While over the next several days, approximately 34,958,094,385 articles will be written on where the Clippers must go now that Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have decided to leave. But for at least one legitimate title contender, Maggette's decision also has a dramatic impact on their offseason.
The San Antonio Spurs, widely considered the favorites to land Maggette's services before the Warriors stepped in and outbid them, are now back at square one in determining how to assemble next year's team.
Last season, it was more apparent than ever that the rest of the Western Conference—in particular the Lakers, Hornets, and Jazz—is catching up and have possibly even overtaken the Spurs.
The Spurs, plagued by a lack of a definitive fourth scorer after the big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, would have had the perfect solution to their problems had they been able to land Maggette.
Maggette possesses a perfect combination of perimeter shooting and slashing with the ability to create his own shot that would have made the Spurs extremely dangerous offensively. Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan and company would have been able to make up for his defensive deficiencies.
With Maggette out of the picture, the answer to the question of "what's next" will decide if the aging Spurs can keep pace with the rising, younger Lakers, Hornets, and Jazz in the West next year.
Indeed, while the Clippers have a big decision to make over the next few weeks, the Spurs' approach to this offseason may determine the next NBA champion, and the entire league should keep an eye on it.
The obvious need for the Spurs this offseason is to get a younger, more athletic wing player, and they could use a backup big man as well. From here, it appears there are three plausible courses for the Spurs to set this offseason:
Go after the Next Biggest Fish
While the some of the next biggest fish—Josh Smith, Josh Childress, Andre Iguodala, Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, Emeka Okafor, and Luol Deng—all figure to be offered more money by their current teams than the Spurs could offer, there are a few free agents left that the Spurs might be interested in that would likely command the majority of their mid-level exception.
The first player who will be linked to the Spurs is Nuggets guard J.R. Smith. Spurs fans have heard of J.R. Smith for a very long time now, ever since he was nearly traded to the Spurs at the deadline two years ago. Though the Spurs' interest in him is old news, he still must be the first player mentioned when it comes to candidates for the mid-level exception.
As a restricted free agent, the Nuggets would have the option to match any offer the Spurs make to Smith. However, while they won't let him walk away over pennies, Smith has repeatedly fallen out of favor with coach George Karl.
Considering how strapped the Nuggets are financially, they would have to think twice before matching an offer of anything over $4 million a year.
Smith possesses a number of skills that the Spurs could find useful. He averaged a solid 12.3 PPG off the bench while shooting a career-high 40.3 percent from three-point range last season.
4 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Mark Ogarte about 1 year ago
The Spurs are relatively good with a healthy Manu Ginobili.
Remember, in 2007, they had Francisco Elson as their center, yet they still won it all.
Don't tell me Kurt Thomas is no upgrade over Elson.
San Antonio's trademark defense would be the key next season couple with the healths of their three big stars.
A Laker fan here, but though we embarked on a furious drubbing on the Spurs, I firmly believe things could have gone their way with Ginobili at full strength.
I hope the Spurs get Ginobili back 100% next season, and we get back Ariza and Bynum as well then hope to meet this grind-it-out Spurs team again in the conference finals. Who the best team is out west? Let's find out.
Oh, if either team wins it all next year would be established this decade's most renowned. :)
The Team of the Decade shall be decided by either team. :)
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John Ligon about 1 year ago
I completely agree that the Spurs are right there with a healthy Ginobili, and that Thomas is a big upgrade over Elson.
The difference between this team and the Spurs' 2007 team is twofold.
First of all, the rest of the West has gotten better. There was no Kobe-Gasol connection, Chris Paul, David West and Peja Stojakovic spent the year hurt, and the Jazz were still too raw. The two best teams, the Suns and Mavericks, shot themselves in the foot (the Suns with the foolish suspensions, the Mavericks with choking against the Warriors) and practically handed the Spurs a title with the ridiculously easy path to the finals- Denver, Suns, Jazz, Cavs. Today's Lakers, Hornets, and Jazz are all better than those teams and won't make it nearly as easy for the Spurs.
Secondly, while I agree that anyone fretting over the big three's age is about 2-3 years early, it's undeniable that the players around them like Bruce Bowen, Michael Finley, Robert Horry, and Jacque Vaughn have all seen brighter days. The Spurs do need to find at least one more player they can count on for scoring.
I too hope that we meet again to renew the rivalry next season; I have to admit that while it ended all too soon thanks to Manu's injury, it was really cool seeing those jerseys together on the same court in May again. Just don't sleep on the Hornets; if someone's going to swoop in and ruin the party, it's those guys, as they'll be a scary team now that they have a year of playoff experience.
As always, may there be good health for all teams involved.
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Mark Ogarte about 1 year ago
Yeah! The Hornets scare me the most more than the spurs or celtics.
They are young and have really good years ahead them,
If they get Posey, awwww... The Lakers are about to lose Sasha and Ronny. :(
Oh well, may the best team win it!
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Robert Kleeman about 1 year ago
The Hornets should scare every Spurs fan, as they have the defense-first mentality and accountability to win a championship. With a bench and a better starting two guard, I don't think the Spurs would beat them in a seven game series.
The Spurs will likely need to throw Ian Mahinmi into the rotation, even if he is not ready for the role, with Splitter staying in Spain and Maggette off the market.
One move I wish the Spurs would consider is bringing in 2001 draft pick Robertas Javtokas from Lithuania. I don't know anything about his contract situation there, but he deserves a look.
YouTube the guy and you can see he has the athleticism and scoring presence to make an NBA impact. Strength is not his problem and he is worth the gamble.
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