Report: Spurs interested in Brazilian center Hettsheimeir
It's been a whirlwind day for the San Antonio Spurs as they re-sign Boris Diaw, Tim Duncan, Patty 
Mills, and Danny Green while signing French guard Nando De Colo but the march to improve the team continues.
The Spurs still are thin up front especially after Erazem Lorbek decided to stay in Spain and continue play for Barcelona and cash in a huge payday.
According to Fox Sports' Sam Amico, the Spurs are interested in Brazilian center Rafael Hettsheimeir.
Hettsheimeir is a 260 lbs., 6'10" center who averaged 13.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and shot 54.7% from the field in 30.1 minutes in the ACB League last season.
Also, factor in Lorbek stated the Spurs are looking for a more physical center, Hettsheimeir could fit the bill for San Antonio.
This physical evolution is driving Rafael even closer to the basket, making him a pure center. His first offensive option is usually the low post. He uses his big body pretty well, and his first objective is usually to bang with his match-up without the ball, pushing him as close as possible to the hoop, so he can receive and just turn around to leave the ball on the glass.
If he’s not close enough to the basket by the time he gets the ball, he’s not nearly as effective, usually opting for turnaround jumpers or just to pass the ball, which he does nicely. Rafael doesn’t enjoy great footwork, just some basic stuff, and neither is he skilled releasing jump-hooks. (via Draft Express).
However, the Spurs reportedly have competition for his services with Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta also showing interest. Though Dallas might be in the lead at acquiring Hettsheimeir.
Hettsheimeir will be playing with Spurs' Tiago Splitter at the 2012 Olympics so Spurs fans will get a chance to see him in action, however, this might be a desperation move by San Antonio to get size on the roster.
With no other viable big man (considering Lorbek stayed overseas, and many other free agent big men are not within the Spurs' reach) San Antonio is better off passing on someone who is unproven and look elsewhere. For example, Tyrus Thomas should the Bobcats buy him out.
What do you have to say Spurs fans?
ryan richards will be on the summer league roster. we'll finally get a chance to see if he has what it takes to fortify our short frontline...
There are still a number of free agent bigs that could help the Spurs. Brand will be ac'd, and Heywood was just ac'd by the Mavs. Also, Blatche is reported to be ac'd as well.
It was discouraging listening to an inteview RC gave in which he stated the Spus are pretty much set. We need one more big.
So when will you ever use the amnesty? They only players making significantly more than Bonner are the big three and you won't be using it on them. A waste is not using it on bonner and having him ride the pine in the playoffs because he is a mental midget in big games. A waste is letting the last years of Timmy be hamstrung by undersized centers that wouldn't bang. Richards is young and not polished I will agree. But I would rather see him under Pop and see what he can mold out of him? Look at what he did with Roget mason, Green, Neal, etc... You can't teach size and it is increasing become harder to find it. Bringing him over at this stage of his career won't cost much. I believe in our coaching. And I know for a fact what bonner has. A big bag of nothing (in the playoffs). That my friend. Is a waste.
@BhaktaSA It's people with two face personalities or they're just plain retarded. How quickly they forget the 9.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 19 mpg.
@BhaktaSA I guess these idiots forgot the scoring abilities Splitter showed when he played more than 15 minutes during the times Timmy sat. Add the fact that he's better than Bonner and Blair on defense. I always said this guy needs 25 minutes or more consistently and the points, rebounds, and defense will be there. Sorry people Kaman is a Mav now. Besides Splitter is more athletic than him and can set screens better than anyone in this league. The guards just need to give the ball up and you'll see the points pile up inside. Splitter has the best footwork on the team as well. And if they disagree they haven't been listening to Sean or watching games all season long. Splitter isn't going anywhere.
He is a Big man. Has some Nasty... better than Splitter.
And no, he don't will be playing with Tiago at the Olimpics. He's injured.
Why not get him what do they have loose , but i say Javale Mcgee if spurs can afford him. Bring Ryan Richards to the D-league
@ZILLA We dont even have CLOSE to enough $ available to get McGee..he will get 10 mil per easily from nugs or portland
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Can anyone tell me the status of Ryan Richards? We have a young somewhat athletic TRUE 7ft Center and noone has mentioned his name. In the playoffs there is a big difference between 6'9" and 7ft. I know he is young but based on this highlights, he appears to play with intensity, he can shoot from 3 point range, he attacks the rim, and he can dribble drive like Odom (but with 7ft size). He would be at the end of the bench and hell, that is where projects belong. Lets give him a chance to learn under a pro like Duncan. He is 21 and has begged to come over. I understand that he has changed teams, but he appears to be looking for playing time. I rather take a flier on him, then bring in ANOTHER undersized 6'9" to 6'10" Center with limited athleticism!! And AMNESTY BONNER ALREADY. PLEASE!!!!
@SpursFanInDallas Wasting amnesty on a small contract like bonners would be very stupid. Amnesty should be saved to use on a really bad contract..as for Richards, it seems hes is really hurting himself quitting teams, moving around constantly, and not playing in Leagues worth a crap to exhibit what he can do against decent comp. If he cant even get court time on GB national team theres no way hes ready for Spurs..I highly doubt he will even get to NBA before TD is gone. Seems very immature.
I don't now how much physical he is? He just got 0.4 blocks and 6.4 rebounds in 30 mins. The fact is Spurs did not have enough money to offer to Lorbek. And, he has already got an offer from mavs according to rotoworld.
For the Sims followers, he is playing now for Utah in Orlando. Hasn't done anything of note in 2 games but didn't look bad either. Dawson is 6'10 250lbs, has a 16ft shit at a high percentage, had almost 30 double doubles in the D League and had a cup of coffee with SA last year is available, Why go to Brazil for the same thing or less ? There are better options that fit our price level. Kaman is also not a big help against the athletic teams. At least Th
mavs are talking to this guy, and there is a rumor they have an offer for him. rumor is just that, and no confirmation but im not surprised.
From what I read and see of him...he has a post game, has a shot out to about 16 feet, can rebound, can block shots and is not afraid to give/receive a hard foul. If he's CHEAP...why not?
PASS on serial underachiever Tyrus Thomas...5 ppg / 3 rpg isn't at all enticing. Beyond that isnt he owed like 18 mil over next 3 yrs anyway? Seems to me since Cats have already taken a $ hit from the Diaw deal, I highly doubt MJ would be willing to take another huge hit so soon (especially since everyone knows they still are far from being even a fair team)
He once played with the Bulls. He didn't show much, did he? But if contract is bought out like Diaw, why not? He showed some defensive moves while with Bulls and he is long aqnd young.
@rtesoro440 Didnt show anything with Bulls, but seems even worse since..but fact remains that Cats VERY unlikely to waste more $ after they just did on Diaw..much more likely to try at least 1 more year of coaxing SOME effort out of the loser hoping that he may improve a little (enough to trade away his ridiculous contract)
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@rtesoro440 From what I read and see of his play...he's more of a center than Tiago...has post moves, can rebound, has a shot out to about 16 feet, can block shots, and not afaraid to give or receive a hard foul. Worth a shot - if CHEAP enough!
if they wanted an athletic 6'10" guy they shoulda traded up for moultre. Tyrus Thomas and Ant-rand really arent the answer, and neither is a guy who is basically a worse version of splitter. Either get Kaman for now, or get a guy like henry sims to try to groom. I really think Sims could be just as good if not better than hibbert and monroe if the right people worked with him
Agreed!. Although they have j.green formerly of alabama at summer camp. Come on, Spurs for once take a chance.
@JimmyPriour Moultrie would have been a good p/u.. I honestly think he could be D. Favors 2.0..and who is to say he WASNT a target for Spurs..we do know Spurs did make an effort to move up in draft..but getting that high to get AM would have taken MUCH more than Blair etc..lol I was kinda hopin they would take Sims or Sacre with our pick, but who knows? Might be a blessing since Sims went undrafted..I haven't seen him listed on anyones Summer league team as of yet, so we can hope Spurs get him for a look in vegas..I heard Spurs summ lg roster will be announced tomoz..cross your fingers. hehe
