Spurs Offseason Thread

[eisfeld]

Ok, since there is no real Spurs offseason thread, I'm going to take care of this one and update it as often as possible:

Trades
The Spurs traded C Rasho Nesterovic to the Toronto Raptors in return for Eric Williams and Matt Bonner.

Rumors

An article found by Sam21 says that the spurs should consider signing Reggie Evans to improve rebounding.
Link: click here

Gedas said the Spurs are expected to sign R. Javtokas from Lietuvos Rytas as they may not be able to sign L. Scola for the next season.
Source: click here

Javtokas is expected to leave his team and to not return.
Source: Click here UPDATED

[i]Van Exel is likely to retire and Mohammed to become a Free Agent.
Source: click here

Barry for J.R? Nearly happened this season and may be an option for the next one
Source: click here - only vague source

Horry might retire after next season

Upcoming Free Agents

Nazr Mohammed - Expected to become an FA
Nick van Exel - Expected to Retire
Sean Marks
Melvin Sanders

Articles

What went wrong against the Mavericks

Ginobili's big error and what they might do with Scola

Spurs need fast infusion of youth

Spurs roster breakdown


Discussion
Well what do you think what the Spurs have to do to be a contender next year? Horry, Bowen and Barry are quite old and are expected to be over their career highs. Oberto and Marks have not proven that they can contribute consistantly off the bench. Nick van Exel was no real factor last season. Benoh Udrih may improve and become a solid backup PG. And last but not least: Who will be a FA and who can be a good match for the team for the next season?

Your opinions?

Videos
Ian Mahinmi
Robertas Javtokas

[Silas]

I say be healthy, thats about it, its quite clear they already have the tools in place to win a championship, they just need to all stay healthy and perform at their best at the same time. Perhaps bringing in some more depth up front wouldnt be such a bad idea, and maybe geting some more youth in their backup backcourt.

[Jugs]

I don't think that article specifically said that they are going to sign Reggie Evans, the writer was simply implying that the Spurs should sign Evans from a fans' point of view.

[Sam The Man]

as i said in the other thread:

Nazr Mohammed has already said he wants to play for his home town Chicago, so i think they should re-sign him and send him and Nesterovic to the Bulls in a deal that would involve Chandler. Which is a bit of a risk with his inconsistency.

[eisfeld]

Well sending both Mohammed and Nesterovic to the Bulls for Chandler could work, but I doubt that the Spurs will send their two real centers away for one in return without signing a decent backup center. If they sign Javtokas or Evans (thx for the correction Jugs) it is worth considering.

I think Ginobili has to work hard in the off-season. He's the type of player who is very inconsistent. He seems to be a bit of a mood player.

@Silas
Good point about the backcourt. They have Ginobili, Parker, Finley, Udrih and van Exel. Three of them are over 30 years old. Udrih has proven that he can be a solid backup, but they have no youth on the SG or SF spot which can cause them trouble in the future.

Update
I posted a couple of articles at the first post. One says that the Spurs should consider trading the draft-rights for Luis Scola. I think this could be a good decision. Sure, Scola is a good post player, but he's old and plays basically Duncans position. He is no real Center which is what they need.

The other article deals with the contribution of Barry, van Exel and Horry.

Even more obvious was how old Robert Horry, Nick Van Exel and Brent Barry appeared coming off the bench. Never before has coach Gregg Popovich had to jump through so many hoops attempting to find the right lineup. It never really happened. He was never comfortable playing big men Nazr Mohammed or Rasho Nesterovic for extended minutes — although the combination of the two averaged more than 30 minutes in the first round against Sacramento. In other words, as the game continues to evolve into a faster pace, expect Pop to systematically re-tool this team around Duncan, Ginobili and Parker one more time.

[The X]

Oberto and Marks have not proven that they can contribute consistantly off the bench.

Your opinions?

I'd say you are wrong on this one....Marks has shown he can contribute consistently off the bench when given the opportunity....unfortunately he doesn't get called on unless Duncan & Horry are both injured....he's active, sets screens, solid passer, nice dunker, can shoot out to about 20 feet with consistency which is good for a big guy....as for Oberto, of the games I've seen of him, he's a good offensive rebounder....

so I'd say your comment on both of them are wrong as they both haven't been given the opportunity to prove whether they can contribute on a consistent basis....

as for Reggie Evans, there is no way in hell the Spurs should go after him....Evans likes to grab other player's crown jewels, enough said....if they want a rebounder, I'm sure they can play Oberto more & he can put all his energy into it....he won't be as good as Evans, but at least he won't feel the need to go down under for a bit of action....

[eisfeld]

Well you may be right, but I don't think that the Spurs are going to give them more playing time. If they can not re-sign Mohammed Oberto could get more playing time next season. Marks' future is open, it would not suprise if he's still a Spur next season, but it would also be no surprise if he's becoming a Free Agent.

Nobody doubts that these two guys can play basketball, but from my point of view only Oberto fits in the Spurs' system. Marks would be better off in a team like Phoenix or any other where he can play more minutes.

If the Spurs sign Javtokas, Scola or Ian Mahinmi (who will be part of the summer camp) I see no chance that Obertos and Marks' role on the team will improve.

I think your opinion on Evans is correct. There are better options out there on the market.

[The X]

I agree with you, Marks would be better on a more free-flowing team

[Silas]

Marks would fit right I feel on the Heat, Nets, Wizards, Suns, or Sonics.

[eisfeld]

The Lithuanian team for which 2001 Spurs second-round draft pick Robertas Javtokas has played for the past five seasons is so convinced Javtokas will be in the Spurs’ training camp this fall it has signed a player to replace him.

It's very likely the Spurs take him above their young French Big man. After Javtokas Motorcycle accident a couple of years ago he has been doing very well on his team. Now his contract expired and he's part of the spurs' summer camp.

[hova-]

Correct me if I am wrong, but in my opinion the Spurs got a little bit old and I think they would really need a swingman player. Or at least some youth that brings them the athleticism. Devin Brown was a good example. He wasn´t a swingman, but he had the ability to drive and to shoot and was a perfect bench player.

I dont see that many games, but I read a lot but correct me if im wrong !

[Null17]

It doesn't bother me if NVE retires. Udrih should be given more playing time.

If Nazr goes, they better get someone with good rebounding. I don't really know much on that Javtokas guy to comment. Not liking that Chandler trade that was mentioned so I say stick with Nazr or find a suitable replacement. Don't let both centers go.

I'm pretty disappointed with Oberto though but Marks has been ok. He's at least good for NLSC marketing

[Fenix]

They should obviously go young. What this year's playoffs showed is, that you need flexibility nowadays. Things have changed a bit, even from last year, and the Spurs must adapt. The good thing is that they already have some talent to do that. Duncan proved that he can still do his thing, Ginobili is still in his prime for a couple of years (he's 29 in June) and Tony Parker/Beno Udrih duo is potentially just what you need to succeed. Don't get me wrong (although I could be a bit biased), but with Udrih I see enough talent to become a good starting PG and his playmaking and range perfectly complements Parker's slashing ability. He was even compared to Nash many times before he turned into a Jesus-like figure, making everyone better along the way. Bruce Bowen has clearly lost a step and should be replaced with Quinton Ross or his clone (I hear Bobby Jones is exactly that and could be gotten in the 2nd round). Same is with others. Mohammed is a gonner, Nesterovic should also be traded (if that's even possible) and replaced with an athletic centre who could run and give the Spurs' that secon defensive presence. Reggie Evans is also a good fit to be put into the game when Duncan plays C, he has heart and a knack for balls (obviously). Barry should be gone and be replaced with an athletic swingman to speed up their perimeter a bit, but I'd keep Finley and Horry, because they give them confidence, especially Horry, being a 'winner' and all.

[eisfeld]

Totally right -hova. The Spurs are fairly old at the SG/SF spots. The main problem is the draft picks. This year they only have a second round pick and in recent dracts they drafted big-men (Scola, Mahinmi, Oberto, Javtokas). I hope they will sign J.R. Smith soon.

[Fenix]

I don't know if JR Smith (Brent Barry for JR trade was reportedly the one Hornets and Spurs discussed) is what they need. Sure, he is athletic, young and full of potential. But I don't like his work ethic or lack of thereof and he doesn't use his superior psychical skills (6'7, 6'10 wingspan, strength and explosivness) nearly enough. But then again, if Popovich thinks he can make him realize his potential, I'd give him a shot.

[Gedas]

Well, the trade with Hornets also involved Macijauskas. It was Macas+JR. Smith->B. Barry.
And about Javtokas. I know the real deal with him. He is currently choosing between Maccabi and Spurs. Maccabi offers more money+playing time. Spurs offer a little smaller amount of money, but an opportunity to play in the NBA, but no promised playing. But he seems to be going to the Spurs, as it's his dream to play in the NBA.

[Fenix]

Javtokas is a true talent. He has athleticism and body to play in the NBA and is far better fit than Nesterovic or Oberto are. If that means one of those two go, Spurs should be all for it. And Macijauskas is also a right fit. He's underused in New Orleans and would've been Kerr-like presence off the bench if used properly in SA.

[hova-]

J.R. Smith would definitely get the right attitude when he comes to the Spurs.
He had to adapt to his new situation and I dont think he would stay like no defense and being lazy .. so it would be a good trade .. bringing some athleticism into the team and maybe getting a superstar if he gets the right attitude !

[Null17]

JR Smith sounds like a great acquisition. He has to improve his shooting though.

I'd like to see Bowen go as well. I've never been a fan of him but Pop seems to be high on him. He's a little too dirty for my taste. But someone has to fill the void he's gonna leave.

[Sam The Man]

I say dont let Bowen go yet, keep him for a few more years to teach some younger guys some of his skills. Spurs need a young SF/SG that Bowen can teach Defense to before he gets traded or retires. When he retires hopefully he can become our Defensive coach

[eisfeld]

On J.R: I think he would be a great fit with the spurs. I don't think that Pop would want him if he wasn't sure about J.R's work ethic. I hope to see him develop under Pop.

On Javtokas: He is very ready to play in the NBA. I think he's ready for it due to his body and work ethic. He would be definately a better fit as Nesterovic.

On Bowen: As long as he is a great contribution to the perimeter defense I do not see him going anywhere. But the Spurs have to develop a successor especially for him.

Assuming they have Javtokas, Scola and Mahimni on the team they have a fairly young frontcourt. The backcourt and the SF spot are lacking of youngsters. So J.R and Macijauskas woud be a fit.

[Sam The Man]

Does anyone know what Javtokas, Scola and Mahimni ratings would be? Mostly Javtokas. I want to add him to my game.

[The X]

Stephen Jackson was a nice fit for Spurs so I have no doubt that J.R. Smith would be....that being said, the Hornets would have to be pretty stupid to give him up for Barry....

[Amphatoast]

i think they just need to get duncan back to 100% and they'll be in good shape. Parker + 100% Duncan+ a consitiant Ginobli will win a lot..even in the playoffs

[Sam The Man]

J.R. Smith will most likey get traded because he doesn't get along well with the coach. Thats why he is on their trading block.