[RUMOR]: Al Jefferson to Spurs?

[TMT]

The NBA trade deadline journalism racket is a tricky minefield to navigate. The business is driven by rumors, many of which are founded in truth, others of which are utterly fictitious.

Distinguishing between the two differentiates the good basketball Web sites from the bad sites.

But figuring out who is available is not rocket science if you speak to the right people, and I speak to a lot of plugged-in people on a regular basis.

Here is the latest they are telling me: The San Antonio Spurs are the front-runners to land Al Jefferson in a trade with the Utah Jazz – and they are frontrunners like Secretariat was in the 1973 Belmont Stakes.

Here’s why, followed by a how.

“Those teams are practically incestuous, they are on such good terms internally,” one NBA source told me Wednesday.

Indeed, Spurs assistant general manager Scott Layden left Utah prior to this season after spending several seasons as an assistant coach for the Jazz and joined R.C. Buford’s staff in San Antonio’s secrecy vault front office. Also, former Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey is now doing the legwork for Utah’s grand pooh-bah, Kevin O’Connor.

The Jazz do not want to lose Jefferson for nothing when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, and they have a former overall No. 3 pick, Enes Kanter, ready to step in and fill the void that would be left by Jefferson’s departure.

Yes, Jefferson makes them a better playoff team. But no, the Jazz are not fooling themselves into believing they are championship material at this point.

And if Dwight Howard is not available on the free agent market this summer, Jefferson immediately becomes the No. 1 center available.

So the time for the Jazz to move him is now, and the team with the biggest need for an upgrade at center is the Spurs. The inability to protect the rim was one of the prime reasons for their collapse in last year’s Western Conference finals when they had won 20 in a row and had a 2-0 lead on the Thunder, only to lose the next four.

Next: The Jazz need a point guard, and the Spurs have two of them not named Tony Parker. So you can expect Patty Mills (who Lindsey is familiar with and fond of) to be the preferable choice over Nando de Colo.

The Jazz also need some value coming back in this trade, and the Spurs have one last Eurostash asset in Erazem Lorbek, who has been profiled on this site by writer A.J. Mitnick.

Presumably they’d also ask for Tiago Splitter, because somebody would need to back up Kanter, and because Splitter is having an improved season in the year his contract expires – meaning Utah would not be taking on any long-term financial obligation.

San Antonio throws in Stephen Jackson for salary-matching purposes (almost an exact match), and voila. Captain Jack will love Salt Lake City, hunh?

Link to the article (http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2013/02/06/sheridan-al-jefferson-to-spurs/)


Sheridan is essentially proposing an Al Jefferson for Patty Mills, Stephen Jackson and Tiago Splitter trade.

Personally I would not pull the trigger on this. Jefferson isn't as much of a defensive centerpiece as this guy is making it seem. He would be another guy who we could give the ball to down on the low block which could essentially give us more versatility offensively but that's not exactly an area the team is looking for a complete change up in. He has also mentioned he wants close to a max deal, while we could keep Splitter (RFA) this upcoming summer for cheaper. This Spurs team is already clicking on all cylinders chemistry wise and already holds the best record in the NBA. Spltter has come into his own this year and starting him next to Duncan (and even filling in for Duncan when he's injured) he has proven to be very effective. I also feel like he can be just as good or even better than Al Jeff on the defensive end for the most part. Shipping out S-Jax kills our Kawhi Leonard insurance, and not to mention depletes us of a clutch playoff performer. Patty Mills is a great guy to have on our bench and could obviously have a bigger role elsewhere with teams that aren't as point guard heavy.

Overall I would say no, unless we could somehow keep Splitter in which case the Jazz could look somewhere else for a better pay off.

What do you think ISH?

[CakeorDeath]

Something else would have to go down to make this work, as I'm pretty sure the Jazz are carrying a full 15-man roster, so we couldn't take back 3 players for Big Al. I guess we could just buy out Jackson and Splitter, if the centerpiece of the trade for the Jazz truly is Mills and/or the Jazz are worried that both Jackson and Splitter would walk at season's end anyway, but it seems like the Jazz could/should get more for Jefferson than just Mills.

[Horatio33]

The bit where it said Jefferson could help the Spurs protect the basket was the funniest but. No thanks Utah.

[Droid101]

Sours.

[Dbrog]

Sours.

:oldlol: I was thinking it

[TheCalmInsanity]

Sours.

DAMN IT beat me to it!!

[brantonli]

I think the Spurs should do it. Here's why.

The Spurs aren't getting younger. The FO knows that and they also know that they won't be able to luck their way into another superstar that easily. Plus the Western Conference isn't that easy to get out of. To win the champ you have to go through Durant, Kobe (maybe) and LeBron, so the Spurs will need all the help they can get, and I don't see any major downside in adding Al Jefferson. Gives you an extra option downlow plus if he does work out, he might want to stick around for a few more years. Plus Jefferson is only 28 (not an old 28 either, his birthday was last month).

[Basketbolero]

the team with the biggest need for an upgrade at center is the Spurs.

Wow, this guy has no idea what he is talking about.


The Jazz need a point guard, and the Spurs have two of them not named Tony Parker. So you can expect Patty Mills (who Lindsey is familiar with and fond of) to be the preferable choice over Nando de Colo.
So they need a point guard and decide to pursue Patty Mills of all people and want to trade Al Jefferson for him...ok... is Hollinger running the Jazz now, too?



The Jazz also need some value coming back in this trade, and the Spurs have one last Eurostash asset in Erazem Lorbek, who has been profiled on this site by writer A.J. Mitnick.
Lorbek is 29 years-old and is not going anywhere.

[QUOTE] Presumably they

[chips93]

[QUOTE]So the time for the Jazz to move him is now, and the team with the biggest need for an upgrade at center is the Spurs. The inability to protect the rim was one of the prime reasons for their collapse in last year

[Rose]

I'd think about if I was SA. Let's look at this way: Big Al isn't a franchise player, but you can probably win with him as your second best guy. And nobody can match him and Timmy on the frontline.

Second, Patty Mills isn't going to be more than a nice bench guy for his career. And Tiago Splitter, is nice. And will be a starter one day but I don't think you stop trading for an all star caliber big man over him. Which leaves Captain Jack, who is kinda expendable I think.


Then IF you can re-sign him after his deal expires (which I think they can), you've got one of the few low post guys left in the league to build around for the next 5-7 years.

[Haymaker]

OKC proved that when you shut down Tony Parker, the Spurs offense is ineffective. Jefferson would provide us with a solid scoring threat in the post, but I thini Utah will ask for either Kawhi or Green plus many other assets.

[Jolokia]

Al Jeff, the next Timmy Duncan.

[longtime lurker]

Well this is pretty much a no brainer for the Spurs. Splitter's ceiling won't be as good as Al Jefferson. I'm laughing pretty hard at the thought of Stephen Jackson in Utah though :lol

Works for the Jazz too. Clears the big man glut and if they let Milsap go in the offseason you can do a lot worse than a 3 headed monster of Kanter, Favors and Splitter

[Haymaker]

Spurs should go after Greg Monroe IMO.

[chips93]

I'm laughing pretty hard at the thought of Stephen Jackson in Utah though :lol


if this trade does go through, id bet the jazz buyout jackson immediately, and he re-signs with san antonio, like when the cavs traded away ilgauskas to the wizards in the jamison tradr, washington bought him out, and big z was back playing for cleveland within a couple weeks.

[Dbrog]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz0djkfH2R1r6n6boo1_500.jpg

:lol

[SCdac]

Not a big fan of this rumored trade, especially the thought of having to re-sign a 28/29 year old Jefferson at the end of the season.

I like him, and he gives us a better run at a championship (how much is debatable), but it's a big risk.


Spurs should go after Greg Monroe IMO.

been saying this for about a year now, and I really hope he is on the Spurs' radar.

[Fudge]

Spurs should go after Greg Monroe IMO.
What exactly would Detroit want from SA? Theyre in rebuilding mode and Monroe is one of their cornerstones. You'd probably have to give up 1 of either Kawhi Leonard or Ginobili to get him.

[SCdac]

What exactly would Detroit want from SA? Theyre in rebuilding mode and Monroe is one of their cornerstones. You'd probably have to give up 1 of either Kawhi Leonard or Ginobili to get him.

Realistically, Spurs can't get Monroe any time soon. However, I'd love to see them put a bid in for him come 2015/2016. By that time Duncan will be retired, perhaps Ginobili too, and SA will probably have cap space.

[Artillery]

if this trade does go through, id bet the jazz buyout jackson immediately, and he re-signs with san antonio, like when the cavs traded away ilgauskas to the wizards in the jamison tradr, washington bought him out, and big z was back playing for cleveland within a couple weeks.

IIRC, there are now rules in place to prevent this. I think a player has to wait a year until resigning with the same team.

[Whoah10115]

Al Jefferson is perfect for the Spurs. I love him, but he's as simple as his stats. He gives you what his numbers say, for the most part. The Spurs could actually use what he brings tho. He'd be a great POWER FORWARD to play next to the CENTER, Tim Duncan.


Jefferson is a PF, period. That's where he's best. Tim Duncan is -at least now- a center, period. Make Al your defensive guy in the paint and see how it works for you.



And it's great because Jefferson will play PF and Duncan will continue to pay C and people can pretend it's the other way around, for whatever reason.

[andremiller07]

I don't say why the Jazz would want Splitter/Mills when they got players such as Kantar/Favours there as well as Watson who's as good as Mills.

[Whoah10115]

I don't say why the Jazz would want Splitter/Mills when they got players such as Kantar/Favours there as well as Watson who's as good as Mills.



Splitter would be fighting with Kanter for a starting spot. So it's a question of whether or not the Jazz think it's worth it and if Splitter (especially) is interested in staying. Otherwise, get a third team involved. Jackson would be bought out and it'd be great for San Antonio.

[Nero Tulip]

They shouldn't do it. They have to be ambitious this year, not build for the future. And they're better off with Splitter, who's playing well and familiar with the system, than Jefferson. Losing Jackson means losing one of the toughest Spurs players, he's one of the guys who performs a lot better in the playoffs.

I'll take Jefferson for Neal + Blair + Bonner though :D

[Artillery]

Al Jefferson is perfect for the Spurs. I love him, but he's as simple as his stats. He gives you what his numbers say, for the most part. The Spurs could actually use what he brings tho. He'd be a great POWER FORWARD to play next to the CENTER, Tim Duncan.


Jefferson is a PF, period. That's where he's best. Tim Duncan is -at least now- a center, period. Make Al your defensive guy in the paint and see how it works for you.



And it's great because Jefferson will play PF and Duncan will continue to pay C and people can pretend it's the other way around, for whatever reason.

So who's going to defend the pick 'n roll? Duncan? Not at his age. Jefferson's too slow to for that as well. Splitter's one of best bigs in the league at the defending pnr while Duncan's been defending the basket. Advanced stats say that combo has been crazy effective so far. If Duncan's injury was serious, this would have been an acceptable trade but, as is, Jefferson and Duncan would be a bad fit defensively. I do like that tandem from an offensive standpoint though.

[Whoah10115]

So who's going to defend the pick 'n roll? Duncan? Not at his age. Jefferson's too slow to for that as well. Splitter's one of best bigs in the league at the defending pnr while Duncan's been defending the basket. Advanced stats say that combo has been crazy effective so far. If Duncan's injury was serious, this would have been an acceptable trade but, as is, Jefferson and Duncan would be a bad fit defensively. I do like that tandem from an offensive standpoint though.



You know what, you make a great point. Duncan was never a guy to come out on the pick n' roll tho. Even when he was younger and at PF, he stayed closer to the basket. Even Robinson, playing as the center, would come out farther than Duncan. Now, older and completely playing center, he won't come out. And I guess that could be a problem. It depends on how Leonard defends close to the basket.

[ralph_i_el]

Something else would have to go down to make this work, as I'm pretty sure the Jazz are carrying a full 15-man roster, so we couldn't take back 3 players for Big Al. I guess we could just buy out Jackson and Splitter, if the centerpiece of the trade for the Jazz truly is Mills and/or the Jazz are worried that both Jackson and Splitter would walk at season's end anyway, but it seems like the Jazz could/should get more for Jefferson than just Mills.

you don't want to do that. He's good

[TMT]

What people don't realize is the San Antonio offense would need to be altered quite a bit to implement Al Jeff who is a back to the basket, take up most the shot clock and work for his shot type of guy. Our running offense will have to halt, which is going to mean less offensive possessions and a slower paced game. Splitter is predominantly a pick and roll big which is a perfect fit for our current offensive scheme, plus he's already publicly stated he wants to re-sign. If I want any big from Utah, it's Favors.

Spurs are tied for first in the league in PPG, plus have the highest offensive efficiency rating. Why fix something that isn't broken?

[selrahc]

Spurs should trade for Dwight. Duncan is old now and can't do shit. Dwight can be your new Duncan. Just trade the two for each other straight up or with whatever scrubs to make salaries match.

[TMT]

Spurs should trade for Dwight. Duncan is old now and can't do shit. Dwight can be your new Duncan. Just trade the two for each other straight up or with whatever scrubs to make salaries match.

:wtf: Do you even watch basketball?

[Whoah10115]

What people don't realize is the San Antonio offense would need to be altered quite a bit to implement Al Jeff who is a back to the basket, take up most the shot clock and work for his shot type of guy. Our running offense will have to halt, which is going to mean less offensive possessions and a slower paced game. Splitter is predominantly a pick and roll big which is a perfect fit for our current offensive scheme, plus he's already publicly stated he wants to re-sign. If I want any big from Utah, it's Favors.

Spurs are tied for first in the league in PPG, plus have the highest offensive efficiency rating. Why fix something that isn't broken?



I don't agree with this. Offensively, there shouldn't be any problem. The offense is not going thru Jefferson. As good as he is, he'd be the 4th option on the team. It would slow down when the ball go to him, but the offense wouldn't go thru him, nor would he be the 1st option.


As far as fixing what's not broken...I just don't get that. If he could make you better, then why not?

[TMT]

I don't agree with this. Offensively, there shouldn't be any problem. The offense is not going thru Jefferson. As good as he is, he'd be the 4th option on the team. It would slow down when the ball go to him, but the offense wouldn't go thru him, nor would he be the 1st option.


As far as fixing what's not broken...I just don't get that. If he could make you better, then why not?

Essentially to get the best out of AJ, you need to post him up a lot and give him time to operate. This is going to require him getting the ball on the low block quite a bit. I'm not saying you run the offense through him, but that's the kind of player he is and you can't just change that. He doesn't run the floor much like Splitter is fond of doing, which is a phenomenal attribute for a center in a fastbreak offense. I just think there are certain things that would have to adjust specifically on the offensive end (which we have a great system that is working with the way the squad we currently have; why I brought up first in PPG and efficiency) just to benefit AJ and get the most out of him being on the floor.

Not to mention if we are going to trade for a big, it should be a difference maker in the paint defensively. Al Jeff isn't quick moving his feet and doesn't exactly impose a great shotblocking threat in the middle.

What I meant by my previous post is, why make a drastic change to a team that in number 1 in the league in offense? If anything it's the other side of the court that we should be focusing on.

Plus a little tid bit: the last time we traded for a Jefferson it didn't workout so well... :lol

[Whoah10115]

Essentially to get the best out of AJ, you need to post him up a lot and give him time to operate. This is going to require him getting the ball on the low block quite a bit. I'm not saying you run the offense through him, but that's the kind of player he is and you can't just change that. He doesn't run the floor much like Splitter is fond of doing, which is a phenomenal attribute for a center in a fastbreak offense. I just think there are certain things that would have to adjust specifically on the offensive end (which we have a great system that is working with the way the squad we currently have; why I brought up first in PPG and efficiency) just to benefit AJ and get the most out of him being on the floor.

Not to mention if we are going to trade for a big, it should be a difference maker in the paint defensively. Al Jeff isn't quick moving his feet and doesn't exactly impose a great shotblocking threat in the middle.

What I meant by my previous post is, why make a drastic change to a team that in number 1 in the league in offense? If anything it's the other side of the court that we should be focusing on.

Plus a little tid bit: the last time we traded for a Jefferson it didn't workout so well... :lol




Well, Richard Jefferson is pretty good reason never to do anything lol. But, I see what you're saying. I think he could have more impact when it really counts, because he's good enough. Also, he's a great rebounder.


But I'd agree on the defense. Besides, Ginobili has quietly come along (tho not 6MOTY like Aldridge is stupid enough to claim).


I think I'd definitely get a backup PG. I'd still love to see Ginobili in the starting lineup, because he'd be better there. Getting TJ Ford was a huge deal last year. He gave you a playmaker off the bench, so that Manu didn't need to. But, in general, you could use a true backup PG. Mills is a scorer and Neal is just nowhere near a PG.

[TMT]

Well, Richard Jefferson is pretty good reason never to do anything lol. But, I see what you're saying. I think he could have more impact when it really counts, because he's good enough. Also, he's a great rebounder.


But I'd agree on the defense. Besides, Ginobili has quietly come along (tho not 6MOTY like Aldridge is stupid enough to claim).


I think I'd definitely get a backup PG. I'd still love to see Ginobili in the starting lineup, because he'd be better there. Getting TJ Ford was a huge deal last year. He gave you a playmaker off the bench, so that Manu didn't need to. But, in general, you could use a true backup PG. Mills is a scorer and Neal is just nowhere near a PG.

Worst years of the Duncan era were when RJ was here, IMO.

Manu has been too unhealthy to be 6MOTY. We just want to get him to the playoffs, as with Duncan. Danny Green and Leonard have proven they can step up and fill the void when he isn't available, so that's a good thing. Green hit 8 threes last night with no Manu or Duncan in the lineup.

We have a flurry of PGs, the problem is all of them have good attributes the others don't. Mills is quick, bad court vision for the most part, a solid scorer but not a great shooter, also a streaky defender. Neal is basically a 2 guard in a point guards body, has the ability to stroke it from anywhere on the floor but gets carried away a lot, also has trouble running an offense and is a defensive liability. De Colo is a true point guard, great passer and is attentive but he lacks a consistent jump shot and is a step slow at times. Corey Joseph I haven't seen enough of to say he is better than either of these three, but he sure lights up the D-League when he gets the opportunity. :oldlol:

Our best bet in the playoffs is to have Manu run the point off the bench, essentially backing up TP. This allows Neal to also come off the bench playing the two where he is more comfortable. De Colo can get minutes running the offense, but because he lacks a consistent shot he is hard to play with Manu because when he doesn't have the ball he doesn't offer much. Patty Mills gets spot minutes when the matchups are right, and has actually seen a lot of time along side Tony Parker this season.

I think we are fine in terms of our personnel running the offense. But if the Spurs are going to make any trade it should be for a big man who can protect the paint. Unfortunately there aren't too many options out there that we could acquire to fill our needs, and I think the Spurs FO knows this and plans to ride it out with Splitter as our best bet. He's really come into his own this season and loves playing with these guys. He's had 2 and a half years of experience in the system and great chemistry and timing with the main guys. It would, in a sense, throw our chemistry off by shipping him out of town for another big who we can't guarantee will play better than he currently is.

[SCdac]

Essentially to get the best out of AJ, you need to post him up a lot and give him time to operate. This is going to require him getting the ball on the low block quite a bit. I'm not saying you run the offense through him, but that's the kind of player he is and you can't just change that. He doesn't run the floor much like Splitter is fond of doing, which is a phenomenal attribute for a center in a fastbreak offense. I just think there are certain things that would have to adjust specifically on the offensive end (which we have a great system that is working with the way the squad we currently have; why I brought up first in PPG and efficiency) just to benefit AJ and get the most out of him being on the floor.

Yeah, this is the truth. Offensively, it would be a huge adjustment adding Jefferson, who would be the best offensive big man Duncan has played with since Robinson. Al Jeff the past 3 seasons averaged 15-17 field goal attempts a game, he's nearing the end of his prime, and no way would he be a 4th option offensively in a contract-year. The offense between Duncan, Splitter, and Parker has been symbiotic albeit it's probably not enough to win a championship. The thing is, who knows if Al Jeff is a difference maker (I don't see it personally). It would make no sense to not feature him in the offense, yet I agree he's not incredible defensively. All in all, there's probably better options. Even if one of those options is standing pat (because we have decent young talent and our offense is thriving). As for back up PG, De Colo and Joseph are sufficient but young. We're swimming in guards right now and it's not our biggest problem considering Parker's minutes increase in the PO's. We get a ton of assists from our bench and it's not all Manu.

[Artillery]

Worst years of the Duncan era were when RJ was here, IMO.

Manu has been too unhealthy to be 6MOTY. We just want to get him to the playoffs, as with Duncan. Danny Green and Leonard have proven they can step up and fill the void when he isn't available, so that's a good thing. Green hit 8 threes last night with no Manu or Duncan in the lineup.

We have a flurry of PGs, the problem is all of them have good attributes the others don't. Mills is quick, bad court vision for the most part, a solid scorer but not a great shooter, also a streaky defender. Neal is basically a 2 guard in a point guards body, has the ability to stroke it from anywhere on the floor but gets carried away a lot, also has trouble running an offense and is a defensive liability. De Colo is a true point guard, great passer and is attentive but he lacks a consistent jump shot and is a step slow at times. Corey Joseph I haven't seen enough of to say he is better than either of these three, but he sure lights up the D-League when he gets the opportunity. :oldlol:

Our best bet in the playoffs is to have Manu run the point off the bench, essentially backing up TP. This allows Neal to also come off the bench playing the two where he is more comfortable. De Colo can get minutes running the offense, but because he lacks a consistent shot he is hard to play with Manu because when he doesn't have the ball he doesn't offer much. Patty Mills gets spot minutes when the matchups are right, and has actually seen a lot of time along side Tony Parker this season.

I think we are fine in terms of our personnel running the offense. But if the Spurs are going to make any trade it should be for a big man who can protect the paint. Unfortunately there aren't too many options out there that we could acquire to fill our needs, and I think the Spurs FO knows this and plans to ride it out with Splitter as our best bet. He's really come into his own this season and loves playing with these guys. He's had 2 and a half years of experience in the system and great chemistry and timing with the main guys. It would, in a sense, throw our chemistry off by shipping him out of town for another big who we can't guarantee will play better than he currently is.

Spurs don't need a defensive big atm. Just checked the stats and their DRating is 2nd in the league right behind Indiana. Pretty impressive. Offense is ranked 5th in the league. Also solid, but I think they need another creative wing player. Point guards are the easiest players to stop in the post-season and some team will exploit this fact and make it difficult for Parker to run the offense. If they had someone like '05 Ginobili to step up and carry some of the load, they'd be fine. Biggest concern for SA, is that Manu looks washed up this year. Getting someone like Pierce would be huge but I don't think SA has the pieces to do it.

[fpliii]

If they can acquire him without giving up much, they'd be prohibitive title favorites (I'd take the field over them though).

[el gringos]

Al Jefferson is perfect for the Spurs. I love him, but he's as simple as his stats. He gives you what his numbers say, for the most part. The Spurs could actually use what he brings tho. He'd be a great POWER FORWARD to play next to the CENTER, Tim Duncan.


Jefferson is a PF, period. That's where he's best. Tim Duncan is -at least now- a center, period. Make Al your defensive guy in the paint and see how it works for you.



And it's great because Jefferson will play PF and Duncan will continue to pay C and people can pretend it's the other way around, for whatever reason.
That's funny- and true

[SCdac]

Spurs don't need a defensive big atm. Just checked the stats and their DRating is 2nd in the league right behind Indiana. Pretty impressive. Offense is ranked 5th in the league. Also solid, but I think they need another creative wing player. Point guards are the easiest players to stop in the post-season and some team will exploit this fact and make it difficult for Parker to run the offense. If they had someone like '05 Ginobili to step up and carry some of the load, they'd be fine. Biggest concern for SA, is that Manu looks washed up this year. Getting someone like Pierce would be huge but I don't think SA has the pieces to do it.

Completely agree. Though I think Boston's request would gut our PG position given Rondo's injury. And they may be enticed by Manu's fairly large expiring contract. But it seems like a big risk and big trade, but I like it more than trading for Jefferson. Manu hasn't look washed up, he's actually had some very strong and impactful games, he's just getting old, injuries linger around him, and he basically plays basketball year round. Considering he's going to be 36 soon, his game hasn't been that bad (he's still very clutch, which doesn't show up in the stat sheet always). None the less, if the Spurs had somebody in the mold of Pierce/Iguodala/Granger/Gay/etc, they'd be serious contenders.

[Artillery]

None the less, if the Spurs had somebody in the mold of Pierce/Iguodala/Granger/Gay/etc, they'd be serious contenders.

Agree but Denver won't move Igoudala. Indiana is content with Granger(I think). And Gay is overpriced/overrated. That leaves Pierce but I don't thinks Celts will trade him now that they're winning. I like his game though.

[solar.hands]

Al Jefferson is perfect for the Spurs. I love him, but he's as simple as his stats. He gives you what his numbers say, for the most part. The Spurs could actually use what he brings tho. He'd be a great POWER FORWARD to play next to the CENTER, Tim Duncan.


Jefferson is a PF, period. That's where he's best. Tim Duncan is -at least now- a center, period. Make Al your defensive guy in the paint and see how it works for you.



And it's great because Jefferson will play PF and Duncan will continue to pay C and people can pretend it's the other way around, for whatever reason.
umm duncan is playing pf next to splitter
:coleman:

[TMT]

Boston would probably want a Kawhi+Green+PG package atleast for Pierce. Not something I'm willing to give up. Not going to happen.

[Whoah10115]

umm duncan is playing pf next to splitter
:coleman:



Sure he is.




But if the Spurs are going to make any trade it should be for a big man who can protect the paint.



Here I really disagree. That's what Duncan does. He's blocking shots at a higher rate than at any other time in his career. Even in his prime, at PF, he was a post defender and paint protector. They were the Twin Towers and not just cuz of height. But now, Duncan lives there.



Splitter is very good and, as he's Brazilian, I want him to start and do well. But if the Spurs are going to trade then it's for someone who can come out a little and guard the pick n' roll. Splitter is a hybrid PF/C...but there isn't one of those on the bench. Blair is a straight PF and Diaw is just fat. Whether Splitter is starting or off the bench, I think the Spurs would be better suited having a second big man (tho you guys signed someone recently). And for those reasons, I think it couldn't hurt to have an active PF.

[Haymaker]

Boston would probably want a Kawhi+Green+PG package atleast for Pierce. Not something I'm willing to give up. Not going to happen.

I would do that in a heartbeat. Spurs have a short window, Pierce too. You can't build around Kawhi and Green.

[SCdac]

Splitter is very good and, as he's Brazilian, I want him to start and do well. But if the Spurs are going to trade then it's for someone who can come out a little and guard the pick n' roll. Splitter is a hybrid PF/C...but there isn't one of those on the bench. Blair is a straight PF and Diaw is just fat. Whether Splitter is starting or off the bench, I think the Spurs would be better suited having a second big man (tho you guys signed someone recently). And for those reasons, I think it couldn't hurt to have an active PF.

They signed a Center - Aron Baynes. Dude is huge, active, and can clog the paint. Great signing, Spurs always find diamonds in the rough.

And Blair being a PF is work in progress since he's been in the league. He's too short to play center in the NBA but that's his natural position (was a collegiate center, has some of the best post moves in the league). The Spurs have tried to help him with his jump shot so he can transition to PF, because it sucks pretty bad. He's pretty much scores in the paint and that's it. But he'll need to diversify for a long NBA career.

Diaw is one of the best passers at his position and has thrived on the Spurs, the most he's thrived individually probably since his PHX days (not necessarily gaudy stats, but great team basketball).

[longtime lurker]

I would do that in a heartbeat. Spurs have a short window, Pierce too. You can't build around Kawhi and Green.

Wow that's surprising coming from a Spurs fan. Thought Kawahi was the next great defensive stopper ala Bruce Bowen.

[Whoah10115]

They signed a Center - Aron Baynes. Dude is huge, active, and can clog the paint. Great signing, Spurs always find diamonds in the rough.

And Blair being a PF is work in progress since he's been in the league. He's too short to play center in the NBA but that's his natural position (was a collegiate center, has some of the best post moves in the league). The Spurs have tried to help him with his jump shot so he can transition to PF, because it sucks pretty bad. He's pretty much scores in the paint and that's it. But he'll need to diversify for a long NBA career.

Diaw is one of the best passers at his position and has thrived on the Spurs, the most he's thrived individually probably since his PHX days (not necessarily gaudy stats, but great team basketball).



I always liked Diaw. He's perfect for the Spurs as he's one of those guys whose stats don't tell the story. He's in that perfect, do-it-all position. But at center, he's not ideal. And I always thought he was better off the bench for San Antonio.


As far as Blair...I never thought that. I don't see him resembling a center, at all. I think he's a garbage man. Now, you say he has some of the best post moves in the league, so I don't know. I wasn't aware of it. I'd like to see more of it. He's certainly active enough to suit the team, but he isn't a very good defensive player. He's lazy on rotations. And him playing center in college doesn't necessarily translate well into the NBA.


Now, if that is his best position, apart from his height, then he'd be a good fit next to someone like Garnett.

[SCdac]

I always liked Diaw. He's perfect for the Spurs as he's one of those guys whose stats don't tell the story. He's in that perfect, do-it-all position. But at center, he's not ideal. And I always thought he was better off the bench for San Antonio.


As far as Blair...I never thought that. I don't see him resembling a center, at all. I think he's a garbage man. Now, you say he has some of the best post moves in the league, so I don't know. I wasn't aware of it. I'd like to see more of it. He's certainly active enough to suit the team, but he isn't a very good defensive player. He's lazy on rotations. And him playing center in college doesn't necessarily translate well into the NBA.


Now, if that is his best position, apart from his height, then he'd be a good fit next to someone like Garnett.

Diaw is best served as a PF and some SF, he doesn't often play center in SA except for a team goes really smalle. As for DeJuan, he was a projected lottery pick until everyone found out about his knees (no ACL in either). He had a stellar rookie year, and some good games in the playoffs, but he's been in Pop's doghouse the past couple seasons. He has weight issues, doesn't seem entirely dedicated. IIRC he's complained about getting benched on twitter before. He's short and doesn't have a ton of vertical. He's indeed lazy/low IQ defensively. Having said that he's a decent offensive player and can be an elite rebounder if given the minutes. I can def see him putting up 16/10 on a young, shallow team.