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Spurs To Sign Theo Ratliff, Add Another Veteran Big Man

Discussion in 'NBA Dish' started by Seth, Jul 23, 2009.

  1. Seth

    Seth Member

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    Good Move for them, now they have 3 experimented players in their frontcourt (Duncan, McDyess, Ratliff) along with rookies Blair and Mahinmi and Bonner (i see them trading him, expiring 3M).
     
  2. J.R.

    J.R. Member

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    Not a bad move. They were/are thin at the C position. Im still undecided if they bumped the Lakers from the top spot. Lakers are defending champs so Ill just say Lakers 1 Spurs 1a out West.
     
  3. Seth

    Seth Member

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    I agree because they were thin at c from my point of view also.

    They only had Duncan who doesn´t like to play C, and Mahinmi who is a rookie. Now with Theo Ratliff they have a legit C to put along Duncan against bigger frontcourts.
     
  4. Rocket86

    Rocket86 Member

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    A move to save Duncan from getting abused in the regular season. The Spurs now have an insurance for injuries although Ratliff is not a franchise player. He is a decent back up or even a starting center moving Tim to the PF spot. I was hoping for the Rockets to strengthen their front court by adding a veteran center. :(
     
  5. HTR99

    HTR99 Member

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    I wouldn't be surprised if they kept Bonner or still even let him start. He's lethal from the 3 point line or so it seemed when he played us which benefits Timmy having the post to himself. They'll probably alternate him and Ratliff as the starters with Theo getting the call against more physical centers so Duncan doesn't have to guard them when Bonner starts.
     
  6. Gimmmethemike

    Gimmmethemike Member

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    We weren't trying to get Theo? Oh well hes old anyways
     
  7. Ziggy

    Ziggy QUEEN ANON

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    I'd be surprised if Bonner started. Thats just not Spurs basketball. Ratliff will probably start at center if he can stay healthy through training camp. Bonner will resume the Horry role.
     
  8. ABZERO

    ABZERO Member

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    Spurs are so active this offseason.
     
  9. redracer1

    redracer1 Member

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    I thought the Spurs have already used their full MLE on McDyess unless they have the biannual LE which is for $1.9 M. Through the years they been trying to save money being a small market team. It seems that they are on a spending spree right now. They probably want to minimize Duncan's minutes so he can last the whole season especially now that he's in the bottom end of his prime.
     
  10. Al Calavicci

    Al Calavicci Contributing Member

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    Are you voting for Bush or Kerry this fall?
     
    1 person likes this.
  11. Rocket86

    Rocket86 Member

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    :D :D :D , Seriously, a situational start. He is not a starting center caliber player anymore but against Shaq and other dominant centers, They can use him to defend and spare Tim from getting into foul trouble.
     
  12. BimaThug

    BimaThug Resident Capologist
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    If anyone starts over Bonner at C, it will be McDyess. Ratliff is likely just for depth.
     
  13. eman

    eman Member

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    We will run those old men off the court. I hope.
     
  14. Christopher

    Christopher Member

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    Am I the only one surprised Ratliff is still playing?
     
  15. srrm

    srrm Member

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    I really envy the spurs. They realized last season, that their stars were getting older and weaker then within 2 months they went and got all the depth they need. PG is set, SG is set, SF is set, and now they have their bigmen. Amazing, especially because they haven't spent exorbitant sums of money doing it. Their execution of moneyball is pretty damn good. They had their 3 stars and now they have all the serviceable bodies with some skill backing them up.

    What's the word on Manu? Is he healthy for next season? I'll look it up
     
  16. 101 6 7

    101 6 7 Member

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    They're doing right by Duncan.

    He's got 2-3 years left; and took a lower than max deal to help them out when he signed it; they are making sure they have a contender as long as he is lacing them up.
     
  17. smoothie

    smoothie Jabari Jungle

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    R.C. Buford for gm of the year.

    this guy is having a perfect off season.
     
  18. W22_STREAK

    W22_STREAK Member

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    hmmm....dont overlook otis smith
     
  19. Rocket86

    Rocket86 Member

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    and Morey. He ( so far ) is doing a decent job in adding pieces to a team that is in transition. A team who banks on a half court type of play to a run and gun team. Hopefully more surprises are coming before the season starts.
     
  20. Ditty

    Ditty Member

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    Ratliff gives the Spurs a physical, shotblocking presence as an option for when the Spurs face teams with a more traditional bigman. For a minimum or LLE contract, this isn't a bad acquisition.

    Moving forward, the bigman rotation for next season may look like...

    Starters
    4 Duncan
    5 McDyess

    Bench
    3/4 Haislip
    4 Blair
    4/5 Mahinmi
    5 Ratliff

    The Spurs appear to be ready to start the season with 20 year old Blair as the first bigman off the bench. Further, Ian Mahinmi figures to be the 4th bigman, while Pop will have Ratliff to go against bigger frontcourts or if he wants a greater defensive presence inside. Haislip appears to be RC's stab at finding the exlusive big 3 who can play both forward spots. I think Gist will be slated for another year in Italy or will spend the season as a Toro. Bonner is on the way out.
     

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