.png&w=244&h=193&zc=1 "By the numbers: A quick look at the Grizzlies")
Lorbek not a lock to join Spurs just yet
Two days ago, we reported that the Spanish website Mundo Deportivo was reporting Erazem Lorbek 
was going to be joining the San Antonio Spurs this coming season. Well, not according to Lorbek himself.
The international site Kosarka.si (H/T Ballin Europe) caught up with Lorbek yesterday via telephone and here is what Lorbek had to say about his situation with the Spurs.
Lorbek states the news reports coming out of Spain are false.
"I see and hear that the Spanish media is giving false information about my future."
Ballin Europe cleared up the translations and stated that Lorbek has three options open right now: to join the Spurs, re-sign with FCB Regal, or find another Euroleague team. As you can see above, Lorbek states that the Spurs are not in the drivers seat just yet to sign him.
Lorbek went on to say that he is battling minor injuries and will work to get in full health in this off-season. Free agency opens in the NBA on July 1, but contracts can't be signed until July 11. If the Spurs are indeed going to try to bring Lorbek over, it'll be interesting to see if they negotiate a deal before or after free agency begins. As of right now, the Spurs still have Tim Duncan, Boris Diaw, Danny Green, and possibly Patty Mills to focus on in free agency.
Lorbek is an older, slower and less atthletic version of Ian Mahinmi. He can shoot a 3, but at 28, his time for a chance in the NBA is just about done.
Spurs are better served by setting theirs sights on one of the many bigs available in free agency this summer. The need is for a big that can defend in the paint (which is not Lorbek's game). Many players are out there, and there is a possibility that Brendon Haywood and/or Elton Brand could be waived/ac'd. And there are other good defenders as well.
Also, on the point about Mills. He has opted out and will probably sign with some team for about $2mil, which is what he is worth. I don't believe the Spurs will pursue him at that price, unless something happens with CJ.
i think lorbek would be a good asset to the spurs, i mean he'd do alot better than what bonner is doing. he is very underrated and could be a threat on the perimeter.
@rodhig7 are you tellingme that WHEN both atreu in the court they.spend t'he same percent of shoots?? That's incredible!!!
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Maybe this is just speculation, but have any of the people who are saying do not bring him over actually seen him footage of his game?? I have complete faith in the decisions that RC & Pop make. I for one have had enough of Bonner's defensive liabilities. Seeing him standing under/near the basket simply flailing his arms like he's drowning is the most irritating thing of the playoffs for me. Whilst Lorbek is no Nick Collison, I love the way Collison has been defending all playoffs. He hasnt been giving up position to try and swat a hapless shot out of the building like Ibaka does. He simply uses length to alter alot of shots around the rim. We need to draft someone along those lines. ps. rtesoro440 could you please get out of dream land and be more realistic with your trade ideas.
They are some of the most rational trades if the Spurs have to be relevant next season. Jackson's contract is ridiculous. Green could be traded, why not? Splitter is replaceable, don't you agree?
@rtesoro440 Yea fair enough they are a bit more rational than your usual dream land ideas. Splitter isn't actually that bad. We should give him some time to grow and develop as a player. As for the Danny Green idea, I want us to keep him and I do not think the players on the board at Boston's 2 picks will help us immediately like we need. Jackson was easily one of the better players for us in the OKC series. So no need to trade him. The only 2 players I think the Spurs should try and move are Bonner and Blair.
Our 2 glaring weaknesses are another big man who has the length and ability to ACTUALLY defend in the post and around the rim, and a backup PG. The back up PG issue will be addressed in free agency. Barbosa looks like a good option.
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i think he would be an upgrade from bonner and if they intend to bring him over, they got to to it soon; i mean, the guy is almost 30. if they decide to trade bonner, or possibly amnesty him, this guy would be a good fit. Although he may not posses a great set of defensive tools, he ain't as much of a liability on that end of the floor as bonner, not to mention, he can play inside and outside on the offensive end and posses the size that the spurs roster needs
This is great news. Please stay In Europe. He would be a waste of money. I am tired of the seeing the big man that shoots 3s. We don't need another Bonner. If we get Lorbek we will be in the same situation or probably worst next season
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@TeflonWoodsYeah, let Lorbek stay in Europe. The spurs have several options. ist, trade
splitter and draft a long, young and aggressive player. 2nd, trade or swap Jackson or restructure his salary. 3rd, let go of Green to the Celtics and draft #21-222. 4th, trade blair for a 2nd round draft and 5th, participate in the free agency.
All the Spurs need to do is get Timmy on the phone to speak to him and tell about what he has to gain by joining the NBA and playing with the Spurs. I'm sure the chance to play alongside a future Hall of Famer will certainly get Lorbek excited to play with the Spurs.
@24writer Hope they can get Timmy on the phone to speak to him. A chance to play with a legend might just change his mind #Spurs #Slovenia
@SivanJohn I'm not so convinced he's going to be a huge upgrade from what I've seen of him thus far. Slower Mehmet Okur comes to mind
@24writer Well just hope we fix the missing puzzle from this season & push 4 another championship next season? Can't wait 4 it 2 start!
@SivanJohn ..improved, then I wouldn't be surprised if they keep him and move him into the system quickly
@SivanJohn ..last year. SAS will probably give him new goals to work on this coming season with his Euro Club. But if he's drastically..
@SivanJohn In my opinion, yes. But from what I understand, he's only here for 2-weeks to get an evaluation of where he's progressed since..
