Could the Spurs whip Blatche into shape?
The Spurs have been searching for that solid, backup big man for a long time. Someone who can complement Tim Duncan and provide the size the team needs down low. Quality posts are hard to come by in the NBA these days, so would it be worth it for the Spurs to take a chance on a big guy with a less than stellar track record?
Andray Blatche just got amnestied by the Washington Wizards. The 6’11” power forward sat out the second half of the season last year because his team said he was out of shape and they didn’t need him. Let that sink in. The Wizards, who went 20-46, said someone was not good enough to play on their team.
His lack of conditioning was only the final straw in a string of knuckle-headed moves by Blatche. You can check out a list of some of his “finest” moments, which include getting arrested for solicitation of prostitution and hosting “Lap Dance Tuesday” at a local strip club.
Is there a point to all this other than to laugh at another’s misfortune? Well, I’m getting there.
Since Blatche was amnestied, there are a few teams under the cap that can bid to pick him up off the wire by this Thursday. Chris Mannix tweeted the list: Cleveland, Houston, Minnesota, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento and Toronto, but he predicted that none of these teams would throw out an offer.
So Blatche should hit the free agent market. Which means the Spurs could get a new post player for cheap.
Honestly, this guy does have some talent, it showed for about half a season. He just covers it up with all the stupid stuff he does. Maybe with a professional organization and a disciplined coaching staff like the Spurs, he could finally reach his full potential. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the Spurs could get this guy for next to nothing and then turn him into something special?
Now I’m not saying this could, should or would happen, but maybe in the land of fantasy hypotheticals it’s fun to think about. At the very least, he’d be entertaining for six weeks before Coach Pop kicked him to the curb. The Spurs have prided themselves on smart personnel moves for years, maybe it’s time to try something stupid.
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I say why not start him next to Duncan and bring off diaw and splitter off the bench...r Richards can go to the torros to develop w mr French guy ajinca....Jon leuer is like Bonner, need that rebounder, post up, block shot w size
@dtootall hmm, where to start..Spurs have 14 on roster already. 15 are allowed at most. Either you have to sign RR then send to toros, or I guess there IS a way to use a loophole to get him there and STILL keep his rights, but it's difficult. Point is you want all these guys when we can only sign one more (unless we cut an unguaranteed player or trade one or more away without taking players back) Plus since technically we already have 5 "bigs" exactly where do you see all these guys getting PT? (also I believe a player like Ajinca would have to agree to D league spot, and again, he's not on our roster) Ajinca will either get a NBA offer or go back to euro team where he can get paid..D league pays peanuts.
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@wengboy He's STILL facing a sex crime charge in California>>no way Spurs touch the bird
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Skills and no brain. I see Jon Leuer was just released. SA was interested 2 yrs ago as a draft prospect. 6'11, post moves, 3 pt shot, average defender, fundamentally sound. Not a great rebounder, but could does Splitter level rebounding, boxing out and position defense. He's almost free.
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@jojo707 Good call. I liked what Leur did last year with the Bucks. Energy on both ends
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@rtesoro440 @ljharris @jojo707 Beyond that, do you even realize NOONE can amnesty ANYONE now this year? Deadline PASSED already
If there are no bidders, the Spurs may try him out. He's young, long . . . .He may fit the team's philosophy.
I think it would be rather intriguing if u ask me. Blatche does have the skills, abilities and potential to be a pretty good player. Maybe a professional organization such as the Spurs can make him realize that potential.
I like the guy but he has no discipline. Image Pop having to keep yelling at him for a few months until he gives up. We didn't go after A Randolph because he has no brains or discipline and SA has always used fundamentals as a talent equalizer. and these athletic guys never play structure defense of offfense. Oden would be a better risk or why not DJ White on a sign and trade for Blair or.....
@jojo707 What good is Oden THIS year? Highly doubt he will play this year..don't really follow how Oden wouldn't be the BIGGEST risk of ANY guy out there for obvious reasons
I think he would be a good add to the spurs he's young and tall he can play aside with Tim Duncan I say go for it spurs we really need a bigman
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Like that episode of Seinfeld where George does the opposite of what he normally does and everything goes his way, lol! He might find a spot on the Toros...
