Battier: Good fit for the Spurs?
Recently, Shane Battier of the Memphis Grizzlies spoke to the media about his free agency and what he expects as an aging 10-year veteran in the NBA:
"Unfortunately, I'm not going to get the wine-and-dine period that usually accompanies free agency, into a routine,"
At 33 years old, the question arises, would Battier make a good target for the San Antonio Spurs once the lockout ends?
While many Spurs fans have likely blocked out the painful memories of the disappointing playoff loss to the Battier and the Grizzlies last season, the performance of Battier in that series was solid. He shot 8 for 29 from the three-point line and played his reliable brand of smothering defense throughout the six games.
While he is not likely to be much of an offensive presence, his defense could be just what the Spurs need to make one last run at an NBA Championship in the Tim Duncan era. With the disappointing contributions of Richard Jefferson, Battier could be a spark at forward that pushes this team over the hump. He is not a long term solution, but he could certainly be a "right now" guy.
Battier has consistently guarded the NBA's best night in and night out. And, as the Spurs know all too well, he can still knock down a dagger three-pointer when his team needs it the most. The biggest factor in a decision like this is money.
The Grizzlies shelled out some cash for Battier in his expiring contract - so what will he expect as a free agent? The Spurs already have an expensive payroll and likely won't be able to spend the kind of money that the Grizzlies can. It is a hard hypothetical to imagine without knowing the details of whatever new agreement ends this lockout and how that will affect free agency and player salaries. Battier addressed some of these concerns when he spoke about his impending free agency:
"Are there going to be midlevel exceptions?" Battier said. "Are there going to be Bird rights? Is there going to be a soft cap? Is there going to be a hard cap? Will there be amnesty? There are so many issues that will impact my decision-making, it's not even worth trying to worry about or figure out at this point. Once the new deal is signed, I'll be able to sit down with my agent and figure out a good course of action."
There are a lot of unknowns in this equation, but, if the Spurs are able to make room for Battier, signing him to a short-term contract could be a solid decision by a front office with an excellent track record for offseason acquisitions.
What do you have to say Spurs fans? Think Battier would be a nice pick up for San Antonio?
If we can get ANY above-average bigmen or PG in exchange of RJ, then DO IT ! Battier will be a good signee if there's only one year. He will be a good mentor to Kawhi a the rest of young guys as well.
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Mr. Battier is a great player but he is NOT the guy the spurs need. The lineup has plenty of his kind. What the team needs to contend are PF/C and pg. No way will Battier control the interior. Come on Mr. Buford and coach Pops you need at least 2 big guys and a pg.
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Not a smart move for the future. Spurs have: JA, KL, DButler, Danny Green, RJ, Manu, GNeal- all to play the 2 and 3. They guys are all young and talented. Why put a 33yr old to eat up minutes, when we could have KL on the floor behind RJ or JA, DButler, These guys can all play and are much more versatile. Bruce isn't coming back, so lets develop for the future and give the young guys some time to show what they have. Incidently, all the young guys have defensive skills, and we need bigs more than another short minute old guys.
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@jojo707 I think if the Spurs don't amnesty or trade RJ, then you don't need to go after another 3, but if they do I don't think you can go to war with a couple of rookies like Kawhi and De'Sean at small forward. If RJ stays, then I agree, go after a big.
@yowhatupT@jojo707 agreed, Trevor. Battier is like Bowen (but no one can be Bowen), and i would love to have him, but yes, if RJ is still here, i would shift the focus on going after a big man, no question.
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I think this would be a great move, though I do wonder at what cost it would come. Assume the Spurs find a way to move Richard Jefferson (amnesty, trade, whatever), do you spend the MLE on Battier or a guy like Tayshaun or do you go after a big guy?
Hell Yes, He could start over that other guy we have with no problems, he'll make that small eared ball headed freak look like a circus clown, but than again anybody would.
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shane is a spur through and through. pure class, all hard work, defense 1st, team player, locker room leader, shane is exactly what the spurs need. he might not be in his prime and he isnt going to live up to bowens standards but in the end he is exactly what the spurs need in short spurts, plus to help teach a guy like leonard.
