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Amico: Spurs a frontrunner for Greg Oden
Size and defense were problems for the San Antonio Spurs before the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Dwight Howard. That trade made it even more important for the Spurs to improve their interior defense, whether that be from guys like Tiago Splitter getting better or from the team picking someone up through trade or free agency. We've heard the name Andray Blatche and there are still guys like Darko Milicic out there. Early Wednesday morning Fox Sports' Sam Amico tweeted another possibility, this one with the biggest boom or bust potential of them all.
"One NBA GM listed three teams he considers frontrunners for Greg Oden (in no order): Spurs, Pacers and Magic. The GM made sure to stress, however, "that's just my best guess." Oden is currently back at Ohio State, working toward a degree in sports and leisure."
There's nothing concrete there. This doesn't mean the Spurs have expressed interest in Oden, it just means that one general manager thinks they'd be a good fit. Perhaps that GM heard that from Oden's agent Mike Conley, Sr. or someone else close to Oden's camp. Considering the other options out there, taking a flier on Oden would be as good a move as possible. He probably wouldn't be very costly and if he doesn't work out then they'll part ways with him and keep their core and chemistry in tact.
Oden has gone on record to say he'd like to play this year, but he's not going to rush back if he's not ready. Smart move by Oden since he thinks this is part of the reason he hasn't been able to stay healthy. While Oden may not be available for several months, perhaps the Spurs should try to sign him soon, get him to San Antonio to continue rehabbing, while getting him accustomed to the Spurs system and culture. San Antonio would also be a great spot for Oden because is their a more out of the spotlight contender than the Spurs? Everyone's got either LA or Oklahoma City penciled in to face Miami in the Finals.
There's a lot of reasons the Spurs should make a run at Greg Oden but there's one big reason why they shouldn't. He's played 82 games over the last four years... total. I still think it's worth the risk.
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Oden still wants to join a team: "I want to go to a place where I can get healthy and with somebody who can believe in me and my skills — somewhere it could be a good fit for the both of us"(http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/greg-oden-gym-teacher-comeback-injury-heat-blazers-154007837--nba.html). I think the Spurs should sign him, even if it means paying him to sit-out (recover) and learn the system.
I think Oden's size will upgrade the defense and depth for the spurs. Maybe, Duncan or Splitter can move play as power forwards.
*The Spurs can then trade away Bonner (Packaged with Blair and/or Anderson)! The spurs need another slasher that can get to the basket (At this point, I think Ginobili is the only one because Parker has settled for his mid-range shot).
Oden is too risky. He is not even ready to have his knees operated. Besides, he wants to be a physical education teacher which I take as indication that he is ready to give up on playing. Unlike Roy who was signed by the Timberwolves, he continued to condition himself. The Spurs should forget him(Oden to ) and try to consider other players like Blatche who is very much healthy, young, tall, athletic perhaps willing to learn and man the interior. Considering Oden for a slot is wishful thinking.
Spurs should really get him. Sure a he was a draft bust. But I know he can give the Spurs a huge upgrade. Because Duncan played along side with David Robinson, Nazr Mohammed, and Fabrico Oberto to win championships. Since now Tiago Splitter is a good center but he's a post present not athletic. Greg Oden brings athleticism and more size to the Spurs. He could help Duncan on the post, run with Parker on the pick and roll, and become a strong defender. If Spurs get Greg Oden, they will compete with the Lakers, Thunder, and Heat. And become more dangerous in the playoffs. Watch
Its a shoot in the dark! Signing Oden who is not even ready to have his knees fixed. The Spurs should concentrate on finding a place for Blair, instead. The guy expressed his desire considering his position in the present lineup. He is too undersized to be an effective pf/c. Is it so difficult to understand this? Likewise with Bonner and the 4 point guards. Bonner has failed for several occasions. He disappeared when it matters most. It is not easy for a fan like me to comprehend the line action the Spurs have taken so far. Are they contented to being runnerup in the western conference? Some fans will advance that they "almost" made it to the finals, that they were "2 games" away from winning the wcf. Right. But the Thunders can only get better. Added is the souped-up lineup of the Lakers, the future is not far when they become irrelevant. Maybe we could even consider the Mavs and Jazzs who upgraded their lineup as possible contenders. Have the Spurs given up, and just waiting the day when TD, Manu retire and the contracts of Jackson, Diaw and TP to expire before they upgrade? Perhaps, they can still contend with an improved interior defense featuring added big man like Blatche. He is young, athletic and BIG and maybe CHEAP. He didn't play well with the Wizards but, with a coaching staff being patient and talented he might learn and more importantly, Healthy.
