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TiMvp your writing is getting better,,,,,to bad about Bonner tho.
R.C. Buford spoke with the press earlier today to announce the re-signing of Tim Duncan and Danny Green. He also talked about the Spurs' plans for the summer and their goals heading into next season. While it can be difficult to slice through Buford's doublespeak and endless cliches in order to arrive at his true feelings, here are ten conclusions I've drawn from his meeting with the press.
1. The Spurs Seek Continuity
Coming into the offseason, I suspected the Spurs would simply look to bring back the same team and give it another go next season. Following Buford's spiel, we can say with supreme confidence that the Spurs are aiming to reload with the same pieces -- while obviously hoping for a happier ending.
"Our hope going into free agency was to bring the group back together and build on the momentum we had throughout the season," offered Buford.
2. Any Improvements Will Come Internally
Buford's best wordplay of the media session was when he explained why the Spurs wouldn't be going to battle next year with a replica of last season's squad.
"We won't go into the season with the exact same team we had last year," teased Buford. "There is a lot of opportunity for internal growth -- especially this summer when our players have an opportunity to work with our coaches in our gym unlike last offseason. And it's already started. Our young guys were back at work in June and with summer league next week, there's a structured summer program our young players can be a part of if they wish. We've seen what type of internal growth can occur and I know the group that will be with us this summer will benefit from that."
Buford went on to talk more about summer league action, which runs from July 15th through July 21st and will include five games for the Spurs: "We're always excited to see the summer league group. We saw Cory [Joseph] grow a lot in Austin and hopefully that translates to improved play everywhere. Kawhi [Leonard] had a role with our team this year and our hope is he gets to blow it out to see what else is behind the tires and gain confidence in exerting himself. And it's our first chance to get a look at Marcus Denmon."
I do think the Spurs have a lot of room for growth. It's not inconceivable that Joseph proves himself to be a legit NBA player. Denmon may surprise. Tiago Splitter should take another step forward. Green may blossom further. Even players like Gary Neal and DeJuan Blair can get better. And as far as Leonard is concerned, I don't know if anyone can predict what the final product will look like. In his rookie campaign, he consistently exceeded expectation at each juncture of his progression.
However, despite the potential growth, there are two counteracting elements to add to the equation. First of all, the more seasoned players on the roster -- namely the Big Three -- could negate the growth of the supporting cast by suc bing to Father Time. Secondly, it's inarguable that the compe ion in the Western Conference (namely the Thunder and Lakers) has even more room to improve over last season.
Thus, for the Spurs to emerge from the West next year, not only will the supporting cast need to grow, their growth will have to outpace the decline of the Big Three to a degree above which the compe ion improves. A tall task, indeed. But in my eyes, and apparently Buford's eyes, it's the best avenue given the possible routes.
3. Tim Duncan Feels Rejuvenated
While it was apparent from how he played, Buford talked about Duncan experiencing a bounce-back season last year. In the stretch run, Duncan played some of the best basketball he's played in years. Although Duncan making it through the season unscathed was important for his physical well-being, the impact was even greater on his mental outlook.
"I think it solidified in his mind how far he wanted to go into the future," said Buford when talking about Duncan's renaissance of sorts. "He played well throughout the season and felt better than he had in the past. In his mind, that's what was important. We're going to play him as long as he wants to play -- and then probably a couple days longer."
Can Duncan continue to play at the level he did last season? It's difficult to say he will with much confidence when looking at historical comparisons. Duncan will be 37 years old by the time the 2013 NBA Playoffs begin. In the history of the league, players that age who can contribute at a high level are few and far between.
Then again, with advances in training techniques and recovery methods, we're witnessing players being able to sustain a higher level of performance later into the careers. We know Duncan is going to put in the work to be at his best; let us hope the work pays off.
"This year was a fun year for him and I think he felt great," said Buford. "That goes into his training and how he takes care of himself."
4. The Spurs Made Danny Green a Priority
I stated my case about why the Spurs couldn't afford to lose Green. Buford, too, views Green as an integral part of the team going forward.
"Danny had a breakout year," Buford said of Green, who the Spurs inked to a contract worth a reported $11.3 million over three seasons. "He was a big part of the success we had this year -- especially with Manu [Ginobili] missing the early part of the season. It gave him an opportunity to become an important part of the team. We look forward to being able to bring Danny back and build on that going forward.
"He does a lot of things that work well here. He shoots the three ball well and he's becoming more comfortable in his offensive game. And from a defensive standpoint, he's great to have because he can matchup against big point guards and he can matchup against wings. Overall, coming into this previous season we felt we needed to get bigger and longer on the wings and Danny was an important part of fulfilling that."
If the Spurs were to have lost Green, it would have been a double whammy. Not only would the talent have been lost, the Spurs would have lost his salary slot completely. To replace him, the front office would've needed to use a salary exception -- eventually trickling down to a loss of another member of the core the Spurs wanted to retain.
"There are limiting factors that come along with the collective bargaining agreement," the Spurs general manager explained. "Danny Green played well last year. If we weren't unable to retain him, we would have been one chip short when it came time to replace him because the MLE was needed to fill a different need. By being able to use Danny's Bird rights, we were able to keep something that was going to be difficult to replace if he had gotten a terrific offer sheet that we would have been unable to match."
Heading into the offseason, Duncan was clearly the top priority. However, Green was very likely priority 1b. Thankfully, the feeling was mutual.
"From the time the season was over," said Buford, "he was focused on being here and we were focused on bringing him back."
5. The Erazem Lorbek Ship has Sailed
Since the Spurs are down to only being able to offer minimum contracts, bringing aboard Erazem Lorbek no longer appears to be possible. Buford confirmed that notion: "Erazem is going to go back to Barcelona next year. It would have been difficult to split the MLE and get Erazem and somebody else or get somebody else and have enough left for Erazem. It just didn't work out this summer."
It was always a longshot for the Spurs to be able to squeeze Boris Diaw and Lorbek into the 2012-13 roster. Though worth a try, the available money to spend made it an either-or proposition.
Reports indicate the Spurs have come to contract agreements with returnees Diaw and Patrick Mills along with 2009 second round draft pick Nando De Colo. However, since those three players are off preparing for the Olympics, the Spurs have yet to secure the necessary signatures. Buford, though, hinted that it's simply a matter of time.
"You are never completely done until you're done. And with the logistics that are in place for getting international contracts signed, we'll have something to announce when things get done."
6. The Matt Bonner Era Continues
The possibility of trading or even amnesthizing Matt Bonner has been bandied about since the copper-capped regular season marksman once again shot blanks in the playoffs. That dream, though, appears to be just that -- a dream. Buford, when discussing whether the Spurs need to add to their collection of bigmen, didn't hesitate to include Bonner when explaining the strength of the roster makeup.
Said Buford: "As far as our big rotation, we don't have Dwight Howard but between Tim, Tiago, DeJuan, Matt and hopefully Boris, I'm not sure what our needs are there. We'd love to have an All-Star center but there are only two or three of those. Short of that, we have a diverse group that fits a lot of needs."
He didn't sound like a general manager who is concerned about adding an impact bigman; Buford sounds like a GM who is satisfied with the bigmen depth and will allow the coaches to figure out how the pieces fit.
7. DeJuan Blair May Return
Blair recently discussed his displeasure regarding his benching in the last two playoff runs. Previously, there were reports that the Spurs were shopping their bowling ball of a bigman. However, when talking to the media, Buford didn't come close to closing the door on Blair.
"We understand the way he feels," said Buford. "If you look at the story he laid out, it's very true. While I don't think we have to apologize for the results, we understand the way DeJuan feels. We're looking to build the best team we can and we hope that DeJuan wants to be a part of that. If he tells Pop that he doesn't, then we'll address it and have opportunities elsewhere. In the meantime, we won't react to what a frustrated player says publicly."
Asked specifically if Blair has requested a trade, Buford said he has not. While this may be GM-speak and Buford may be actively looking to trade him behind the scenes, it's not unfathomable that Blair begins the season with the Spurs. His contract is inexpensive and still an asset to the franchise. By all accounts, Blair remains a respected teammate and he's able to produce -- statistically, at least -- when given minutes. If not offered something substantial, the Spurs could opt to simply milk the final ounces of value out of Blair's contract.
8. Expect the Spurs to Shop the Bargain Bin
By looking at how the Spurs structured the contracts they have doled out this summer, it appears as if they are leaving room to sign a player to a long-term deal at a minimum salary -- much like they did with Neal. Buford seemed to verify that assumption when describing what type of player the Spurs will look for next.
"We're hoping to get a couple more guys signed," said Buford, presumably speaking about Diaw, Mills and De Colo, "and then from that point we'll watch our summer league team. We'll start evaluating our guys and players on all the other summer league teams. And we'll see what comes to us."
To my ears, it sounds like Buford and his staff will be on the lookout for the next Neal. Perhaps the Spurs will sign a bargain veteran for the minimum if one becomes available, however that doesn't seem to be a priority at the moment.
9. James Anderson Won't Be Back
It was definitely a surprise to see James Anderson on San Antonio's summer league roster. After the Spurs failed to pick up his third-year option, Anderson's agent reportedly asked for the Spurs to trade the former first rounder out of Oklahoma State -- but no trade materialized. Following the end of the season, one would have assumed the finalization of the divorce would be a formality. Apparently, though, Anderson thinks the best way to catch a suitor's eye is to flourish under the Spurs umbrella.
"It was as much James' idea as it was ours," clarified Buford. "We welcomed him back. He's a terrific person and has a lot of potential. Most often, when a guy is a free agent, he'll go try to find a spot somewhere else. But James trusted the development work of our coaches and wanted to continue to try to get better. He felt like this was a good venue and environment for that to happen. My hope is that James will go tear it up and make us look not-so-smart."
In other words: Good luck but farewell.
10. Tim Duncan's Back at Work Already
Duncan's work ethic is legendary. In the past, young players have talked about showing up to the practice facility in the dead of summer only to find Duncan in an empty gym working on defensive slides. Even though training camp is three months away, the Virgin Island native isn't taking it easy.
"Already this summer, he's back in here at it again," Buford said of Duncan. "Sean Marks is in the cold tub now because he tried to keep up with him."
While it wasn't a cinch to return as much of last year's team as the Spurs have evidently been able to bring back, Duncan's flexibility, loyalty and ability to see the big picture made it much easier.
"He made it clear that he wanted to be here. We laid out what our realities were and how we could put the best team around him. And he said he wanted to be a part of it."
Now let us all hope that these best laid plans indeed work out for the best.
TiMvp your writing is getting better,,,,,to bad about Bonner tho.
Not sure what the front court needs are? We need an agile, spry, and long PF who help defend the rim. I guess I'll hitch my dream wagon to the Green kid from Bama.
Hopefully this is just a case of under promising and over delivering.6. The Matt Bonner Era Continues
The possibility of trading or even amnesthizing Matt Bonner has been bandied about since the copper-capped regular season marksman once again shot blanks in the playoffs. That dream, though, appears to be just that -- a dream. Buford, when discussing whether the Spurs need to add to their collection of bigmen, didn't hesitate to include Bonner when explaining the strength of the roster makeup.
Said Buford: "As far as our big rotation, we don't have Dwight Howard but between Tim, Tiago, DeJuan, Matt and hopefully Boris, I'm not sure what our needs are there. We'd love to have an All-Star center but there are only two or three of those. Short of that, we have a diverse group that fits a lot of needs."
He didn't sound like a general manager who is concerned about adding an impact bigman; Buford sounds like a GM who is satisfied with the bigmen depth and will allow the coaches to figure out how the pieces fit.
as usual bonner is going no where and as our esteem gm said what could are needs next to timmy possibly be?!?
good read!
hmmm.
Buford still counts on Joseph to become a NBA player. and Denmon will get his chance?
that's: Tony, Manu, Danny, Nando, Mills, Neal, CJ, Denmon
even if the Spurs send 2 to the Toros, there are only so many roster spots.
can they really spend 8 spots on guards?
I guess it's like that: Neal will be gone either via trade for a future 2nd round pick, or he will be cut. Denmon will be talked into a year or two in Europe. Spurs have their connctions, this will help to find a team for him.
unfortunately this Spurs roster has more room for regression, than room for improvement. so we shouldn't count on a repeat of last years great run. (I just try to be realistic, not pessimistic)
our best chance will be:
KL continuous his way to become an all star player some day. this season he turns into a full time starter, delivers 12 and 6-7 and plays even better defense.
and
DG stabilizes his shot.
and
Boris get's in shape and get's a brain wash, that cures him from his must-not-shoot-it complex.
everything else won't have that much of a significant impact.
About James Anderson : looks that the relationship between him and the team is good. That considered, there are too many guards and not enough forwards in the roster...and probably the best contract james can get after a good summer league will be the same the Spurs could offer to him.
If he shows improvenment in summertime, and considering he already knows our system, I'll have no doubt to resign him with a contract a la Neal as a third string sf. After all, neither Jackson nor Gino (that means two of the four wing players we have) are longterm projects...
Pretty sure there's a rule that prevents a team to re-sign their own players on rookie contracts whose options they haven't picked up to a deal smaller or larger than what they're originally supposed to get under the rookie scale. Or something along these lines.
I was hoping that all the signings would push the payroll up against the limits of the apron and either force an amnesty or at least make it too financially attractive to resist. It appears, however, that the Spurs have figured out how to fit all the contracts into the budget. Too bad.
If the player was a first round draft pick, just completed the second year of his rookie scale contract, and his team did not exercise its option for the third season (see question number 48), then the team cannot use the Early Bird exception to re-sign him to a salary greater than he would have received had the team exercised its option. In other words, teams can't decline an option year in order to get around the rookie salary scale and give the player more money.
http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm#Q25
Last edited by Mel_13; 07-12-2012 at 04:31 AM.
fify.
Only god could make the bigmen depth better with Bonner and Blair.
my favorite reads(with trend):
1. timvp ^1
2. bill simmons v1
3. mavs>spurs =
Cheers Mel
If Splitter and Diaw play as well as they are capable of, then the limitations of Bonner and Blair don't matter as much.
Also, not to be a Bonner apologist, but he has helped to win a number of regular season games and his contract is below the league average. Not bad for a stretch 4 who hits 40%+ from 3 in the regular season. It sounds like RC has accepted the fact that he disappears come playoff time.
Internal growth is not going to take the team to the promised land, especially Bonner is still around. Damn!!!
Despite RC's official comments, I really doubt SPURS will not consider any trade possibility especially involving Splitter based on the way Pop use him.
Yeah...No problem with keeping Bonner (amnestizing him just costs Peter Money and its not like we get anything for him via trade) as long as he gets benched come April.
I'm really curious if he gets booed at seasons start.
He won't.
Strangely enough, Bonner has been a crowd favorite at the AT&T Center. If RJ didn't get booed, Bonner won't either.
Classic case of doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Most believe a full training camp will make us better. I agree but it will also make the thunder better and every other nba team so in the end you have the same result. Shame that A world class FO couldnt string together a tough big with defensive tools in nearly six years. I get it we have a shoe string budget but man did they drop the ball on a few good bigs.
6. The Matt Bonner Era Continues
The possibility of trading or even amnesthizing Matt Bonner has been bandied about since the copper-capped regular season marksman once again shot blanks in the playoffs. That dream, though, appears to be just that -- a dream. Buford, when discussing whether the Spurs need to add to their collection of bigmen, didn't hesitate to include Bonner when explaining the strength of the roster makeup.
Said Buford: "As far as our big rotation, we don't have Dwight Howard but between Tim, Tiago, DeJuan, Matt and hopefully Boris, I'm not sure what our needs are there. We'd love to have an All-Star center but there are only two or three of those. Short of that, we have a diverse group that fits a lot of needs."
He didn't sound like a general manager who is concerned about adding an impact bigman; Buford sounds like a GM who is satisfied with the bigmen depth and will allow the coaches to figure out how the pieces fit.
The team as is will not contend for a championship. A lot of guys last year played out of their mind and we still didn't ring.
The Spurs still need that one big guy that can help patrol the paint alongside Timmy.
No, a tweener forward will be better. As much as we all wish for the Turd Towers to be flipped for even the rawest big who can protect the rim, even if he's named Hasheem Thabeet, quality big men are snatched up left and right by teams with cap space.
The Spurs have no cap space and aren't in a position to go into luxury tax territory either.
The Spurs should take a shot with Greg Oden. He might be willing to sign at next to nothing just to play basketball and prove himself. And if it works, he'll be the shotblocking defensive minded center this team definitely craves, and if not, it won't cost the Spurs much pain and suffering. Maybe they'll can catch lightning in a bottle because its about all they can afford at this point.
I'll take a flyer on Oden, but didn't he say he'd take a break this season?
I am not convinced he content going into the season with the set of bigs he has. Your point (and great write up by the way) is correct that what he said at this presser makes it sound that way but I contend the front office is too smart to know they stand pat with this bunch. He may well go into this season with the bigs we have because he is also smart enough not to make a trade, just to make a trade.
As others have said, we have a lot of depth at guard and if the right deal comes along, it would make sense for Neal to be packaged with one of the bigs. Maybe it happens at the trade deadline but they are going to have to thin out the guard depth by the end of training camp.
I don't disagree with your perception that R.C. is going forward with the same crew on the front line going forward but logically the Mr. Spock in me says something will happen.
^^ I don't usually speak that badly but am hurrying because I should be working rather than reading my favorite Spurs board.
I want to add one more thing. The reason that they were trying to brought the same team back is that the players themselves believe that they could have won it all and they still think they should win it all.
Remember what Parker said last summer about Spurs will still have a good team but they won't be a championship team? Nobody said such a word after that amazing run we had last year. It's important for the players to believe in themselves and especially in their teammates( minus Bonbon of course)
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