Well after seeing this dismal collapse of the spurs down the stretch we should all begin to believe Duncan is good as gone. Rockets should they make a pitch to him, if you were the GM and the owner what would you do for Duncan to convince him Rockets should be his new home. Any thoughts?
Rockets: "Listen Tim, the Rockets have an unbelievable future. With Steve Francis dribbling down and pulling up for jumpers with 20 seconds on the clock, Cuttino Mobley jacking up asinine shots, and Moochie Norris continually lulling his teammates to sleep dribbling down the 24-second shotclock, I'm sure you could make yourself right at home. With all the shooting that the guards do, I'm sure you'd be able to put up 12, 13 shots a game. Your scoring average may considerably go down, you'd fail to make the All-Star team, and you'd never be MVP again, but think of all the positives. You could rebound the ball so Cuttino could get more jacking opportunities. You could pass it to Moochie so he could do what he loves. We could depend on you to contain Shaq, Webber, Rasheed, KG, ect. so the guards can score. Come on, Tim! With you we can make the playoffs and even win a couple games in them!"
Duncan as good as gone...? I don't think the Rockets offer Duncan much of anything. Why would he want to play on a team that has 3 guards who only pass to each other, and a buffoon coach who doesn't know how to use his players strengths. Obviously, the only way we can get Duncan is in a sign and trade. And I highly doubt the Spurs will want to trade Duncan to the Rockets. I will wait for hell to freeze over now...
finalsbound, You probably consider yourself a realist, don't you? Anyway....The reason we can't get Duncan is because we have nothin to offer in a trade, and can't outright sign him. That's unless we make an offer now, then give him an extension ourselves. If RObinson retires, then would they consider this: Griffin Cato Anyone they want at #5 (Woods?) Anyone they want at #15 (Marcus? Stoudamire? If Hilario drops?) Let's say we get Qyntel Woods and Stoudamire for them. We'll have already put them past the first stage of rebuilding, which is filling all positions. Cato/Stoudamire Griffin/Stoudamire Woods Antonio Daniels/Bruce Bowen Tony Parker They can probably trade Daniels too now that Duncan is gone. Along with any pick they have, they can land a #14 pick or something, pick up a SG. Cato Griffin Woods Stoudamire Would ANYONE give them a future THAT solid? Griffin, Stoudamire, and Woods are their nucleus. Oh, there's also Tony Parker. Woods and Stoudamire have some developing to do, so it will take a year or two for them to start competing. Sounds like a good deal. But tehn we'd have to find a C, because Duncan doesn't like playing C. MoT?? Duncan Rice Mobley Francis Duncan, Mobley, and Francis. Wow. If we can get some good defensive players at the 5 and 3, then we're set. Maybe Ira Newble? Bruce Bowen? Who's a good defensive 5? Jerome James?
I consider myself as an advocate for admitting the cold, hard truth. Listen, as much of a joke that first post of mine was, the concept is true. Our basketball team is run through our guards. Nothing is going to change that. Rudy's not the type of enforcer that will grab Steve and Cuttino by the collar and growl, "Give up the damn ball. Duncan's on our team." Tim Duncan would never in a million years play for the Rockets. Our team is not made up of solid role players that will catch a pass from a double-teamed Duncan and hit the three all day. We have Steve and Cuttino...and, like it or not, the offense is run through them and a defensive, rebounding big man would fit in better with this system than a guy who's used to being the main scoring option (Duncan).
You seem to think that Steve and Cat will neglect Duncan's existence on our team. But that's entirely untrue. They know Duncan is the MVP, they know what he can do. Cat will continue to be our gun, it will be Francis' job to find the right balanace of distributing the ball. What were his options before? Alley oop to Cato and let Cat do his thing. With this guy, we get another almost sure-fire option, and where else, in the post. Francis is not selfish. He's too unselfish sometimes. But none of this good-for-nothign guard play will go on when we're contending for the title, and TIM DUNCAN is on our team. This is not the Jerry Stackhouse case, where everyone who got traded to Detroit thought their career was over. For a big man, having the best backcourt in the league is a HUGE advantage in relieving pressure. Did you see at what rate Cat hit those 3-pters? Now imagine Cat, with MUCH better looks, hitting 3's. Even Glen Rice would be useful then. He wouldn't have to do anything but be a spot up shooter. Oh, btw, you seem to be forgetting Duncan's other options: Spurs - rebuilding Magic - McGrady,Grant Hill >> How's that for sharing the rock? Dallas? >> I don't know, I get the feeling he doesn't like them, but still, he wouldn't get as many shots. Rockets >> Main scoring option, with two other players who are as good in scoring. While also playing with STEVE FRANCIS. Can you imagine that team? My deal is quite good too. Stoudamire, Qyntel Woods, Eddie Griffin, and Tony Parker is a BRILLIANT nucleus. All it's missing is a SG, which they an trade Antonio Daniels for.
Therein lies the problem to this team, when are people going to realize that Cuttino is too one-dimensional to be a solid starter. Cat is more of a sixth man, a scorer off the bench, nothing more than that. When he learns to play defense then he'll be starter material. All Cat and Francis do is pass the ball to each other, why do you think Kenny Thomas became a blackhole during the season, he knew once he passed the ball back out he was never getting it back. They also stone-walled Eddie Griffin at times, many a time Eddie was wide freakin' open and they never even looked his direction, instead Cat chooses to try to dribble between two defenders. I'm not a basher, but I just want to see this team succeed, and with this being Cuttino's fourth year in the league, you'd think he'd realize by now that if your shot isn't falling in the first three quarters, try passing the ball and playing off the other members of the team.
Duncan is not good as gone. I'm tired of hearing of that. There is still a good chance he is going to stay in San Antonio.
Why would he stay in San Antonio? Money? Yeah Right. I didn't intend to make it sound like Cat is one dimensional, and he's not. Cat is actually a decent defender. The difference is the folowing: "I'm Cuttino Mobley. I can score on anyone (and he can). I can score in every single way possible. Now, this is a tough shot. Do I pass it to Kenny Thomas, Mr. Blackhole (for whatever reason), or take a shot myself?" FYI, kenny was reluctant to pass the ball to Griffin too. As well as Cato, Willis, whoever. If it was a problem with our guards, he just wouldn't pass it to them. Now, switch that scenario with Duncan: "Wait a sec. Duncan has the same scoring ability I do. But the shot is tougher for me, so I'll pass it to him..." It's called trust. Steve and Cat will trust in Dunca's abilities, while they aren't entirely sold on KT's, understandably.
Well get used to it if Spurs lose this playoff round it is highly doubtful Duncan will remain a Spur. Robinson is near retirement and Tony parker is too shooter happy for this team. Someone was right Francis is not a ballhog Im sure if he had Duncan on his team Duncan would get his points. But hey this is a long shot.
Duncan won't leave SA. He's the MVP. The city simply loves the guy. He can get more money staying. Yeah, he needs more help, but that's what the summer of 2003 is for. Steve Smith's contract expires. David Robinson will retire. The Spurs have a good looking future for that offseason... the only players they'll for sure have under contract are Duncan, Parker, and probably Rose, Bowen, and Daniels. Those are all quality young players, and the Spurs will have the cap room to sign AT LEAST one major free agent to the max in one of the deepest FA classes ever. Jason Kidd, Antonio McDyess, Jermaine O'Neal, Shawn Marion, and others are all set to be free agents that year. Regardless of how some of you feel about the city, I can guarantee you that there will be a handful of free agents practically beating down the door to play for the max alongside MVP Tim Duncan. Duncan, max FA (Kidd, McDyess, O'Neal, etc.), Parker, Rose, Bowen, and Daniels is one heck of a young nucleus to build around. There's no reason for Duncan to leave that. As much as you want to make of today, it's one game. The series isn't even over. It's not going to be that big of a deal long-term.
The problem is, Bowen will be 32 and Malik Rose will be 30 at that point. Daniels will be 28 and the only reason he stays is his friendship to TD; there are better options elsewhere at PG and SG. Parker is the real deal, but will he be enough? Even with one max free agent signing, the Spurs are lacking depth now and will be even more so after all of those contracts expire. Other teams - such as Orlando with Hill, Miller, and McGrady, or even Miami with Zo, BGrant, and Eddie Jones - can provide him not only with more stars, but with better depth and near-equal money, plus the same exposure and a quicker outlet to his home. I'm not saying he'll leave - but the possibility definately is there, not only for a better opportunity elsewhere but for SA to have to improve to get him from leaving.
How long is Duncan's contract? Did he sign for 3 or 4 years? Was there a reason he signed such a short term deal (relatively speaking)? If he was that certain about staying, why didn't he sign for a good five or seven years the last time he was a free agent? I don't know the details of the time (only that Orlando was wooing him majorly) so could someone lay out the situation?
Duncan signed a 3 year deal with an option for the 4th year. He did it because he wants to see how the Spurs rebuild their team, and to get a bigger 7 year deal. Looking at the Spurs team they havent really built anything around Duncan. Tony Parker is there best young player, they really dont have anybody else to help Duncan. I think its gonna be harder for the Spurs to keep Duncan this time then last time.
I think it's stupid for San Antonio to keep Duncan, and it's stupid for Duncan to stay in San Antonio. After next season, Duncan doesn't want to wait and see his teammates grow up. No way Duncan will even wait one year rebuilding. Duncan wants championships, not money. Every city will love this guy, what are u talkin about? San Antonio can make their future much brighter by trading him. For example, the Clipps, I think, would offer Odom, Kandi, #8 and #12 for Duncan and a filler. Duncan Brand Miles Q-Rich Mcinnis You're telling me that MONSTER frontline won't win a championship? Look at the D on that team, and they have excellent O. If you switch Q-Rich with Maggette, the D gets EVEN BETTER. While still having excellent ofensive options. What I wanna know is, why rlando think they're going to get him. How come they can offer Duncan the MAX while 2 other players are making the MAX? Isn't that around 45 million? How do they afford the rest of the roster? Jason Kidd, Antonio McDyess, Jermaine O'Neal, Shawn Marion...... Jason Kidd? Tony Parker is there, they'd be stupid to give up the up and coming Parker for a 34(?)yr old Kidd. Besides, Kidd at that age won't be the defensive force he is now, and his offense is already EXTREMELY inconsistent. Add another year into his 30's, and how do you think he can be a franchise player still? McDyess. Yes, I'll give you that. It's definitely possible. But tell me this. He has a good relationship with Kiki. You think he'll just opt out? No, he's going tog o to Kiki, tell him he's a gonner. Kiki will work out a deal. What can San Antonio offer? They wont' have a high draft pick as long as Duncan is there. They don't have anything useful in a trade outside of Daniels, Rose, and Parker(untouchable). I highly doubt it, but if they're lucky.... Jermaine O'Neal is the Franchise player in Indiana. With a supporting cast that includes Brad Miller, Bender, Harrington, Tinsley and Artest, I don't think he or Indiana will do anything but sign a life-time contract. Marion is not as good as O'Neal, but still just as important to Phoenix. You ain't gonna get him for free. They have Marbury and Joe Johnson, so that rules out Daniels. Trade? I don't think so. Brad Miller won't exactly make them contenders with THEIR cast. Gay Payton is a possibility, but how good he'll be then? To be seen, but the guy has been on the decline since last season, stayed put this season. He has nowhere to go but down, may even have an extension. If Lewis is gone, he's gone, and he'll get an extension wherever he is. Alonzo Mourning? Eve if he was healthy, he'd be unable to carry a franchise player-type load, and he isn't that healthy, so.... I'm telling you, it benefits both sides if he goes. My package is excellent for them. Cato Griffin Qyntel Woods Amare Stoudamire Isn't that the future for them? Their future: Stoudamire Griffin Woods (to be acquired over a year or two) Parker Now THAT's what they should do.
