i think that the suns spurs series showed that they are too old to compete any more and that there is no future in the home of the alamo.i doubt duncan's first option is money because if you remember in his third year at wake he could of forgone his senior year and easily been the 1st pick in the draft, but he opted not to.duncan could eventually get his money here (next off season). so who thinks we have a shot at getting him??? ------------------ johnny "red" kerr:i'm glad the bulls did'nt draft steve francis. dan roan: why!!!!! johnny red kerr:because he would forever be compared to michael jordan.
Duncan has been my favorite player since his freshman year at Wake Forest, and I have gotten to meet him on a couple of occasions. He is certainly a nice guy who doesn't seem to be obsessed with money. However, he won't sign outright with us for the 2.3 million dollar exception if that's what you meant. If he wanted to go to Houston, he could probably make it happen. It's my understanding Duncan has the right to refuse any sign and trade. Therefore, Duncan could tell the Spurs to either "sign and trade me to Houston or I walk to Orlando." But, to do that, Houston would need to be far and away the top team on his list, and according to some of Popeye's sources, we might just be. But that is the only way he could come here. I don't really know what to expect from Tim on his final decision to return to or leave the Spurs. Certainly, Tim is a very loyal person and he loves San Antonio. On the other hand, they showed this year that they are not near what they were and that the Spurs have a lot of holes to fill. And believe me- Duncan wants to win more than anything. My gut feeling is that with the team the Spurs have now, Duncan will not return. My guess is out of respect and dedication he will give the Spurs a few weeks to improve their team. If they don't make significant improvements (i.e. getting younger) then I think he bolts. But, if they do improve, I think he wants to return. In every interview I've seen him in, he seems like he really wants to spend his career as a Spur. However, he won't stay if he can't win. So basically, it'll be up to the Spurs front office to see if they can improve. But, with the impending departure of some key components of the team and also with SA being over the cap, that will be very hard to do. Duncan may indeed leave, and if he does, we might have a chance. Not necessarily a big one, but nevertheless a chance. ------------------ [This message has been edited by The Cat (edited May 07, 2000).]
