(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Every day in the 2008-2009 season all after discussions of who is the best Wad, James, or Bryant the talk turned to free agency. So many players so little cash. San Antonio thanks to that character quality in their players was supposed to be one of those teams gunning for a big name due to Tim Duncan moving cap space from his own contract.
With only a few years left on those Hall of Fame knees and an early first round exit the biological clock on the spurs franchise became ticking a bit louder.
The spurs dump just over 11 million for the upcoming season. If Oberto and Bowen decide to come back their contracts may not be as similar as before. What the spurs pick up is Richard Jefferson and two years of just under thirty million dollars.
This may be the last stand. With this type of money tied up it will be near impossible to go after any of those big name free agents in 2010. Jefferson will have plenty of pressure on his shoulders and not just to fit in and learn the extravagant defensive schemes.
He becomes the move that will make or break Tim Duncan’s final legacy. No Bosh. No James. No Wade. Only Jefferson.
Moving On Up
No not to the east side but the south west division. His new neighbors consist of Ron Artest, Josh Howard, and Rudy Gay to name a few. San Antonio will now be able to clear up those scoring droughts that made the Sahara look inviting.
No doubt Jefferson will start along with Parker and Roger mason in the backcourt and joining Duncan and Bonner in the front court. With Manu more than likely coming off the bench there should be no scorer left behind as they can have at minimum to solid offensive players on the floor at all times.
What still awaits is the supporting cast for those four. George Hill will have to take those back up point guard reigns. Drew Gooden who was a brief but not stable relief for Duncan along with Jacque Vaughn and Ime Udoka are all free agents. It is a nervous time for the spurs franchise. Ginobili will be entering his final contract year.
Duncan only has so much left to give. and those savior names may no longer be our final stand for Tim. Jefferson can solve plenty of offensive problems but can he get involved on the defensive end? He will have to in order to thrive in this system.
After many fruitful seasons in the NBA hopefully he is still hungering more than ever for that championship like his new teammates who always have the Finals or bust state of mind. Anything less and Jefferson will forever be known as the last ditch effort that came up short.
Draft Notes
Overall the spurs draft maybe a good sign of what to expect. Away with filling holes with aging veterans and instead letting the young talents get their feet wet. All three second round picks have a good chance at making the team if they have strong training camps. Of course thanks to the Austin Toros affiliation it would not be surprising to see them end up in the NBDL.
DeJaun Blair: Weight: 277 Height: 6-7 Position: Forward
College: Pittsburgh Analysis: Lengthy for 6-7 and extremely talented rebounder.
Jack McClinton: Weight: 185 Height: 6-1 Position: Guard
College: Miami Analysis: Three point assassin.
Nando De Colo: Weight: 185 Height: 6-5 Position: Guard
College: France Analysis: Not to familiar with this player but all I need to hear is foreign talent and France. The spurs have a good track record with these types of picks.
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