By: rtesoro440

rtesoro440 — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 21:57:12 +0000

The writer seems very cautious in his assessment of the Spurs bench. His treatment of how the Spurs look into the free agency and whether or not they trade some assets and draft in the ist round is too timid. First, on free agency. How could they sign free agents? We know that the team is cash strapped. Where could they get money? In the case of TD. He is good for at least 2 more seasons. They could offer him to re-sign at a reduced amount say $12m next season and $10 the 2nd year, a savings of $9m next season. In the case of Jackson, they can offer an extension for 2 yrs including the current for a restructured salary, if possible, of $7m or $6, and realize a $3m or $4m savings. So tentatively they save a total of $12m or $13m. Is the savings not enough to attract free agents like Kaman, Humphries, Clark or some big man suited to the Spurs’ system? If Jackson is unwilling, they could opt to trade him. Package the trade with Bonner and Anderson (sign & trade) I am almost certain that there are teams ready to sign a veteran leader who can guard, rebound, assist and shot the ball. He showed it last season he could do it. Which time we are ready with the 2nd option. With a package deal, the Spurs can draft maybe # 15 to 20 and make a savings of $7m. Is the saved amount not attractive to a free agent? They may land even Andre Miller. 3rd, maybe its time to trade Splitter. I know, the Spurs have already invested in him and he was effective in the pick and roll during the regular season only to disappear when it mattered. It’s already his 2nd or 3rd season with the Spurs and his development is somewhat slow. Is it not better to take a risk to develop a rookie now than being stagnant with him? Maybe he could be traded for the #10 – 14 pick. To sweeten the pot, he could be traded with Green, who also disappeared, for a higher draft and take in Andre Drummond who could be future franchise player. With little imagination, Blair could be send for a higher 2nd draft. Will the Spurs still have viable players left to contend? I think so. The line up would look like this – TD, TP, Manu, Diaw, Leonard, Neal, Kaman (or whoever is chosen), Miller and other free agents while awaiting the devloment of the rookies. They have 3 regular front court players, sf, sg and pg. It is not much of a lineup but, at least the have solve the riddle – lack of height.

Comments on: 2012 NBA Free Agency Preview: Southwest Division

By: rtesoro440