managed to keep interests of both the main parties in the business relatively alive.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, despite this, the big markets are at a greater advantage, helped by the free agency process which accords freedom to players to go to a market of their choice. Invariably marquee players have preferred the bigger market to leverage the potential of extra-earnings through endorsements and the likes or teams from smaller markets are forced to overpay some marquee players just to keep them on the same team. At times, buoyed by their spending power, some big market teams have screwed up their leverage by simply overpaying free agents or lacking in proper decision making — the Knicks for example. But the key point remains — teams from smaller markets are hamstrung despite the friendly regulations to close the gap — and bad ownership can only make matters extremely worse for such teams— as seen financially in the case of the New Orleans Hornets, who are now under the caretaker-ship of the NBA itself. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It has required some kind of luck with the type of ownership that has very deep pockets— the Dallas Mavericks owned by billionaire Mark Cuban or the Orlando Magic owned by Richard DeVos (of Amway) — for relatively smaller markets to be able to continue to thrive in this difficult environment. No wonder there is this big talk of a “franchise player” clause in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img align="right" height="169" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ43QsrvPWMQwXh69bx8GjhsZ-lSUdcyWenMZbFe30b0zPfC_p4rA" width="140" /></span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spurs' ability to buck this trend and to remain relevant despite their deficiencies— a relatively small market, not so extremely rich owner— is a function of the manner in which they have conducted themselves since being helped by the NBA's Draft Equalization rule to snag Tim Duncan in 1997. Since then, the Spurs have managed to be a power by creating a value based culture and finding players, front office executives, coaches and scouts all fitting that culture, with the ownership allowing enough autonomy for its executives to keep that vision going. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In a way, the Spurs have managed to stay true to a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Weber">Weberian model of capitalism</a> — maximizing virtues with a single minded pursuit of excellence and profit through winning while moderating that with a lack of aggrandisement from both its players or the organisation staff. No wonder the Spurs have more or less kept their spending within reasonable limits, going over the luxury tax only at times and that being an exception rather than a norm.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even as they keep piling up wins in the regular season, their focus is on improving their defense to a point that makes them impregnable in the post-season. The Spurs work toward reaching a point of excellence and that governs their rationality— may it be the way they ration the minutes of their aging stars or the way they privilege the necessity to improve their defense. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The rationality that drives Spurs' excellence is therefore different from what is the norm elsewhere. Basketball as a vocation is what it is — a recreational game invented by Naismith that provides a good livelihood for its practitioners and the hangers on. To the extent that this vocation can be used to create a winning culture, all that is required to do so from within the structure of rules are strove for, while the moral virtue of living life the right way is retained. This unusually open interview of Gregg Popovich reveals the values that Spurs' executives have tried to instil in their organisation. And it is confirmed in a recent piece from <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=mc-spurs012611"> Marc Spears' of Yahoo! Sports</a>. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CccDTN6QVRg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_htmgI86z_Mg/TUaIArM7vVI/AAAAAAAAADE/vPeW5lNE4Tg/video356b523cba9d%5B57%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Former Spurs television play-by-play announcer Greg Papa interviews Gregg Popovich before Spurs-Warriors game</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One only hopes the circumstances that endowed the Spurs with this philosophy are retained forever. But capitalism goes through ebbs and flows. We, Spurs fans are fortunate to be seeing this phase of ebbs. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One can also hope that the mainstream NBA media takes a leaf out of the Spurs' book and focuses more on the aspects of the game that matter most rather than the glitz and glamor. It would be doing a service to the fans of the game as well, helping them aspire to do the same things the Spurs do, in their own vocational pursuits.</span></div>Charvakahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15845948193104414657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-28464116054694878652010-12-27T22:46:00.007-06:002010-12-28T11:59:55.082-06:00Spurs upcoming schedule to test mettle<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">by Zvon Knezovic</span></b></i></div><br />
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<img align="left" height="171" src="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/101215_28.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" width="214" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">After being swept in the second round of last year’s playoffs, few would have predicted the Spurs to be sitting atop the West — and the league — with a 26-4 record. But even after racking up wins at a franchise record pace, question marks still remain as to whether this Spurs team can truly challenge for their fifth championship.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For all the superlatives thrown the way of this new and improved Spurs team, they've yet to really test themselves against the big boys of the league. Their best wins to date have been on the road against the Jazz and Thunder — likely 50-win teams, and not expected by most to seriously contend through June – and at home against the old Magic — who later went on a run of 7 losses in 8 outings before shaking things up with a trade (and delivered a 22-point blitzing of the Spurs — albeit on a back to back for San Antonio). However, the upcoming schedule will afford the Spurs an opportunity to test themselves against what are very likely to be the two biggest roadblocks standing in the way of an NBA Finals return.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spurs will play host to Kobe and the Lakers tonight, and then travel to Dallas on Thursday to take a second crack at Dirk and the new and improved Mavs. If the Spurs are to make a return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2007, they will likely have to go through at least one, if not both outfits come the playoffs. It’s safe to say, when it comes to the Lakers and Mavs, the Spurs won’t find a tougher test in terms of matchups. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Despite their recent and well documented struggles, it’s hard not to see the Lakers making yet another strong push come playoff time — evident by the fact they are still widely considered the favourites to represent the West in the Finals for a fourth consecutive year. They have too much size and talent throughout the roster to not be knocking on the door, but it will take a renewed sense of focus — especially on the defensive end — to attain a third straight championship. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img align="right" height="240" src="http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Los+Angeles+Lakers+v+San+Antonio+Spurs+Game+3UERSnSayMTl.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 5px;" width="172" />The Lakers present matchup problems for every contender, but possibly none more so than the Spurs, who lack size and another interior presence to compliment Duncan. Tiago Splitter was suppose to fill that void, but after missing training camp and the entire preseason, as well as the new offensive focus brought forth by the coaching staff, the Brazilian bigman hasn’t been able to establish himself in the rotation. Instead, the Spurs are likely to combat LA’s frontline of Gasol, Bynum and Odom, with Tim Duncan and the undersized trio of DeJuan Blair, Matt Bonner and Antonio McDyess. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Starting DeJuan Blair against the Lakers seems like a matchup nightmare for the Spurs, whether he’s forced to guard Odom on the perimeter — a nimble and agile 6’10” player with guard-like skills — or one of Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum in the post — both who have comfortable 6-inch height advantages and the touch around the basket to exploit it. To make matters worse, Blair doesn’t have the offensive game to create any real problems for the Lakers' bigmen, given his undersized frame and the fact that his scores come almost entirely from underneath the basket — a much tougher task with two 7-footers roaming the paint. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Matt Bonner has similar deficiencies to Blair on the defensive end of the floor, but his 3-point shooting is at least capable of netting a positive by drawing the Lakers’ bigmen out of the paint — opening things up for the Big Three. The problem with Bonner likely lies within the rebounding department, which is the weakest part of his game </span><span style="font-size: large;">—</span><span style="font-size: large;"> something that will only be magnified against the Lakers' frontline of Odom, Gasol and Bynum, all of which are excellent rebounders. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">An extended burn for the ever-reliable Antonio McDyess will be the Spurs' likely answer for this matchup. McDyess' game doesn't consist of the singular, one-dimensional strength the bigmen ahead of him possess, but he doesn’t have as many deficiencies either. He's an excellent rebounder, a good post defender and he can space the floor out to 18 feet with his respected and trustworthy jumper.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">However, many, including myself, thought that the answer to the Lakers' frontline would be the 6’11” Brazilian import, Tiago Splitter. But with Splitter not being able to find consistent rotation minutes to this point of the season, it’s unlikely Pop will throw him into the fire against the Lakers. How the Spurs fare against the Lakers’ bigmen could force Pop’s hand in terms of adjusting the big man rotation in the future, one way or the other.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Mavs have been alongside the Spurs near the top of the Western Conference for almost the entire Tim Duncan era, almost always due to a high-powered and multi-faceted offense. But much like the 2006 team that made it to the Finals under Avery Johnson, this 2010 version is built upon a defense-first approach and the MVP level play of Spurs nemesis, Dirk Nowitzki.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img align="right" height="205" src="http://sports.cbsimg.net/u/photos/basketball/nba/img14359799.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="189" />The Spurs are no longer faced with the sole task of slowing down Dirk, but also with the need to execute their league-leading offense with precision </span><span style="font-size: large;">—</span><span style="font-size: large;"> something it will take to put up enough points on the board to combat what has now become one of the league's best defenses. The Mavs have always had a big, physical body to throw at Duncan and make him work for his baskets — think Erik Dampier, Brendan Haywood and DeSegana Diop — but the arrival of Tyson Chandler gives them someone who can not only limit Duncan individually, but also anchor an entire defense with shot blocking and rebounding.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Lakers and Mavs games will be an important measuring stick for the Spurs, and will likely reveal a lot in terms of whether this team is really ready to hang with </span><span style="font-size: large;">—</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and eventually topple </span><span style="font-size: large;">—</span><span style="font-size: large;"> the big boys of the league. The Spurs of old used to almost treat the regular season as a mere a warm-up for the playoffs, the players and coaching staff knowing the defense and Tim Duncan would be there when it really mattered against the league’s best. But this is a much different Spurs team than their championship predecessors, both in principles and personnel, and it’s important to establish a sense of belief amongst a group, one that breeds the type of confidence needed to truly contend for a championship — and there’s no better way of displaying that than beating the best the league has to offer.</span></div>Zvon Knezovichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17956927700108674958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-44372974460009178182010-12-23T12:28:00.004-06:002010-12-24T10:12:23.623-06:00Spurs have a big problem<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>by Radoslav Komljenovic</i></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img align="right" border="0" height="183" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eXrg4p12a0MQ/610x.jpg" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="210" />Literally. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spurs are having serious trouble against front lines consisting of two big, bruising-types with skill. Milicic-Love, Gasol-Randolph. One can only imagine what it’ll be like against Bynum-Gasol-Odom—not that the latter two are bruisers, but they are big, long and highly skilled.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Specifically, Blair has serious trouble in these match-ups. He can't hold his own on the glass, can't adequately guard any of them and is an afterthought offensively, because the games are bound to be close when you're getting destroyed on the glass. And when the games are close, Blair is, rightly so, an afterthought offensively.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pop's modus operandi in these match-ups is to (once the game proves to be tougher than initially thought, or at least hoped) play Blair sparingly, lean on Bonner heavily—presumably in the hopes that he can get hot from deep and negate the inevitable disadvantage in the paint and on the glass—and finally lean on McDyess heavily down the stretch.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But the Spurs shouldn't be in these situations consistently against the likes of a Memphis or Minnesota, not where they have to scramble and fight to survive against them. McDyess needs to start in these match-ups and Splitter needs to be inserted into the rotation, at the expense of Blair.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even if Pop changes the lineups against these types (starting McDyess, inserting Splitter into the rotation, dropping Blair from the rotation), the Spurs will still be at a rebounding disadvantage. Because the reality is, Blair is the second-best rebounder on the team—and Splitter is a distant fourth. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So plugging Splitter in for Blair won't necessarily help on the boards. But it will help the team defensively, as Splitter's length should at least bother some of the bigger front lines (at least more than Blair is capable of), even if he get's overpowered by some.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The bottom line is, Duncan needs help in the paint. He's 34, with bad knees borne of a ton of mileage and while he's a center by default at this point, due to the game continuously going smaller and faster and his decline in mobility, he's not a true center. Truly, he's a four and a half—asking him to take on two big, bruising-types alone, essentially, is a recipe for disaster.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reality is, the Spurs have pulled out three games against the Timberwolves and Grizzlies, mostly because, well, they're the Timberwolves and Grizzlies—and the Spurs have a vast advantage in both talent and experience. That won't be the case against the Lakers.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the biggest and most alarming takeaway from the games played against these types of front lines, is Splitter being used sparingly. One more sign that Pop either doesn't see him as the answer or as a necessity for this season.</span></div>Nick Kapsishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169510501176396430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-10167207119994551712010-12-14T06:04:00.031-06:002010-12-14T17:06:34.348-06:00Reigning Black's Defensive Gameplan: Bucks vs. Spurs (12/15/10)<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>by Eric Salinas</b></i></span></div><i><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></b></i> <br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Jennings Kid Pretty Darn Good (Bucks' Engine)</strong></span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1) Control Mr. Brandon Jennings:</b> Spurs should make it a priority to hound Jennings hard and often, utilizing aggressive hedges via the combo of Parker and Hill on the pick-and-rolls (hard traps in the corners when Jennings goes off the pick towards the sideline; away from the middle). The hard hedges can (and should) occasionally turn into hard traps, which will consequently force the ball to less threatening playmakers as the shot-clock counts winds down. After all, anybody but Jennings with the ball as the clock is winding down is of benefit to the Spurs—Jennings' teammates just aren't all that capable of creating efficient offensive opportunities for themselves or others (with the slight exception to Maggette and Salmons as being respectable... nothing more). Should this circumstance play out often, the Bucks should be forced into tough contested shots more often than not. (Not like Drew Gooden isn't accustomed to that or anything.)</span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2) Box Out</b>—<b>Defensive Rebounding:</b> Major emphasis on these two objectives. Bogut and Gooden are very active inside when the ball clangs off the rim. Keep Bogut and Gooden off the offensive glass and away from possible tip-in's or tip-out's. Spurs need to limit the Bucks to one shot per possession as much as possible.</span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3) Limit Turnovers:</b> Spurs don't want to give the Bucks any free easy fast-break opportunities by turning the ball over. Spurs need to make this offensively challenged Bucks team beat their half-court defense. <b>(Milwaukee is last in the league in points per game and field goal percentage; <i>91.96 PPG- 41% FG</i></b><b>)</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a name='more'></a> </b></span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4) Con-Man-Corey a.k.a. Kevin Martin's Brother Separated at Birth:</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> He hasn't been getting a lot of minutes, so it really isn't a big issue, but it is an issue that can't be ignored. Maggette has been notorious for drawing cheap fouls and living at the line. Whenever the con man gets touches and is isolated without a screen to help him, whoever is guarding him needs to first force him left (unless he is on the right side of the floor; you don't want to force him middle). This is where the weak-side interior defender needs to be alert and assertive in getting to the seal spot earlier than usual whenever Maggette puts the ball on the floor — when rotating from the weak-side, the better the early positioning is of the rotating interior defender, the less chance there is for a foul to be called as Maggette initiates contact in an effort to get to the line. </span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Con-Man-Corey in Pick-and-Rolls:</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> If Maggette does receive a screen in the pick-and-roll, the on-ball defender must go under the screen and concern himself more with his ability to be a driver and wreak havoc in the paint — the Spurs need to make him beat them with his jump-shot.</span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5) See #1: <i>Control the Bucks' Engine (Jennings)</i></b></span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6)</b><b> Significant 3-Point Threats: </b>Salmons, Jennings, Douglas-Roberts<i>*</i> </span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>*small sample size</i></span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insignificant 3-Point Threats:</b> Dooling (with the exception of last night), Maggette (nothing new), IIyasova</span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spurs need to be aware and assertive when it comes to those significant three-point threats of the Bucks at all times. Salmons, Jennings and Douglas-Roberts are the only players having respectable seasons from long-distance — this should tell the Spurs where the defensive impetus lies when it comes to the three-point line: Jennings, Salmons and Douglas Roberts get the extra attention. Never should the Spurs run off Jennings or Salmons (or CDR) to contest a potential three or deep two-point shot from Dooling, Maggette or IIlyasova. This goes for transition defense as well. Make it a concerted effort to heavily contest Jennings, Salmons and CDR's three-point opportunities, even if it means giving the inferior shooters a free or slightly contested look.</span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>All in All</b>: The Bucks expended a lot of energy last night after overcoming a 20-point deficit against the beloved Dallas Mavericks. Instilled by Skiles' regime, the Bucks exhibited the type of heart and fight they had, as they earned a surprising victory in Dallas—ending the Mavericks winning streak at 12. If the Spurs just bring their energy, heart and hustle tomorrow night, the game should easily result in another 4th quarter demotion for the old and decrepit. </span> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prediction</b>: Spurs 108 Bucks 89</span></div>Eric Salinashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04061912794817635554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-699221810192331192010-12-12T01:29:00.023-06:002010-12-12T13:10:22.838-06:00The Jester in Winter<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">by G. Scott </b></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bQ0SqifjNcg/S74lHp_VwGI/AAAAAAAATas/eVChJFukZBM/s1600/tim-duncan-tattoo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bQ0SqifjNcg/S74lHp_VwGI/AAAAAAAATas/eVChJFukZBM/s320/tim-duncan-tattoo-2.jpg" width="272" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Even among the Spurs' faithful, there are quiet concerns about their legendary anchor, Tim Duncan, and the rather un-Duncan like numbers he has put up at times this season. And although few will admit it, the specter of other legendary athletes who refused to go out at the top of their games looms over this season. Has Duncan finally reached that point in his career? Or are he and Gregg Popovich simply taking a page from former Spur Robert Horry's playbook and saving their best for the playoffs?</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe it's a little bit of both. Certainly one of the most obvious reasons that Duncan's numbers are down is that he is simply playing fewer minutes. But there are those nagging games this season where he seemed to struggle against the likes of Darko Milicic. And how could he pull down 18 rebounds one night but only 5 (with zero defensive boards) the next night?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The answer may be easiest to understand for the fans of professional golf, who have witnessed something similar over the years. Great golfers in the latter stages of their careers don't immediately lose the ability to play at a championship level. But they do begin to struggle to do so for an entire tournament. It's fairly common for aging stars to be leading a tournament after the first two days, but then on the third or the fourth day their performance is simply good, rather than spectacular. They still have incredible skills, and they still have the ability to hit dazzling shots. What they lose is the ability to put together four top-notch rounds in a row.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tim Duncan may have reached the stage where some nights he is just very good, rather than spectacular. On his best nights, he will still put the team on his shoulders the way he has for so many years. On those other nights he will still be better than most players in the league, but he will need the help of his younger teammates. The good news is that basketball is a team sport, and Duncan has a lot of teammates who are capable of playing exceptional ball on any given night. That, and the fact that playoff matchups are 7 games, which means that he can have a couple of less-than-spectacular nights, and still win the series.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One thing that the golf analogy doesn't take into account is that a few legendary players seem not to be bound by the limitations of other mere mortals. The same iron-willed tenacity that allows them to dominate their sports while in their primes can sometimes allow them to turn back the clock later in their careers. Jack Nicklaus won the Masters when he was 46 years old. Tom Watson came within a single putt of winning the British open at the age of 59. (He finished tied for first, and lost in a playoff.) Both performances would have been unthinkable from any ordinary player, but from those two they were barely surprising. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tim Duncan's status as a legendary performer is already secure. And while he may be in the latter stage of his career, it is still much more surprising for him to have 5 rebounds in a game, than for him to have 18. His numbers may be down a little, but he will be well rested and, hopefully, totally healthy when the playoffs start. Spurs faithful take heart: there will come a time when Duncan simply won't be up to the task of carrying the Spurs through another successful playoff run. But it won't be this season.</span>G. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053543880656301927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-70665206678934098452010-11-09T13:48:00.005-06:002010-12-12T13:15:17.999-06:00Process or Result: What's more important at this point?<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>by Radoslav Komljenovic </b></i></span></div><br />
<a href="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/San+Antonio+Spurs+v+Charlotte+Bobcats+-9OLwz4MQBbl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/San+Antonio+Spurs+v+Charlotte+Bobcats+-9OLwz4MQBbl.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">It's clear to those paying attention that the Spurs aren't exactly playing as well as their record indicates. Their 5-1 record is mostly a product of their talent and a favorable early schedule rather than their overall level of play.</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Offensively, they're more than fine, as they currently sit 6th in efficiency, including 3rd in points per game, 4th in field goal percentage, 8th in 3-point percentage and 2nd in assists. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Defensively, it's a different story, as they currently sit 17th in efficiency. Granted, the points per game can somewhat be attributed to the positively un-Spurs like blistering pace -- 7th in the league. Nonetheless, the Spurs currently sit 23rd in opponents points per game, in addition to 25th in opponents field goal percentage and 29th in opponents 3-point percentage.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What's most alarming about the defensive numbers is that this continues an ongoing trend of recent years where the Spurs have seen a steep decline from their heyday. No one is expecting the current incarnation to even faintly resemble that of the lock-down outfit of yesteryear, but they're also not supposed to resemble that of the Suns and Warriors of recent years, either.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rebounding, which on paper looks to be a strength, so far hasn't been. They're 22nd in rebounds per game, but more importantly, 15th in rebound differential. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spurs are currently ranked 11th in point differential. Not exactly the mark of a team boasting an .800 winning percentage.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What do all these stats mean after five games? Not a whole lot. However, if the Spurs approximate these numbers over the long haul, they'll likely end up being what they were last season -- good, but not good enough to be considered a true contender.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Provided you have ample talent and relative health, generally speaking, the process ultimately breeds the result. For a team with serious championship aspirations, eventually, how you win becomes almost as important as winning itself. The Spurs aren't at that point yet. But just as the old adage says you can only beat the opponent put forth, we can only judge this team off of how they've played to this point. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">While there are undoubtedly some promising signs, suffice it to say, at this point, the Spurs' process isn't that of a championship team. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just ask the Suns.</span></div>Nick Kapsishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169510501176396430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-37239628379705924442010-11-04T14:16:00.032-05:002010-12-12T13:59:47.776-06:00What's Missing? It's Fundamental<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>by G. Scott</b></i></span><i><b><br />
</b></i> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wpcontent.answcdn.com/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Jacob_Riis_2.jpg/220px-Jacob_Riis_2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://wpcontent.answcdn.com/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Jacob_Riis_2.jpg/220px-Jacob_Riis_2.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob Riis (1849-1914) </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Gregg Popovich has famously posted <a href="http://www.boerner.net/jboerner/?p=5523"><b>a quote about a stonecutter</b></a> in the Spurs' locker room, in the native language of each team member. The gist is that when a stone cracks after 101 blows, it is the work of the first 100 blows that made it happen. It is an inspirational message, and a part of Spurs culture. What most people don't know is that Popovich has another sign in his own office that reads, "The stonecutter needs to play better defense." </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He doesn't really, but he should. It's a mantra that every Spurs player and fan has heard ever since the day Gregg Popovich arrived in San Antonio. So, four games into the young season, it is not surprising that the most commonly-heard critique of this year's version of the Spurs is that they need to improve their defense.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Unfortunately, that term gets thrown around in much the same way that car dealers use the word service. Ask any car dealer what makes them different, and they will say, "Better service". Ask any Spurs' player, or fan, what the team needs to do to improve, and they will say, "Play better defense". Move along - nothing to see here. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's okay. There are plenty of other clichés to discuss: They need to take care of the ball. They need to hit the boards, and hustle for loose balls. They need to execute better. They need better ball movement. They need to take better shots. Those may all be clichés, but they are still applicable. And if you memorize them, you're a candidate for any job ever held by Jeff Van Gundy.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you aren't a fan of clichés, or Jeff Van Gundy, you might be interested in something a little more substantive. A little more specific. And there is one thing that stands out. For four games, the Spurs' passing has been anemic. Pathetic. Downright sloppy. The Spurs need to pay attention to it, and make it a priority to fix in practice. It's not sexy, but fundamentals never are. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But isn't that the same thing as saying they need to care of the ball? Not really. Coaches talk about ball movement for a reason. The theory is that a team can't play defense forever, without making a mistake. Stay patient, swing the ball around, and wait for that mistake to open up a good shot. But what good is all that patience and ball movement, if the pass is off target, so that by the time the open man reels it in he is no longer open? It usually leads to a player taking a poor shot as the clock winds down. On the stat sheet it looks like just another missed shot, but that's because there is no statistic for wasted effort. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the player leading a fast break dishes the ball at just the right moment, but off target, an easy two points often turns into a charging call. (Which counts as a turnover, by the way.) Or maybe it just results in a missed layup, and a loose ball that they get to hustle for. A lot of things that are called poor execution boil down to nothing more than one careless pass.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spurs have also gotten into a bad habit of believing that certain passes are "gimmes". Tony gets cut off at the top of the circle, and passes to the wing so he can re-set. That player casually lobs the ball back to Tony, and a defender intercepts the pass for a quick score. Or, after pulling down a rebound, one of the bigs tosses the ball weakly, in the general direction of Manu, who is waiting near the mid-court line. Same result. The lesson? There are no gimmes in the NBA - every pass is important. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spurs had 23 turnovers against the Suns, and 18 against the Clippers. A significant number of those could have been avoided by paying more attention to delivering their passes right on the numbers. And a number of their possessions would likely have ended in better, higher-percentage shots.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bad passes are unforced errors. You don't have to give credit to the other team in the post-game for making you carelessly throw the ball away. It's a mental thing. And in that department, the Spurs should have a decided advantage. If the Spurs really want to win another championship this year, they have to commit to tightening up their passing game. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And they need to play better defense.</span></div>G. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053543880656301927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-13711556023478853972010-10-27T11:52:00.011-05:002010-12-12T13:17:59.816-06:00Champions? You gotta believe<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>by G. Scott </b></i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.lawrence.com/img/photos/2005/06/25/NBA_FINALS_bw_sports_t440.jpg?9e2a24ba44807f8f9b96aad7c4082bf6ded075dc" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://media.lawrence.com/img/photos/2005/06/25/NBA_FINALS_bw_sports_t440.jpg?9e2a24ba44807f8f9b96aad7c4082bf6ded075dc" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The 2010-2011 campaign is underway and the Spurs, as usual, are flying under the radar. Most sports analysts question whether Greg Popovich's team can truly contend for a title. In their secret hearts many, if not most Spurs fans, harbor the same question. But for those of us who have faithfully followed the NBA for decades, and remember Rudy Tomjanovich's famous quote - <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-1jgNhopNo">"Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion"</a></b>, there is really only one question: Does this group of Spurs players really, truly believe that they can still win it all?"<br />
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There is a certain attitude that is clearly visible on teams that believe, that know, they are on a mission to climb to the top of their sport. It is most often described as a "swagger", although that word is as often wrong as it is right. Anyone who goes looking for a swagger on the Spurs' bench has been asleep for the past decade. This team still undeniably belongs to Tim Duncan. And not only does he not swagger, but any teammate who did would be... well... looked at sternly by the Stoic Mr. Duncan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But that's not necessarily a bad thing. A quick glance at another Texas team, the Dallas Cowboys, shows just how little a swagger counts for. The analysts picked the Cowboys as a pre-season favorite to reach the Superbowl. But from the first play of the pre-season, there was something missing. All their talk about being the last team standing seemed more like what used to be known as "whistling past the graveyard". False bravado. And now, less than halfway through their season, the Cowboys have swaggered themselves into insignificance. Can you picture the New England Patriots losing a game because of excessive celebration? Doubtful. Can you picture it happening to them a second time? Nope. Teams that are on a mission don't have time for that sort of thing.<br />
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So if it's not the swagger, what should we be looking for from the Spurs that will show that they are expecting more than just a playoff appearance? One sign is that great teams win the games they are supposed to win. Too many sporting events are lost when the better team allows their opponents to start believing that they actually have a chance. Great teams don't take their foot off the gas when they get a big lead, because they never take anything for granted. Great teams don't accept that "a win is a win", and they don't see moral victories in close defeats.<br />
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The Spurs' opener is a perfect test case. The Pacers have one of the league's most under-rated players in Danny Granger, and if it were a game of one-on-one he might cause the Spurs problems. But as a group, the Pacers are a young, surprisingly un-athletic, turnover machine. They will improve with time, but this season they just aren't in the same league with the Spurs. This is a game the Spurs should win. This is a game that a title contender should win convincingly. This is a game that the Spurs have lost too many of over the last couple of seasons.<br />
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If you want to know whether this Spurs team really believes that they can win another title, you can skip the game and watch the post-game interviews. If you hear comments like, "We were a little rusty - but we gave ourselves a chance to win it at the end", it won't matter which team actually came out ahead. Brace yourself for a long season, and a short post-season. But if you hear them talking about their convincing win by saying things like, "It's just one game", and "we just did what we were supposed to do", then maybe this team knows what the analysts always overlook. That it's a long season, and every game along the way sends a message. And that as long as the Big 3 are healthy, they can beat anyone in seven games.</span>Nick Kapsishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169510501176396430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-29271467332167866832010-09-03T03:48:00.010-05:002010-12-14T02:11:38.373-06:00The Cowboy's Way<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>by Nick Kapsis</b></i></span></div></div><br />
<img align="right" alt="" border="0" src="http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/Player/video/JAMESANDERSON250_0829.JPG" style="display: inline; float: right;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">The anxiety was just too much to bear. Anderson had held an NBA Draft viewing party in his hometown of Junction City, Arkansas, at the high school he once attended. </span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The high school's name? </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Junction City High School, of course -- when your town's only got one you needn't overthink it. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Junction City, Arkansas populates roughly 721 people, has one high school and one stoplight. It's small, quaint and if you're not looking for it, you just might pass through without so much as noticing. It's a world away from the big and bright lights of New York City -- home of the 2010 NBA Draft -- and it was exactly where James Anderson wanted to be. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is, for as long as he could stomach it. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anderson's anxiety had gotten the better of him -- coming off a draft process that had him showcasing his talents at less than one-hundred-percent -- he had to get away. Away from his supporting cast, away from the people that had helped get him to the doorstep of his dream. He was fully aware that the hamstring injury would probably cost him a chance to go in the lottery, and maybe even a few slots more, but simply believing something to be doesn't help to lessen the significance or weight of the moment. He just had to get out from under it. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anderson took a break from the festivities to go home and gather. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The wait must have felt like forever. On the cusp of a dream and goal he's had ever since discovering basketball and the NBA, minutes turned to hours and hours to eternity.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In reality, his wait would be short-lived. Most mock drafts had Anderson pegged to go in the middle of the first-round and there was never any hint of a Blair-like drop. But he did have to wait longer than most expected -- and the San Antonio Spurs were among them. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Spurs are a savvy organization widely known for their shrewd business moves, transactions and draft selections. But like Junction City High School, some things don't take all that much thought or imagination. After years of providing head-scratching moments for fans and pundits alike on draft night, the Spurs have taken a "Basketball For Dummies" approach the last two years: </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Player of the Year? Sure, why not?"</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Holding the twentieth pick in the 2010 Draft -- their highest pick since drafting Tim Duncan first-overall in 1997 -- finding a player as accomplished as Anderson was never their expectation. The Spurs are nothing if not thorough and always plan for best and worst-case scenarios -- leaving no rock unturned -- but that's simply being professional. At their core, they're realists. And realists don't expect to find a 2nd-Team All American and the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year waiting to be selected with the twentieth pick. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even rarer a find, how many players are as accomplished on the court and just as beloved off? </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"My best compliment that I could give to him," Oklahoma State's Head Coach Travis Ford began. "is I got two young boys and if they grow up to be the type of person he is I'll be very happy. ...Very happy," the words of a grateful coach choked up with emotion as his star player declared for the NBA Draft. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anderson was named Arkansas' Gatorade Player of the Year, a McDonald's All-American and a Parade 3rd Team All-American in 2007 after leading his Junction City High School to a Class 2A state championship -- scoring 43-points in its title game. He was named to the 2008 Big 12 All-Rookie team, the 2008 All-Big 12 2nd Team and he was 2008 USBWA All-District. In 2009 he was a consensus 2nd Team All-American, a 1st Team All-Big 12 selection and he was unanimously named Big 12 Player of the Year. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He's quite the accomplished player but of all Anderson's accolades he derives the most pride and satisfaction from being selected to the Big 12 All-Academic Team. And though he left Oklahoma State before finishing his degree, he fully intends to make good on a promise he made to his mother to one day finish what he started -- this is the player and person whose departure left Coach Ford trying to keep it all together as he attempted to find the words to say goodbye. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"He's been a fine and perfect example of what we want this basketball program to be about, not just as a player but as a person," Ford said. "That's what I'm going to miss is just coaching every day a guy who you know you're going to get his best effort and you know you're going to have fun doing it because he's just a tremendous, tremendous, tremendous person. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back at his old stomping grounds, surrounded by family and friends, Anderson's wait ended. The Spurs saw to it. <b><a href="http://myarklamiss.com/fulltext?nxd_id=65475&watch=1">The room erupted</a></b> and Anderson was embraced by his mother, Ira, as they both shed tears of joy. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I'm very very proud of him," Anderson's mother said. "I felt like he was going to make it anyway. But now that he did, I'm really proud of him." </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">An overwhelmed Anderson spoke with local media shortly after learning he'd be the newest Spur.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"No question it's a dream come true. Ever since I knew what basketball was and what the NBA was its been a goal of mine since I was little. Just being able to reach it is a great accomplishment. But I just don't want to reach it, I want to be one of the best players to ever reach it." </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Overjoyed and overwhelmed, not satisfied, Anderson's dream had only been given the go-ahead, not fulfilled. Simply making a team wasn't the goal -- when your nickname is "Big Game James" simply being a participant just isn't enough. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"We're very excited. He's a terrific player, a terrific person and we think he's going to be a great fit for the Spurs for years to come," Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford told media after selecting Anderson.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"He's going to be a great fit for years to come." </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Come late October there will be a Cowboy donning Spurs. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some things you needn't overthink.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-56313226744184501172010-08-24T16:52:00.002-05:002010-12-12T13:44:10.409-06:00"Jus Fly"<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Reigning Black </b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">There are plenty of reactions and words that occur or come to mind when one views Justin "Jus Fly" Darlington display why it is he dons the moniker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But mainly:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He's no Michael Finley.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Special thanks to <a href="http://hoopsfix.com/"><b>HoopsFix.com</b></a></span></div>Nick Kapsishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169510501176396430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-30524391516205159362010-08-21T14:51:00.019-05:002010-08-24T13:50:07.141-05:00Richard Jefferson: In Focus<div style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></i></b></span></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>Reigning Black</b></i></span><br />
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</span> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A lot can change in a year.<br />
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A lot.<br />
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Relationships, jobs, finances -- for better or worse -- and even your outlook on some of the most significant and insignificant things in life, change is inherent all around us. What's here today is gone tomorrow; absence often makes the heart grow fonder.<br />
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Often -- exceptions abound.<br />
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When Richard Jefferson exercised an opt-out to forgo a $15.2 million salary in his final year, relief and good fortune seemed to rule the day. The Spurs were viewed as being "let off the hook," no longer an albatross or hindrance weighing them down or holding them back. The Spurs had been given a mulligan, a second chance. This time it was with Jefferson's departure -- last year it was upon arrival.<br />
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Needless to say, roughly three weeks after Jefferson decided to opt out, the celebration of R.J.'s resigning was muted, if even existent. Jefferson has his fans, and the team signing his checks are among them, but to some it signified a death knell of sorts. An end to championship aspiration. The Spurs -- as we've come to know them -- were done; Riverwalk parades reserved for a distant memory.<br />
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Things are generally never as or bad or good as they may seem, so in order to move forward and digest all that really happened -- and why what happened did happen -- it's best to look at the facts as we know them. Paint the picture, step away from the canvas, then critique the work.</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Painting The Picture</b><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">After downing the Mavs in six games, the Spurs met their match in the Western Conference semi-finals. Phoenix was clicking on all cylinders and presented a matchup the Spurs simply couldn't match-up with. The Spurs lacked 3-point shooting, bench production and the necessary defensive mobility on the perimeter. No longer was Bowen available to pester and disrupt Nash and the Suns' offense; no longer was Duncan able control the paint on both ends. The Spurs' season would abruptly come to an end with a sweep (0-4). An uneven ending to a frustratingly uneven year.<br />
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Entering the summer the Spurs weren't looking to a free-agent class that had fans, pundits and front office-types clamoring for years. James, Wade and Bosh -- among others -- were never believed destined to don the Black and Silver. The Spurs saw a buyer's market and a deal to be made, so they acquired their "free-agent" a year early. The Spurs would send the cap-friendly contracts of Bowen, Thomas and Oberto for the high-priced star talent of Richard Jefferson; a small forward out of Arizona they hoped could replicate his predecessor's success. The Spurs threw-in with Jefferson, McDyess and their "ass-kicking 4" (Blair), whom they stole with the 37th pick in the NBA Draft.</span> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Stepping Away From The Canvas</b></span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
It's hard to believe that was the finished product they envisioned. The Spurs paid for brand name merchandise only to find out they were paying for the box, packaging. Jefferson looked like his wings had been clipped and his game had been stolen. Thinking, thinking, he was always thinking (except when he wasn't involved in the play, then you couldn't help but envision a little boy playing on a youth soccer team -- distracted with the surroundings blowing the seeds off dandelions). He just couldn't find a way out of his own head. Trying to please those around him. Trying to live up to a contract that had expectations -- for some -- unreasonably and impossibly high. Jefferson wasn't a $15 million dollar player, certainly not in the Spurs' system. He knew that, even if he couldn't reconcile with that fact long enough to have it not affect his game.<br />
<br />
But the Spurs were able to acquire Jefferson because of his contract and the $29.4 million remaining. Had his game been worthy of the price tag, he never would have been an option for the Spurs. For all intents and purposes, the decision came down to Jefferson or Carter. They went with Jefferson: shorter contract and -- more importantly -- it wouldn't cost them of Hill.<br />
<br />
The saving grace for those less than enamored with Jefferson -- before or after seeing how the season played out -- was his $15.2 million expiring contract. If all else failed, the Spurs would have the means to really improve their team. A very attractive contract for the mere fact of its amount and the time in which it expired -- the same time as the CBA. But it was not to be. And depending on where you stand on the "prearranged deal" notion, the Spurs wouldn't allow it to be.<br />
<br />
The Spurs guaranteed a contract worth up to $40 million when all is said and done (possible incentives being met), hitching their wagon to Jefferson for another four years. A player that seemed so ill-fitted, so underwhelming, so anything but right. This is what earns a player long-term financial security? Unfortunately, a market can't be predetermined and a player's production doesn't always find correlation with his contract's worth.</span> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Critiquing The Work</b><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Bass ackwards as it may seem, there is a method to the madness. Jefferson's resigning shouldn't be looked upon as a poor move, simply what needed to be done. The Spurs possessed neither the players nor the financial flexibility to address their needs and field a team talented enough to compete for a championship. And as hard is it is for Jefferson's detractors to reconcile with -- even if the team's improvement only turns out to be marginal with his presence -- this team's better off with him than without -- sometimes better off just isn't good enough. (I suppose that goes for both the team and its fans.) The Spurs may still have a ways to go before they can truly be considered amongst the elite once again, and it may even be premature to call the Spurs a contender in the truest sense of the word: a threat to the throne, not a tough out. But when it's time to critique and scrutinize the work -- after all the facts and probabilities are laid out -- you begin to see a good effort, even if not a great result.</span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The Spurs were at a crossroads in 2009 after bowing out to the Mavericks in five games. Their franchise's foundation was struggling with his own and their team's heart and soul (Ginobili) watched from the sidelines -- the Spurs' front office wondered if he could ever regain form. Tony Parker was coming off a career year, but that didn't help to offer much solace. The Spurs had officially bled the turnip dry. The Spurs didn't just need help, they needed horses.</span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> It was from that perspective that would put forth a challenge from coach to owner. It was from that same perspective that the owner would "pony up," per his coach's challenge. The Spurs had assessed the market during the year -- flirting with both Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson -- and assessed the market after; they assessed the 2010 market and their probability of landing one of the heralded marquee free agents. They asked themselves if not now, when? Could they really let another year pass by (while Duncan's knees bore another 82-game regular season and a potential playoff) for the all-so-unlikely probability of landing a franchise saving player the following year? Their answer was a resounding "no."</span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> So the Spurs revisited the Jefferson inquiries. They weighed the options and asked themselves all the necessary questions: Can we do any better, now or next year? Can we make this work financially; is the owner on board and do we have the belief he should be? Can we really afford to not make this move? </span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Could they do any better, now or next year?</b><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Given the prescience to know Ron Artest would be on his way to L.A. and Trevor Ariza would have been available to them for the Mid-Level exception, they probably could have done better. Had the Warriors been willing to trade the Spurs their former player and championship teammate, Stephen Jackson, the Spurs likely would have been better -- but trades need a willing partner and Golden State wasn't keen to the idea of pleasing their disgruntled star. Had certain things been known or revealed at the time the Spurs needed to make a decision, they might find themselves in a better position. Had LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh decided to come don themselves some spurs, the Spurs would've been much better off -- which is to say, they had no reason to believe in such a scenario. It's a hard decision to fault.</span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
Could they make it work financially?</b><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> This, as it turns out, was actually one of their easier questions to answer. While the Spurs weren't hemorrhaging money or looking to file a Chapter 11, they were feeling the effects of an economic downturn and a first-round exit -- by July 6, 2009, season-ticket renewals had fallen 11% from the year prior. Holt knew he was going to have to spend money to make money, he knew his fan base needed a reason to believe once again. Jefferson represented an infusion of talent and athleticism, which could only help to bring some enthusiasm back to the program. And with the team's share of debt on the AT&T Center's construction being paid down, a new regional TV contract and the tax rebate from the league, "The timing was positive," as Holt would say. A rise in the team's payroll could be somewhat offset.</span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The resigning has to be looked at in terms of the talent added to the 2009 base and the additional money spent. Jefferson's would-be $15.2 million was more than enough to re-sign both he and Bonner, and it allowed the Spurs to finally bring Splitter aboard. For essentially the same price, the Spurs have added Jefferson, McDyess, Blair, Splitter and Anderson -- along with Neal, Temple and Gee -- to the talent base of '09. And with the "refinancing" of Jefferson, the Spurs will only be spending $14-15 million dollars more on Jefferson's final 3 years (and $14-15 million over 3 years for Jefferson seems much more palatable). </span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <b style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Could they really afford not to make the move, the initial trade and the eventual resigning?</b><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The answer to the former -- in hindsight -- would seem to be "yes." But hindsight is critiquing the result and not the decision; when clairvoyance enters the equation you've lost touch with the mission statement: judging the work on its merits. The Spurs were looking at a 2-year window with limited options available (i.e., players that could legitimately bring their talent back to a championship level). Passing on a player like Jefferson would have been easier had Duncan not been nearing the end to his legendary career, but it was not the case. And given the likelihood of finding a player capable of replacing Duncan as the team's championship centerpiece or bringing the requisite talent to compliment the Big 3 in all the right areas -- right off the bat and in their first year or half-year with the team (should they have dealt Jefferson at the trade deadline) -- the trade and resigning only becomes more understandable in hindsight; the time then was "now," and now had to be the decision from "then" -- they were too far down the road to start once again.</span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Looking back, the trade for Jefferson really was an "all-in." But it wasn't only for the departure in fiscal restraint but because of the meter that was running -- or more appropriately, Duncan's odometer. And that's what this has always been about for the Spurs: Duncan's window and fielding a team talented enough to compete for championships during that time.</span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Spurs fans know it takes more than talent to get the job done, but talent at least gives you a shot. And given Popovich's familiarity with Jefferson from the '04 Olympics -- as a player and person -- the Spurs simply saw the best option available to end the Duncan era the way all involved wish they would: champions.</span><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> In the end, and in the final analysis of Jefferson's acquisition and resigning, the Spurs look to have put their best possible foot forward. The Spurs are now left to bank on the internal growth of Hill and the talent they've added since 2009, the overall "corporate knowledge" cultivated in that time, and that the Big 3 still have enough gas left in the tank. It may be less-than-ideal or not-quite-enough, but they did about as much as they could.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They made chicken salad. And in some cases ... there's no finer art. </span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-39444307511778777932010-07-26T15:30:00.035-05:002010-09-04T00:53:31.512-05:002010-11 San Antonio Spurs Salaries<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reigning Black</span></i></b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">(Updated: 8/3/10)</span></i></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Following are the salaries of the guaranteed 11 players under contract and the 3 non-guaranteed roster hopefuls. They've been listed in the order they were signed/came to terms in an effort to see what the Spurs' front office saw every step of the way -- the roster's total is shown after each signing to display where the Spurs were in relation to the cap and what moves they made with that knowledge in hand. Also along the way, Richard Jefferson's (RJ) original $15.2 million dollar contract was calculated to show what an opt-in could have meant.(Special thanks to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/index.jsp"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sham</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> and Bruno for the help and L.J. Ellis for Neal and Jefferson's numbers) </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">*Note: Matt Bonner's salary has been updated from $3.05M to $3.00M while Neal's salary has been updated from $510K to $525K. Thanks again to Sham for all of his hard work. Please give him a visit if you'd like to know more about </span></i><b><a href="http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/spurs.jsp"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">full terms and incentives</span></i></a></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">.</span></i></span></span></span></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2010-11 San Antonio Spurs (Actual Salary)</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">T. Duncan $18,835,381</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">T. Parker </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">*</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> $13,500,000</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">M. Ginobili $11,854,584</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A. McDyess $4,860,000</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">D. Blair $918,000</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">G. Hill $854,389</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Total = $50,822,354</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></b></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">* </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Performance incentive for $150,000 now deemed </span><a href="http://blog.shamsports.com/2010/07/changes-in-201011-salaries-due-to.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"unlikely."</span></a></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bonner $3,000,000 = $53,822,354 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $60,622,354)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Splitter $3,400,000 = $57,222,354 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $64,022,354)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Jefferson $8,400,000 = $65,622,354 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $72,422,354)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Neal </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">*</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> $525,000 = $66,147,354 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $72,947,354)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Anderson $1,361,400 = $67,508,754 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $74,308,754)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Total Salary</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> = $67,508,754 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $74,308,754)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Against Tax</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> = $67,838,143 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $74,638,143)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">* </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Neal's $525,000 counts $854,389 against the tax.</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Non-Guaranteed</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">G. Temple $762,195 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">($854,389 against the tax)</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A. Gee $762,195 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">($854,389 against the tax)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">C. Jerrells $762,195 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">($854,389 against the tax)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cap Cost Of Non-Guaranteed Player(s) (Not Tax)</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One of Temple, Gee or Jerrells = $68,270,949 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2=$75,070,949)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Temple & Gee/Jerrells = $69,033,144 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $75,833,144)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Temple, Gee & Jerrells = $69,795,339 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $76,595,339)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2010-11 Luxury Tax Threshold: $70,307,000</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Minimum Salary</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">=</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> $69,033,144 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ 15.2M = $75,833,144)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Maximum Salary</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">=</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> $69,795,339 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">$76,595,339)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Minimum Salary Against Tax</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> = $69,546,921 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $76,346,921)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Maximum Salary Against Tax</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> = $70,401,310 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(RJ @ $15.2M = $77,201,310)</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">*Note: </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Temple and Gee (or Jerrells) represent the high end of cap space available, while Temple, Gee and Jerrells represent the low end. Spurs must have 13 players on the roster; 2 of Temple, Gee or Jerrells are on the team as of this date. All three non-guaranteed players' $762,195 salaries count the same against the tax ($854,389). Gary Neal's $525,000 (also $854,389 against the tax) came out of the Spurs' Mid-Level exception -- $1,840,000 remains. Spurs have their Bi-Annual exception that can total $4,326,400 over 2 years.</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-26335148643288850592010-07-21T17:25:00.011-05:002010-11-06T15:28:58.519-05:00Ask And You Shall Receive<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reigning Black</span></i></b></span></div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Back in April, Chris Tomasson authored a piece for FanHouse revealing Richard Jefferson was indeed </span></span><b><a href="http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/04/11/spurs-jefferson-pondering-possibility-of-opting-out-of-contract/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pondering the possibility of opting out</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> of his contract. And as preposterous as it sounded then </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> a player deemed to be underachieving and hardly worth the $14.2 million he'd earn for the performance </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Jefferson had his reasons:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"That's a situation I think every player will look at at the end of the season. I probably wouldn't make 15 (million dollars) some place, but you could somehow recoup some of that over a multi</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">year deal and get some guaranteed money for the next few years."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With the uncertainty of impending CBA negotiations and the very likely prospect the Players' Association will fail to improve upon the players' future contractual earnings </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> in fact, it's been widely thought the players could find lower salaries, less guaranteed money and fewer years </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> the feeling around free</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">agency has been, 'Get it while the gettin's good.'</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"So you figure it out," Jefferson said. If you get 4 years and 40 (million dollars by opting out) from someone, it's like, 'OK, I did lose out on 15 (million dollars). But I'm going to get basically a $25 million extension.' Those are things you think of at the end of the season."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Richard Jefferson has now </span></span><b><a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/spurs_resign__jefferson_100721.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">officially re-signed with the Spurs</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and though terms were not disclosed </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> per team policy</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> --</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> both </span></span><b><a href="http://www.nba.com/news/features/aldridge.2010.freeagency/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">David Aldridge</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> of NBA.com and </span></span><b><a href="http://www.woai.com/content/sports/spurs/story/RJ-re-signs-with-Spurs/w5GwSndNAkagQgZA1NUNpA.cspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Don Harris</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> of News4 WOAI have reported the final agreement to be 4 years, $38.8 million with $8.4 million due in his first year </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-- </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jefferson has a player option of just over $11 million in his final year, the framework essentially of a </span></span><b><a href="http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-contract-calculator?tsalary=38800000&years=4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">max ascending contract</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(Note: Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">News has issued a correction to his reporting of the final year player option being partially guaranteed --</span></span><b><a href="https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/19254953735"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> it is in fact fully guaranteed</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Given the final figure and the proximity to the 4 years and $40 million Jefferson suggested in April, one has to wonder if the wheels didn't start turning then for the Spurs' front office. Clearly Jefferson had talked with his agent and had discussions about his financial future with an opt</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><b> </b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">out to weigh and a CBA to expire </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> it's not hard to imagine the Spurs finding his suggestion to not only be reasonable, but preferable; envisioning Coach Popovich walking into their first negotiation, a 4</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">year, roughly $40 million contract in hand, making his way to the table and saying: "Let me know when you're ready to sign, R.J.," isn't all that hard to do.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And given the final contract's numbers, it's not all that hard to believe the Spurs did in fact put an offer on the table for Jefferson to sign </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> or not sign </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> after testing free</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">agent waters. How else is it that he received a contract starting at roughly $8.4 million and ascends yearly to a final salary of just over $11 million? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There were eleven teams outside of the Spurs capable of paying Jefferson more than the Mid</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Level exception. Of those eleven teams, four (Cavaliers Clippers, Nets and Heat) had a hole at the small forward position. The remaining six (Blazers, Bulls, Knicks, Thunder, Wizards and Wolves) had talent at the position or were looking to play their youth as a means to rebuild. The only competition </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> as it turns out </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> happened to be the Spurs.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But the restructuring of Jefferson's assumed salary for next year has allowed the Spurs to stretch their money a little further. Instead of paying Jefferson $15.2 million solely, they'll now be able to fit Jefferson, Splitter and Bonner into that same figure. The Spurs gained more flexibility with regards to the tax line and have upgraded their talent level for essentially the same bill they would have received had Jefferson picked up his option.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs are currently under the tax line but utilizing their Bi</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Annual exception or the remainder of their Mid Level exception will probably result in the team becoming a tax</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">payer. And according to David Aldridge, that's actually part of the Spurs and Peter Holt's plan:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Spurs owner Peter Holt has committed to paying luxury tax again next season and in 2011</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">12, the final two years of star center Tim Duncan's contract." </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As alluded to in </span></span><b><a href="http://reigningblack.blogspot.com/2010/07/part-2-executing-plan_15.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Part 2: Executing The Plan</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, the Spurs set this ball in motion upon acquiring Jefferson June, 23 of last year. They were aware of Duncan's tenuous window of title contention and of the new landscape that had beset the league. After years of being "frugal" and piecing together championship</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">caliber teams without being a real tax</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">payer, the business model had to change.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"We've always wanted to compete, and the environment in the NBA allowed a team like us to do so," Popovich said. "If you wanted to work at having a shot at winning the championship and still be under the tax, it could be done."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"But the way the talent has shifted in the league, it's almost impossible to do that now."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In truth, the Spurs didn't have much of a choice in the re</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">signing of Jefferson, they had to continue to execute the plan they'd set forth. As slim as their chances might be to win another title before the best and most successful player to ever don the Black and Silver hangs them up, the chances that they would do so by trading Parker </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> their only true trade asset capable of bringing back enough value </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> are even slimmer. The Spurs just don't have the means to acquire a great enough player to overcome a first year transition or enough time to let a good player acclimate to a first year transition. The Spurs have Jefferson; and as underwhelming as he was last year, there's no first year transition.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's been reported that Popovich has turned </span></span><b><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Aije5AsvnhNeyZEso0XYzL68vLYF?slug=ys-freeagentbuzz063010"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">personal coach and trainer</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> this year, and why wouldn't he? So much of the Spurs' success will depend on internal growth and individuals fulfilling their potential and promise. This team's fate has never been so dependent on the collective; playing together and for each other? Yes. But never have so many had to play such a crucial or prominent role.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs will bring back the majority of a team that made it to the Western Conference semi</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">finals in a year where they overcame so much before being overcome to the tune of 4-0 </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> their once faithful doormat exacting a little revenge. They were flawed, battered and old, yet the Western Conference finals weren't far off </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and the Spurs do have a have the ability to improve from within. Players like Hill, Blair, Anderson and the </span></span><b><a href="http://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/19221945024"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">freshly-signed Neal</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, to go along with roster hopefuls Hairston, Temple and Gee, there's reason to believe the Spurs could see a good amount of improvement and be a much</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">improved team after seemingly modest additions; Splitter's grabbed the headlines but the Spurs' most significant additions should be a healthy and rested Big 3 united from Day</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> One. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And should Year 2 bring the calm and comfort to see Jefferson thrive as some of his Spurs predecessors?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs won't have re</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">signed a player, they'll have reaped the rewards of the little time they bought.</span></span></div></div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-10602877694780167332010-07-20T18:47:00.015-05:002010-08-22T02:54:31.927-05:00Jefferson to Re-sign<div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reigning Black</span></span></i></b></div><div><br />
</div><a href="http://www.nbabasketballfansite.com/images/photos/15/150430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.nbabasketballfansite.com/images/photos/15/150430.jpg" width="193" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">According to Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News, Richard Jefferson should be back in San Antonio prepping to sign </span></span><b><a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/Jefferson_will_re-sign_Tuesday_with_Spurs_98860444.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a new long-term contract</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> with the Spurs on Wednesday.</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jefferson -- a 6-7 small forward and 9-year veteran of the NBA -- left more than a few scratching their heads with his decision to opt out of a final year that would've guaranteed him $15.2 million. But seeking to avoid the uncertainty of free-agency in a post-CBA renegotiation, Jefferson elected for long-term security -- the thinking to give a little now to recoup much more later.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But in one of the stranger free-agent markets in a long time -- one where Johan Petro essentially equals Tiago Splitter and a restricted free-agent in Rudy Gay gets a max contract without creating leverage -- Jefferson found himself standing without a chair when the music had all but stopped.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Terms of the contract have yet to be ascertained but it would be a fair assumption to think that Jefferson's yearly salary will be cut in half -- unlike Rudy Gay, Jefferson was allowed to test his market-value and create whatever leverage he could, only there was no leverage to be found. His stock had never fallen further. The Spurs will gain some </span></span><b><a href="http://reigningblack.blogspot.com/2010/07/death-taxes-and-bruno-opt-out-capology.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">much-needed breathing room</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> with regards to the luxury-tax line and for the third time this offseason, they'll have acquired the most talented player available for the role -- Splitter and Bonner preceding. </span></span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Billed as Elliott2K for the new-look Spurs, Jefferson struggled to find his way in the more structured Spurs offense, and as a fourth option offensively. The 30-year-old Arizona product had long been one of the NBA's best open court players on the wing but without the pass-first point guard and ample opportunities in the transition game, Jefferson became a spot-up shooter and -- at times -- an afterthought (and often with only himself to blame).</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The small forward in the Spurs' offense has long been tasked with the job of doing two things: play lock-down defense on the perimeter and knock down the corner 3. And coming off a year where he shot a career high 39.7% from the three and a eye-opening 45.9% on corner threes, the Spurs felt they may have found a fit in that respect -- not so much.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A roster in flux (two-fifths of their stating lineup -- Jefferson and McDyess -- were new to the team; 5 of their would-be 10-man rotation -- Jefferson, McDyess, Blair, Hill and Bogans -- were new or playing bigger roles; 2 -- Finley and Mason -- were playing reduced roles and none-too-pleased about it; and 2 of the Big 3 -- Ginobili and Parker -- were working their way back or through injuries), undefined and unknown roles and rotations plagued the team's continuity from start to finish of the 2009-10 campaign. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But front and center was the player who had $29.4 million left of a 6-year $76 million extension he signed back in 2004 with the Nets. A player whose price tag made him both attainable and unreasonably labeled; hefty contracts don't guarantee a savior, much less a player that meets his worth -- Jefferson struggled mightily to fit in with his new team. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Coming off a year in Milwaukee where he was given free reign to score at will and handle the ball more than any other player on the team -- the Bucks had been beset with injuries, their stars Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut missing a combined 95 games -- Jefferson found success in large part due to opportunity -- he set a career high in 3-point attempts (292), attempted the second most field-goals of his career (1,222) and and he attempted his third highest total of free-throws (518).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With those attempts came a rhythm; with that rhythm came a confidence; with that rhythm the Spurs saw something they hoped they could duplicate; but that rhythm and confidence doesn't come without opportunities, attempts.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a member of the Spurs and -- at best -- their fourth option offensively, the Spurs simply can't cater or force-feed Jefferson to duplicate past production. They can't sacrifice team success for the individual, which is precisely what they'd be doing. The Spurs will have to be a little more creative to utilize Jefferson's strengths and Jefferson will have to impose his will and athleticism on the game more -- an offensive player that doesn't necessarily fit a team's offense can't allow his offensive success to be the barometer for his overall play -- but there's only so much that can be done; there's a point where doing becomes counterproductive.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Going into year-2, there's hope of a better utilization, a more comfortable and confident player, a player that's been freed from the burden of a contract that had become more of an albatross than a source of success or pride, and that there's still hope yet for that Elliott2K.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For better or worse, Jefferson and the Spurs are now in this for the long haul.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A marriage of convenience.</span></span></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-69080064400598978492010-07-15T01:35:00.007-05:002010-08-22T02:55:36.460-05:00Part 2: Executing The Plan<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reigning Black</span></b></span></i></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></b></span></i></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Revised)</span></i></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></span></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiago Splitter is </span></span><b><a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/100712_spurs_sign_tiago_splitter.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">officially a Spur</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Matt Bonner will be a Spur </span></span><b><a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/100713_bonner.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for another 4 years</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">should he see the end of his new contract).</span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b><br />
<div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Richard Jefferson? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They're working on it </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> all signs point to Jefferson donning the Black and Silver sometime shortly, but as the saying goes: Don't count your chickens until they've picked up their $15.2 million option.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And with that, we look to what we've learned, what we know, and where the Spurs go from here.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What We've Learned</span></span></b></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://nimg.sulekha.com/sports/thumbnailfull/tiago-splitter-2009-9-6-22-10-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://nimg.sulekha.com/sports/thumbnailfull/tiago-splitter-2009-9-6-22-10-16.jpg" width="151" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you were to ask anyone knowledgeable of the NBA or its finance over recent weeks and months about the going rate of a certain first</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">class Brazilian bigman, chances are they'd tell you most </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> if not all </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> of the Spurs' Mid</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Level exception would be about right. The Spurs were in dire need of Splitter's services </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> a player that was getting paid quite well by his Spanish club </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and being three years removed from his 2007 draft class, Splitter was now eligible to eschew the rookie pay</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">scale and garner the Mid</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Level exception from the team which held his rights. It wasn't a forgone conclusion Splitter would receive the whole Mid</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Level exception, but the smart money was on him securing the majority of it and probably winding up at a number around $4 million in his first year.</span></span></span></i></b><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not quite.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Splitter_is_a_Spur_at_last_98289649.html?showFullArticle=y"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">According to Mike Monroe</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> of the San Antonio Express-News, Splitter signed a 3</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">year contract valued at $11.016 million with a starting salary of $3.4 million </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> leaving $2.365 million left of the Spurs' Mid-Level exception. To say the signing of Splitter was a coup </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> in a market where Amir Johnson receives $34 million over 5 years and Johan Petro walks away with $10 million over 3 years </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> would be an understatement. Simply put, Splitter's signing couldn't have gone any better for the Spurs; </span></span><b><a href="https://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/status/18397285645"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chad Ford</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and at least </span></span><b><a href="https://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/status/18397285645"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">one G.M.</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> agree.</span></span></span></b></span></i></b></div></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On Tuesday, Bonner officially re</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">upped with the Spurs for 4 more years. The contract is believed to be </span></span><b><a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/spurs_splurge_on_bonner_98386754.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">valued at $16 million</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> but we've yet to get real confirmation. But if the contract is for 4 years and $16 million dollars, Bonner could receive $3,455,724 in his first year on a max</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ascending contract. (Bruno </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> via RealGM </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> has suggested Bonner's first year might actually be worth $3.05 million which would suggest what we already know: we don't exactly know.) Not bad for a supposed fifth bigman.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The fact that Jefferson opted out and Splitter was re-signed at such a reasonable rate allowed the Spurs to splurge on Bonner. Unable to use anything other than the Bi</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Annual exception and their left over money from the Mid</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Level exception, the Spurs would have only been able to sign a player with a maximum value of $2.365 million or a veteran minimum to take Bonner's place. In terms of the player the Spurs could have acquired to fill the role, the Spurs definitely signed the best player. It can be argued that the best player isn't necessarily the "right" player, but he was the best nonetheless </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> The Spurs were allowed to pay for the best player available because they held his rights.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What We Know</span></span></b></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00S1ax277z1kZ/x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00S1ax277z1kZ/x350.jpg" width="131" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With the signings of Splitter and Bonner, the Spurs officially have 8 players with guaranteed contracts going into next year: Duncan, Ginobili, Parker, Blair, Bonner, Hill, McDyess and Splitter. The Spurs also have 4 players with partially or non</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">guaranteed contracts: Gee, Jerrells, Hairston and Temple. James Anderson has yet to officially sign and Ryan Richards status is unknown at the time </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> thought to be an option for the Toros this year, Richards may be contractually bound or otherwise made to remain overseas for a year. That leaves the Spurs currently with five bigmen and three guards under contract and on the roster.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs still have the remainder of their Mid</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Level exception and their Bi</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">annual exception to add a player or two, and they have the ability to use their partially and non</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">guaranteed contracts as an asset to make or sweeten a deal; Richard Jefferson could still be used in a sign</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">trade.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Raja Bell once again has been </span></span><b><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-freeagentbuzz071310"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">linked to the Spurs</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and James Jones has become a player of interest, as it's been stated </span></span><b><a href="http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/07/13/spurs-taking-look-at-james-jones/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he'd sign for more than the minimum</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> if a deal can be finalized with San Antonio.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The luxury</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tax threshold surprisingly rose to $70.307 million and the Spurs now have the ability to be a non</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tax</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">paying team, should they choose.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where The Spurs Go From Here</span></span></b></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While the Spurs only officially have eight players under contract, it's safe to assume they have at least twelve roster spots locked up </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Anderson will be signed, Jefferson is reportedly only a matter of time, and two of Hairston, Temple and Gee will most likely make the team (and possibly all three).</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs' frontline is pretty much set, the only real addition possibly coming in the form of Richards or a project to be sent down to the Toros. The backcourt features three of their four best players, their rookie and All</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Big 12 Player of the Year James Anderson, and the promising Garrett Temple.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Which brings us to the small forward or swing position.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Richard Jefferson is the only true small forward on the roster, and he technically isn't even on the roster. But if we're to assume that he will be manning the position for the Spurs this year, having a player of his caliber playing 35 0f a possible 48 minutes available at the position wouldn't normally be much to worry about </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> you can always go a little smaller with a shooting guard or a utilize a low</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cost option for limited minutes. But it's just not as simple as that with Jefferson. The Spurs need a real presence outside of Jefferson at the position. More succinctly, they need a better and more impactful defensive presence on the wing.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What the Spurs do have is the promise of Malik Hairston and the use of their exceptions to bring in another player or two. Seeing as the Spurs' coaching staff seems to be </span></span><b><a href="https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/18145364220"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pretty high on Hairston</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and Jefferson is assumed to be signed shortly, the Spurs will probably only be looking to bring in one player </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Raja Bell being their No. 1 target.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Correction, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">was</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> their No. 1 target </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><b><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5381152"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Marc Stein has reported the Jazz and Bell have agreed to terms</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">on a 3-year deal worth nearly $10 million</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With Bell now eliminated from the equation, the Spurs could now turn their attention to a player that's apparently found his way onto their radar: James Jones </span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A 29</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">year-old, 7</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">year veteran of the NBA, Jones possesses prototypical size for the small forward position </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> measuring a full 6</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8 </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and he's made his way in the league due in large part to his ability to shoot the ball from deep.</span></span></span></i></b></div></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Roughly a 40</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">percent shooter from the three</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">point line in both the regular season and postseason, Jones' attractiveness to the Spurs is no secret. But it's also no secret that Jones has only managed to appear in 76 games the past 2 seasons and his defensive prowess has never been his calling card. A capable defender and even noteworthy at times, Jones has utilized great length with respectable quickness and footwork to get the job done in years past. But due to both age and injury, Jones' respectable quickness isn't quite what it used to be. And given the lack of time he's been able to log on the court to work himself back into the shape he was prior to the injuries of the last 2 years, it's impossible to know exactly what the Spurs would be getting physically. The acquisition of Jones could be one that has pundits claiming the Spurs "did it again," but it could just as easily </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and perhaps more easily </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> end with the Spurs and their fans rather underwhelmed.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://photos.upi.com/slideshow/lbox/e0000d0426556deefba1352496d5a0ac/NBA-regular-season-Clipper-vs-Knicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://photos.upi.com/slideshow/lbox/e0000d0426556deefba1352496d5a0ac/NBA-regular-season-Clipper-vs-Knicks.jpg" width="128" /></span></span></a><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/Bell_254_050211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/Bell_254_050211.jpg" width="164" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs would be wise to gauge the interest of players like Josh Howard and Rasual Butler before using their Bi</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Annual exception or the remainder of their Mid</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Level exception on Jones. They may even find it a more prudent move to entrust the defensive responsibilities to guys like, Hill, Hairston and Anderson </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> could James Anderson be to the Spurs what the Orlando Magic found they had in Courtney Lee on their way to the Finals; and would they be better off finding out what they truly have in their youth and addressing their needs at a later date after missing out on Bell? Things to take into consideration.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recently Jim Bob Breazeale of Ticket 760 Sports broke news stating Richard Jefferson </span></span><b><a href="http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4491894&postcount=9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">was on the verge of being signed this week</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. And though it's midweek and the re</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">signing as yet to occur, what could</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> be taken away from the statement were the words chosen and his closing sentence:</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Spurs had a plan and started executing it last night," Breazeale said.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One couldn't help but harken back to last year, and specifically a piece written by the former Spurs beat writer, Johnny Ludden. It was there where Spurs loyalists </span></span><b><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=jy-spurs080809"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">were given some rare insight</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> into the Spurs' front office </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> a famous challenge in the way of, "time to pony up."</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With Jefferson opting out, the Spurs are no longer a tax</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">paying team. At least, they aren't for the time being. And conventional wisdom would tell you that the Spurs would look to fill in their roster with salaries that will keep them below the luxury</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tax threshold </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and you can put good money on that being the case to start the season.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But this all comes back to that "plan" Jim Bob Breazeale alluded to. </span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">L</span></span></span></i></b><br />
<div style="display: inline ! important;"><div style="display: inline ! important;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ike always, they had one.</span></span></span></i></b></span></i></b></span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></i></b></span></i></b></span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></i></b></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs are run and owned by some extremely smart people. Their business approach will never be accused of being haphazard or reckless. But there's an emotional chord that strikes us all </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Duncan's sincerity when discussing the prospect of future titles with the legendary Bill Russell certainly </span></span><b><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=jy-spurs080809"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">struck a chord with Holt</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. It's what makes us fans, drives players and coaches to greatness and even encourages owners to not </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">only</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> consider the bottom line. And when greatness is in your midst and under your watch, you pay special attention; if you're smart you do everything in your power to nurture, grow and sustain it for as long as possible.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs had a plan and wound up receiving spent money that they can either choose to spend or pocket. They went to Vegas with an "all</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in" bet, managed to lose and, yet, still walked away from the table with a sports coat full of chips they never expected to find.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs don't have the option of tossing around cash in hopes of winning some jackpot, but there will be opportunities presented </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">--</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> salaries will looked to be shed this year with the looming CBA negotiations (and the parties </span></span><b><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5380427"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">don't look to be all that close</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> at the moment, by the way).</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Because of years of running their organization the right way financially, the Spurs allowed themselves the opportunity to compete for a title in the waning years of the Duncan era. The inflated spending wasn't so much a departure in philosophy, but a cashing in of the Duncan 401k.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs have had a plan all along. They allocated and said goodbye to millions, only to see an unexpected sum find its way back into their account.</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Greatness is in their midst, we'll see how smart they really are.</span></span></span></i></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-30300332697557685932010-07-12T16:42:00.006-05:002010-08-22T23:09:36.729-05:00Tiago Splitter: San Antonio Spur<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Reigning Black</span></b></i></span><div><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Signed, sealed, delivered. Tiago Splitter is </span></span><b><a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/100712_spurs_sign_tiago_splitter.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">officially a Spur</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-R0to0r40LA/TDvOrZ0G1DI/AAAAAAAAADc/AVf35m7aPJ0/s1600/100712_splitter_300x350a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-R0to0r40LA/TDvOrZ0G1DI/AAAAAAAAADc/AVf35m7aPJ0/s200/100712_splitter_300x350a.jpg" width="171" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Taken 28th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft, Splitter's become both the bane and hope of Spurs fans' existence over the years. But now that he's here, that bane seems a distant memory.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The 6-11 forward-center was officially introduced today -- alongside Spurs General Manager, R.C. Buford -- as the 25-year-old Brazilian showed off his new number (22) and expressed his excitement and gratitude for a day he'd always hoped would come.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"I'm very happy to be a San Antonio Spurs," Splitter said. It's been three years for me and San Antonio to wait for this moment. I'm very happy. I knew that I want to be part of the NBA, part of the San Antonio Spurs. You never know when."</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Those three years were the sole reason for any angst amongst Spurs fans. They knew Splitter could be of great help to the Spurs and they simply wanted him stateside as quickly as possible -- the Spurs had the front court help Duncan's needed for years but couldn't utilize it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No longer.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fresh off winning both the Spanish League's regular season and Finals MVP and leading his Caja Laboral Vitoria team to it's second ACB championship in the process (averaging 15.4 points and 7.1 rebounds), Splitter isn't the typical rookie. While Spurs fans were lamenting his presence overseas, Splitter was honing his game -- this is a player that many an expert saw with limited upside and a game that had perhaps peaked and plateaued.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"We're very fortunate to be adding one of the best players not playing in the NBA," Spurs General Manager R.C. said as he introduced Splitter.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Three years later, Splitter is widely regarded as the best center in Europe and even its best player by some. Splitter's come into his own, accomplished just about all he could accomplish, and now it's time to take on his next big challenge: the NBA.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"I decided I want to come here. I feel I'm right in the moment," Splitter responded when asked if he thought about staying overseas instead of signing with the Spurs. "Three years ago when San Antonio drafted me I knew it was impossible for me to come here. I signed a new contract in Europe. I improved my game a lot."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That new number of his -- 22 -- wasn't such a hard decision for Splitter. He knew that 21 he'd worn for years in Europe wasn't really an option.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"I told R.C. and Pop, when I started wearing 21 it was because I love the way Tim Duncan plays. He was one of my idols. Now that they change my number, I don't care," Splitter enjoying the moment.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And when it couldn't get any better, it did. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, league sources have told him Splitter signed a deal that will pay him </span></span><b><a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/18393536959"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">$10.9 million over three years, with a starting salary of $3.4 million</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> in his first season -- that leaves a little more than $2.3 million ($2.365 -- if the $3.4 million figure is correct) left of the Spurs' Mid-Level exception for them to play with.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"If I stayed in Spain I could have made more money," Splitter replied. "But this is my moment."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But on this day, it was about fulfilling a dream and one's promise. It was about seeing a player -- one who's become a bit of an urban legend with Spurs fans -- finally materialize and become a reality. It was a day to welcome the newest Spur -- something Splitter's thought about, viewed and admired from afar.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"They're the team since I was a kid," Splitter said. "I know them very well. I'm very happy to be here in San Antonio. For sure we're going to have fun."</span></span></div><div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-15320400768240033262010-07-09T21:31:00.016-05:002010-08-22T23:11:35.078-05:00Part 1: Executing The Plan<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>Reigning Black</b></i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">(Note: The reported Jefferson agreement was -- at best -- premature. The following was posted July, 9 following Ticket 760's report.)</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All eyes on the self-proclaimed King as he aired "</span></span><b><a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/07/09/lebron-james%E2%80%99-announcement-generates-7-3-overnight-rating/56618"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Decision</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">," Gregg Popovich, R.C. Buford and Co. awaited the final verdict. The Spurs' front office awaited the biggest and most significant domino to be set into motion, as to reveal the landscape in its wake.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Ticket 760 and the Union Leader, we now have an idea as to what this newly found landscape means to the Spurs -- the Spurs have apparently come to agreements with </span></span><b><a href="http://ticket760.com/pages/pp_spurs.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiago Splitter</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, </span></span><b><a href="http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4491894&postcount=9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Richard Jefferson</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Concord%27s+Bonner+re-ups+with+the+Spurs&articleId=587d54f6-bb06-4a60-8fc0-85c828bf54fd"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Matt Bonner</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, which would all-but complete their frontline and lock them into a roster with minimal addition, sans a trade. </span></span></div><div><a href="http://imagenes.publico.es/resources/archivos/2010/2/18/126652170570820100218-2910910dn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://imagenes.publico.es/resources/archivos/2010/2/18/126652170570820100218-2910910dn.jpg" width="192" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Splitter -- a 25-year-old Brazilian bigman -- has long been on both the NBA and Spurs' radar. His draft status became a bit of a running joke, as word of his presence in it goes back to as far as 2004. He was thought to finally declare for the 2006 NBA Draft but with teams reluctant to use a high pick on him for fear of a contract buyout, Splitter would remain with his Spanish team. In 2007, at the age of 22, Splitter became automatically eligible for the NBA Draft. Still under contract and overseas with his Saski Baskonia team -- then sponsored by Tau Ceramica -- the Spurs would select him with the 28th overall pick in the NBA Draft. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Knowing full well Splitter was a year away from joining the team, the Spurs simply capitalized on an opportunity to draft a lottery talent that wouldn't otherwise be available to them. They were competing for championships -- just coming off their fourth -- and the value to be had with the 28th pick was just too great to pass on. Splitter would have another year to season his game in one of the finest leagues outside the NBA -- Spanish ACB -- and would seemingly be available to join the Spurs the following year. But confronted with a severely ill sibling and an economic downturn -- one that presented Splitter with an opportunity to sign a contract worth 8-times the rookie pay-scale the NBA had to offer -- the Spurs would have to wait at least another year. Splitter re-signed with his Spanish League team, Caja Laboral (Tau Ceramica sponsored Saski Baskonia before ceding way to Caja Laboral; like billboards... these things change), on a two-year deal that would keep him overseas through the 2009-2010 NBA season.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With Splitter aboard, the Spurs would finally be able to bolster their front court with some much needed youth, size and talent -- it's safe to say Splitter will be the most talented sidekick Duncan's had since his earlier years with David Robinson. Described by Spurs' General Manager, R.C. Buford, as being a bit in the Andersen Varejao mold, Splitter should be able to help out immediately. How much will simply be determined by how quickly he can transition to the size, speed and rules of the NBA. (L.J. Ellis of SpursTalk.com took the time to </span></span><b><a href="http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158008"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">scout Splitter</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and give fans an idea of </span></span><b><a href="http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158544"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">what to expect</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Should the Spurs finally get Splitter to sign on the dotted line this week, their No. 1 offseason priority will have been met. They'll have achieved their best and most realistic goal. But whether the signing of Splitter will deem this offseason a success is anything but a certainty. They'll have had success -- no doubt -- but the extent of which largely depends upon expectation and the final result. For the Spurs and Spurs fans, it might be more appropriate to say: NBA Finals results. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Spurs are also believed to have come to terms with Richard Jefferson, a player that stunned the team and most of the NBA world by opting out of a final year that would've paid him $15.2 million. Seeking a longer term contract and more guaranteed money, Jefferson looked to take advantage of a market long on cap room and shorter on talent. But with Jefferson coming off a truly sub-par year and his value being lower than at any recent time, he's found himself being confronted with the possibility of settling for a contract nearing the Mid-Level exception.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's believed the Spurs will pay more than the Mid-Level ($5.765 million) but for how long and just how much more is unknown for the time being. But it would stand to reason that the Spurs might offer him a little more than his current market value, when you consider the amount of money his opt-out saved the team and the fact that they'll be locked into him for likely another 3-4 years -- an unnecessarily kind offer and a little good faith hopefully being enough to bring back a player ready to contribute and not sulk. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jefferson still isn't an ideal fit but he's as talented a player the Spurs could bring in. And as Eric noted in </span></span><b><i><a href="http://reigningblack.blogspot.com/2010/06/15-million-dollar-situation.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The (15-million dollar) Situation</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, </span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">there's an opportunity for Jefferson to improve and find a way to become a much more useful component of the Spurs' attack. Whether another year in the system and some </span></span><b><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Aije5AsvnhNeyZEso0XYzL68vLYF?slug=ys-freeagentbuzz063010"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">personal offseason-coaching</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> from Coach Popovich bears fruit, remains to be seen.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rounding out the trio of players said to have come to agreement with the Spurs is Matt Bonner. According to the </span></span><b><a href="http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Concord%27s+Bonner+re-ups+with+the+Spurs&articleId=587d54f6-bb06-4a60-8fc0-85c828bf54fd"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Union Leader</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, Bonner and the Spurs have agreed to terms on a 4-year deal that would take him through the 2013-2014 season and is expected to exceed the $3.2 million he had been earning annually. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"I'm just very excited. I'm really happy things worked out, and I can go back to San Antonio. I'm really looking forward to the future," Bonner said. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bonner -- a 4-year, 30-year-old veteran of the Spurs -- had received interest from Chicago, Dallas, Denver and New York after becoming a free-agent July 1, but he's found himself exactly where he wanted to be.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"In the end, if San Antonio was going to make a fair deal and give me a long-term contract, that's what I was looking for at this point of my career. To not have to uproot my family and my living situation and go back where I'm established and where my daughter was born, it's a great feeling." </span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.wkxl1450.com/site/images/stories/matt-bonner-jumpshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.wkxl1450.com/site/images/stories/matt-bonner-jumpshot.jpg" width="133" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's no secret that the Spurs value Bonner, and that they probably value him more than most. He's beloved by the Spurs' staff and players and his skill set has become a priority over the years as a means to space the floor for Duncan, while keeping the paint open enough for Parker and Ginobili's penetrations. The NBA's plus-minus statistic has given credence to this notion -- as Bonner often finds himself with a positive number being recorded -- but a phrase popularized by the great Mark Twain could be argued holds just as much credence: Lies, damned lies, and statistics.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But given Bonner's skill set, there are some numbers that bear acknowledgement. Since Matt Bonner has joined the Spurs he's been among or just outside the top-5 players in PER (Player Efficiency Rating) on the team. And over the last 2 years he's found himself with a PER of 15 during the regular-season , a number that represents an average NBA player. But in the playoffs it's been a different story. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the 2008-09 playoffs Bonner had a disastrous showing, as the Spurs were ousted by their upstate rival. Bonner's PER would fall from 15 to 3.3 and his shooting was nowhere to be found -- a regular season TS% (True Shooting Percentage) would fall from 61.1 to 31.4 and his eFG% (Effective Field Goal Percentage) would fall from 60.6 to 28.4. It was his first time tasting the playoffs with an entrusted role and it was only one series, but it was a poor enough outing to make one wonder. And as the 2009-10 playoffs rolled around with Bonner again being entrusted a role and place in the rotation, fans were hoping for the best and bracing for the worst. Bonner would indeed improve but, in all honesty, it's not hard to do when the bar's been set as low -- his TS% and eFG% would fall a little more than 2% -- remaining at respectable levels -- but his PER would fall from 14.9 to 8.6.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What PER would lead one to believe is that Matt Bonner is an average NBA basketball player. The majority of his minutes and the biggest sample size comes from the regular season and his 15 rating would deem exactly that: average. So the question isn't if Bonner is a solid player or maybe even the most talented bigman the Spurs could have behind the four bigmen assumed to be on the roster (Duncan, Splitter, Blair and McDyess), it's whether he'll be utilized and depended upon to play a role that views him as an average player and their fifth bigman -- a helpful and needed role to limit the minutes of Duncan and McDyess, while utilizing his skill set to improve spacing and the infamous plus-minus during the regular season. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Should the trio of Splitter, Jefferson and Bonner all ink their deals this week, the Spurs will have 9 players locked into guaranteed salaries next year. Throw in the inevitable signing of their first-round draft pick, James Anderson, and the Spurs are at 10. And depending upon how one reads into the comments of Coach Mike Budenholzer -- when asked about </span></span><b><a href="https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/18145364220"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Malik Hairston's absence</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> from this year's Las Vegas Summer League -- the Spurs could very well be at 11.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/garrett_temple_300x300_100323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.nba.com/spurs/photos/garrett_temple_300x300_100323.jpg" width="200" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Garrett Temple and Alonzo Gee both have an opportunity to make the roster, and one almost assuredly will. The team's second-round pick, Ryan Richards, was thought to be a possibility of being signed and sent to the Spurs' D-League affiliate, Austin Toros, but contractual obligations could prevent that from happening. That would leave the roster between 12-14 and the Spurs would be armed with only their Bi-Annual exception and the ability to sign minimum contract players. That leaves 1-3 players that could still be added to the roster but it will depend upon how willing the Spurs are to carry 15 players this year -- which was helped by an increase to the luxury-tax threshold -- and if their two-year window of being a tax-paying team hasn't changed with the good fortune of Jefferson's opt-out.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In Part 2, we'll explore that very possibility. For as much that has changed with the opt-out of Jefferson, has the overall outlook and execution of a plan that was set to unfold over a two-year window as well? Has Peter Holt recouped some of the money he lost, or just come across some money that was meant to be spent and will soon be shortly? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Past comments, actions and the state of Spurs basketball, could reveal the answer.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-63272850322192806692010-07-01T20:44:00.017-05:002010-08-22T23:13:58.669-05:00Death, Taxes and Bruno (Opt-Out Capology)<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>Reigning Black</b></i></span><div><br />
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</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://howtowatchsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/salarycap1big-300x269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://howtowatchsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/salarycap1big-300x269.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Any avid Spurs fan who's frequented a message board over the last handful of years knows the name, "Bruno." He's one of the most respected posters in the Spurs community and he's earned that respect largely for his mastery of NBA finance -- it's safe to say there are a fair amount of front-office types that could learn a thing or two from him. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That's not hyperbole.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Naturally, if you choose to put yourself out there and swim in the Frenchman's waters, you better be on point. You better have a grasp of the subject matter and be mindful to pay attention to detail. Because if you don't, you just might end up getting your feelings hurt (or at least find yourself getting humbled).</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So when news broke Wednesday evening of Jefferson's decision to opt out of his final year, I naturally rushed to get all the necessary information to put a piece together as quickly as possible </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-- we're a new blog and it was the perfect opportunity to allow viewers to see what type of product we hope to offer. But lost in my haste to get out a piece was the latter prerequisite one needs to possess when delving into the Frenchman's territory: attention to detail.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now excuse me as I foolishly dive into Bruno-infested waters.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">From what I've been able to gather, Bruno </span></span><b><a href="http://spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4464697&postcount=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">takes some exception</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> with the numbers I presented -- Holt's bottom line improving by a number in the ballpark of $25 million. What I believe his argument to be is this: </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jefferson makes $15.2 million in his final year, which would leave the Spurs $10 million over the luxury tax and the only way San Antonio could get under the tax, would be if Jefferson signed a contract that's first year had a value of $5 million dollars. Perfectly logical and it makes sense: $15 million (Jefferson's final year) minus $10 million (the amount over the luxury tax) equals $5 million (the maximum sum the Spurs could pay Jefferson in 2011 to find themselves back at the threshold).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There's nothing wrong with this assessment and Bruno's in no way off base, but there is a discrepancy in interpretation and the fault lies on my behalf. My haste to get out a post had me neglect the attention to detail I alluded to earlier.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The basis of my post was an assumption. And from that assumption I painted a scenario with a brush of certainty, had things played out a specific way. I said things "would" when it should have been "could," but based on an assumption -- one I failed to clarify -- where things "would" actually happen. Have I lost you yet? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Good. I was going for misdirection.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, to the real reason for the discrepancy in savings. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The thought process goes like this:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The first dollar in excess of the tax line is most expensive because it results in the loss of tax distribution. So that first dollar over the luxury tax actually costs you several million dollars -- the exact amount of the 2010 distribution should be known in a few days, the 2011 number won't be known until July, 2010.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So say you're $8 million over the tax line and you still have the Bi-Annual Exception available (the LLE). Using that exception will cost you $2 million in salary, plus $2 million in tax. So, in for a penny, in for a pound, or so goes the old adage.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now, what if a team should find themselves something like $10 thousand below the tax line? That Bi-Annual Exception will cost you $2 million dollars in salary, plus $2 million dollars in tax, plus $3-5 million in would-be tax distribution (we generously went with $5 million, Bruno suggested closer to $3 million, no big deal -- we'll see where it ends up). That creates an even greater incentive to stay below the tax line -- not that there isn't plenty of incentive for a small-market team in the first place.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At this current moment in time, The Spurs are approximately $16 million under the tax line. It would be a fair assumption to believe that the Spurs will look to fit Jefferson, Splitter, Anderson and fillers into that figure. But we'll all have to wait and see how it all plays out -- in the event Bruno's scenario plays out (at least what I believe it to be) the Spurs would still stand to save around $15-16 million.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the end, the discrepancy of our figures comes from the surrounding circumstances (i.e. the assumption the Spurs will adjust payroll to fill the $16 million dollar gap created by Jefferson's opt-out) and how they affect tax disbursement.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But, again, I am swimming in Bruno-infested waters. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And we all know how that usually works out . . .</span></span></div><div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-64430839497960049262010-07-01T12:04:00.014-05:002010-08-22T23:15:51.581-05:00Murphy's Law- Options for the Bi-Annual Exception<i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Reigning Black</b></i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.magazineusa.com/images2/originals/MurphysLaw.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.magazineusa.com/images2/originals/MurphysLaw.gif" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If we're to work from the premise of Murphy's law</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> ("Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.")</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, Richard Jefferson's on his way out the door and the Spurs have nothing to show for it: no cap room, no sign and trade in place, nothing. The Spurs have been left high-and-dry without the means to find or acquire a comparable replacement, at least talent-wise.<br />
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If Spurs are left with nothing to show for Jefferson, the Spurs will then be left with the Bi- Annual Exception (roughly $2 million) to find a suitable replacement at the small forward position-- due to Tiago Splitter receiving most, if not all, of the Mid-Level Exception.<br />
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Because of how powerful and true Murphy's law can be, Reigning Black will dissect the realistic options that should be available for the LLE (Bi-Annual Exception).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Small-Forwards that should be available for the LLE</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(Bi- Annual Exception)</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1st-Tier: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/UYRM2GNIhq-ytyKth7ls9jW33N*AyVJvZC4wXElZYDyg**HyvYGaWDeSSiAdLJjA7ABFZEPX50CEiyr-0aM4G2NdHCgW-Gys/hpg0506_wright_060103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://api.ning.com/files/UYRM2GNIhq-ytyKth7ls9jW33N*AyVJvZC4wXElZYDyg**HyvYGaWDeSSiAdLJjA7ABFZEPX50CEiyr-0aM4G2NdHCgW-Gys/hpg0506_wright_060103.jpg" width="164" /></span></span></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dorell Wright</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (24 years old) - 6'9" Small forward, who has spent his first 6 years with the Miami Heat. Last season, Wright had one of his best years averaging 7.1 points per game on 46% shooting and 39% shooting from three in just 20 minutes per game. Wright is a better than average spot up shooter, who has the ability to create off the dribble from the triple threat position, specifically when the opposition closes out hard on rotations. Defensively, he has the athletic and physical tools to be a capable defender, but the jury is still out on this aspect. Perhaps some coaching from one of the best defensive coaches in the game can help.<br />
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</span></span><a href="http://www.nba.com/magic/photos/barnes_300_010310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.nba.com/magic/photos/barnes_300_010310.jpg" width="171" /></span></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Matt Barnes</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (30 years old)- 6'7" small forward, who has spent all of his 7 years being the prototypical NBA nomad, signing with a different NBA team every year. Last year he averaged 8.8 points, on 49% shooting and 32% shooting from the three point line, in 25 minutes per game for the Orlando Magic. Defensively, Barnes has demonstrated a competitive fire and aggression on the defensive end for years, taking on the responsibility of guarding the opposition's best wing offensive weapon on a nightly basis. This competitive, defensive approach should make Barnes a likely candidate for the LLE. Spurs aren't going to find a much better defensive player with the money that's available.<br />
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</span></span><a href="http://offsideswithfletcher.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/rasual-butler1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://offsideswithfletcher.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/rasual-butler1.jpg" width="123" /></span></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rasual Butler</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (31 years old)- A 6'7" small forward, Butler has played 8 seasons in the league with the Heat, Hornets and Clippers-- averaging 11.9 points per game, on 41% shooting and 34% from the three point line, in 33 minutes of action per game last season. Butler is a good spot-up shooter from the perimeter, which should be valued given the amount of spot-up opportunities that will be available; due to the high volume of Ginobili and Parker pick and roll plays. His defense is average, although he has significant length (7'0" wing span) to contest shots and deflect passes in passing lanes.<br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2nd Tier:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></span><a href="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/93265450.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D0B1B9DE7C587D51B497854A1EE6CC9F85BFC0DA541C734517E30A760B0D811297" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/93265450.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D0B1B9DE7C587D51B497854A1EE6CC9F85BFC0DA541C734517E30A760B0D811297" width="150" /></span></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">James Jones</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> ( 29 years old)- A 6'8" small forward, who has spent his last 7 seasons with the Pacers, Suns and Heat. In the past 3 seasons, Jones has been injured significantly and has only managed to play in 134 games out of the past 246 games (only 76 games in the past two seasons). Even though Jones is one of the best three point shooters available, the Spurs shouldn't make Jones a priority because they need a durable and dependable option for this significant spot in the starting line-up-- the Spurs would be wise to look elsewhere.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xc/95681207.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921A343B2C87A49D8F5C06BFEB879A57865F125B8465243B5AD2B15D445D63AE055E30A760B0D811297" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xc/95681207.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921A343B2C87A49D8F5C06BFEB879A57865F125B8465243B5AD2B15D445D63AE055E30A760B0D811297" width="142" /></span></span></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jarvis Hayes</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (29 years old)- A 6'8" small forward, who has spent his last 7 years with the Wizards, Pistons and Nets. Last year averaged 7.8 points per game, on 42 % shooting and 34% shooting from the 3 point line, in 23 minutes of action per game. A good spot up shooter and an underrated on-ball defender. Not necessarily the most active defender off the ball, but with the LLE available the Spurs could certainly do worse.<br />
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</span></span><a href="http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Damien-Wilkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Damien-Wilkins.jpg" width="153" /></span></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Damien Wilkins</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (30 years old) - A 6'6" small forward, who has spent his last 6 seasons with the Sonics (Thunder) and T-Wolves. Last year, Wilkins had a sub-par year from distance but still managed to average 5.6 points per game, on 43% shooting and 29% shooting from distance, in 20 minutes per game. Wilkins is probably one of the most underrated defenders in the league and is a capable shooter from distance, where he shot 38% from three just a year ago. <br />
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</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Other Notable Free Agent Small-Forwards --Most likely out of the Spurs price range ( unrealistic; long shots for LLE/ Bi Annual Exception):</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.nba.com/playerfile/travis_outlaw/index.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Travis Outlaw</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - (Market value should be between 4-6 million per year)</span></span></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/playerfile/mike_miller/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mike Miller</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - (Market value should be between 4-8 million a year; maybe willing to agree on 3 million if team is in contention for title.)</span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nba.com/playerfile/ryan_gomes/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ryan Gomes</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - (Market value should be between 3-5 million a year)</span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nba.com/playerfile/ronnie_brewer/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ronnie Brewer</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - ( Market value should be between 3-5 million a year)</span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nba.com/playerfile/anthony_morrow/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Antony Morrow</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(more of a SG)</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - (Restricted; meaning Warriors have the option to match any deal proposed to Morrow; cheap LLE won't be able to pry him away.)</span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nba.com/playerfile/lebron_james/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LeBron James</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- (enough said)</span></span></li>
</ul>Eric Salinashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04061912794817635554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5163373877524022627.post-59197786591456790782010-06-30T21:10:00.011-05:002010-08-22T23:18:10.267-05:00That Just Happened<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>Reigning Black</b></i></span><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes, Ricky Bobby. ... </span></span><b><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Richard-Jefferson-opts-out-of-his-contract-mind?urn=nba,252707"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, just happened.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-R0to0r40LA/TCylP47xxHI/AAAAAAAAADE/woL9AUAq9vs/s1600/1841-550x-Ricky_Bobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-R0to0r40LA/TCylP47xxHI/AAAAAAAAADE/woL9AUAq9vs/s320/1841-550x-Ricky_Bobby.jpg" /></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After </span></span><b><a href="https://twitter.com/ReigningBlack/status/17439603396"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">asking aloud to myself</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> if the Spurs were going to be any kind of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a player in free-agency earlier today, it would only seem fitting that Richard Jefferson wo</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ul</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">d decide to opt out of a 15.2 million-dollar contract. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Suffice it to say, I saw this coming a mile a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">way -- and if you believe that I'd love to sell you your next... anything, really.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Whether this turns out to be a great move </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">on Jefferson's behalf or as poor of a decision as it would seem -- opting out of a final year that would've paid him around two-times his current worth -- is neither here nor there as it pertains to a Spurs fan. So rather than get bogged down in the inconsequential, I think it'd be wise to address what this means. What exactly are the implications and ramifications for the Spurs?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How much money does this save the Spurs?</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Had Jefferson exercised his option, the Spurs were looking to be in the neighborhood of $10 million over the luxury tax. Meaning they'd be paying two dollars for every one dollar over the threshold. So with him opting out, the Spurs are likely to now spend up to the threshold without exceeding it. With Jefferson's decision to opt out, Peter Holt's bottom line just improved by $25 million, should the Spurs stay under the tax -- the Spurs were $10 million over the tax, which translates to $20 million (double on every dollar over), and the Spurs would now be in line to collect $5 million in luxury-tax distribution in July, 2011 by simply being under the threshold.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could Jefferson be re-signed? If so, is it possible that $32-40 million is a better bargain than $15.2 million?</span></span></b><br />
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<a name='more'></a><b></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The simple answer to the first? Yes, Jefferson could be re-signed. How $32-40 million is a better bargain than $15.2 million? Well, as outlined above, it's all about the tax. If the Spurs were to simply give Jefferson more years at a reduced rate -- spreading out the salary so that it's more conducive to the cap on a yearly basis -- the Spurs could still receive the $25 million garnered from Jefferson's opt-out by simply paying him, say, $8 million over the next four-to-five years for a total of $32-40 million. The Spurs would then get under the tax in the first year and owe him $28-32 million for the duration of his contract -- a much more manageable scenario.</span></span></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-R0to0r40LA/TCylZP5lMdI/AAAAAAAAADM/YFY2IhH45lY/s1600/richard_jefferson__b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-R0to0r40LA/TCylZP5lMdI/AAAAAAAAADM/YFY2IhH45lY/s320/richard_jefferson__b.jpg" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could Jefferson still be traded?</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Absolutely. Let's say a team like New Jersey was interested in bringing back Jefferson, only this time at a much more reasonable rate. Say, 4-years and $32 million. The Spurs could then do a sign-and-trade with New Jersey for a conditional second-round pick and an $8 million dollar trade exception. That trade exception could then be used to acquire a player from a team looking to shed payroll or simply unload a player. If New Jersey needed some prodding and maybe a bit of a sweetener, the Spurs could take back Kris Humphries -- 1-year and $3 million -- and receive a trade exception for $5 million dollars.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How does this affect Splitter's situation?</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The good news for Peter Holt and the boys is that the cost of Splitter has now been cut in half. No longer paying tax, the Spurs needn't worry about paying double on the dollar. The not-so-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">good news is, Splitter's likely to receive the whole mid-level exception now -- you try telling an agent and his client you can't afford to pay an extra $1-2 million after just coming across an approximately $25 million dollar windfall.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What do the Spurs have left as it pertains to free-agents (including their own)?</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Assuming Splitter receives the full Mid-Level Exception, the Spurs will be armed with both the Bi-Annual and Veteran-Minimum exceptions. They can sign their own free-agents using Full-Bird Rights on Bonner, Early-Bird Rights on Mason and a Non-Bird Exception on Bogans; and Ian Mahinmi can be signed to a contract of up to $1.8 million without using any exception.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Final thoughts.</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course, fittingly, as I started this post with the irony of learning about Jefferson's decision to opt out after asking myself aloud if the Spurs would be a free-agent player at all, Richard Jefferson may come back to the Spurs. And, it's at the reduced rate we just got done alluding to. So, nothing to see here. Go ahead... move along. But before you do, let me leave you with this:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> If Jefferson resigns with the Spurs for 4 years $32 million, the Spurs will still benefit from the tax by structuring a more palatable contract -- which helps the bottom line and roster flexibility. Jefferson got more guaranteed money, yet, still managed to relieve Peter Holt's heartburn.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> The Spurs' ability to get under the cap could allow them to pay Bonner or Mahinmi fair market-value without being subjected to the double-on-the-dollar luxury tax penalty -- the Spurs would have been over the luxury tax without a Jefferson opt-out, which would have made all off-season transactions cost double.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Splitter still has the Spurs by the cojones and you can probably still expect him to receive the full Mid-Level Exception -- but, again, Holt's heartburn should be much more tolerable for now.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">That just happened, Ricky Bobby. ... That, just happened.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2