Does this amaze anyone else? How do they keep finding them? It also amazes me they moved them and have players like Damon Stoudamire on their roster.
they also picked barbosa. spurs are one of the best at picked good players, that is why, they are title contender since almost a decade ago...
IMHO, the answer is clear. They let them go because of Greg Popovic. Well, actually...Tim Duncan. If you have a player of Duncan's calber who lives and breathes your coaching principles, you are not going to allow the deviations that an Udrih will take to be productive. The exact parallel in Rockets' terms is Boki. As long as VG was in control of the juke box, you danced to the tune VG selected.
From this season, the Rockets scouted and brought in Carl Landry, Aaron Brooks, and Mike Harris. If you add Scola, they're 4 for 4 getting quality rookies.
I'm not sure TD has anything to do with it. For the last 10 years in San Antonio, it's Pop's way or the highway. That's the first thing any player joining that team has to understand. Another guy they let go was Turkey-Glue. He played like a dog in San Antonio.
The vast majority of NBA coaches want to have a "My Way or the Highway" theme. Van Gundy and Wells mean anything to you? How about Isiah and Marbury? PJ Carlesimo was a Spurs assistant for many years. PJ didn't have a Duncan at GS when Latrell was there. My point stands on its on merit. Popovic can run anybody he wants through the revolving door. He has Duncan.
John Salmons was also drafted by the Spurs and has now turned himself into a great slasher and defender.
They couple the amazing drafts with having a slew of free agents trying to play with Duncan and Pops. Its amazing the consistency they wind up with as their supporting cast. Its like the same player everytime. Elie, S. Smith, Daniels, D. Anderson, S. Jackson, Barry, Finley, Robinson, Walker, Mohammed, Nesterovic, Elson, Oberto Kersey, Ferry, Horry, Bonner,
Add the first re-signing of Chuck Hayes to the list. Morey was probably all over that as Assistant GM.
