Lorbek's agent: No negotiations allowed with Spurs until July 1
As Slovenian big man Erazem Lorbek (draft rights acquired from Indiana Pacers to San Antonio Spurs
in 2011) recently stated, him signing with the Spurs was not a lock, and he had two other options in free agency. Now word has come from his agent that no negotiations can begin with the Spurs until July 1.
HoopsHype.com spoke with Lorbek's agent three days ago, and here's what his agent Maurizio Balducci had to say of Lorbek's situation with the Spurs.
"The scenario is still not clear because his season came to an end just five days ago, so we cannot have a clear picture so far," Balducci said. "We are not allowed to negotiate with the NBA till July 1, so we have to wait."
Balducci said that they are staying in touch with FCB Regal, who Lorbek just won the 2012 Liga Title with as well as San Antonio. This quote from Lorbek's agent now makes Lorbek's chances of coming to San Antonio a little bit more interesting.
For one, now that we know he can't negotiate with San Antonio until July 1, when NBA free agency talks also begin, that may set back Lorbek in the free agency priority list for the Spurs (if they have one). One would highly assume that the Spurs will first talk to unrestricted free agents Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw first, then restricted free agent Danny Green, and possibly Patty Mills if he opts out of his contract on June 25.
Now comes the question, if the Spurs focus on those said free agents above first, then when they're done with those negotiations, will they have a contract attractive to Lorbek, or will they also have some other NBA free agents on their priority list before Lorbek?
This is all just my perspective of Lorbek's situation, and his agent did tell Hoops Hype that the Spurs are an attractive option because they run a European style of offense, but now that they can't discuss any negotiations until July 1, bringing Lorbek across the pond looks to have a new obstacle.
Lorbek isn't much a defender so bring here won't change the scenario we have right now. We don't have a post defender can stop lay-ups and dunks, TD is way too old and slow to cover both spots. Diaw, Blair, Bonner, are not only undersized but bring completely NO DEFENSE on table.The Spurs front court is among the Less Athletic in the WHOLE LEAGUE. With now players are even more athletic than before, they definitely are in trouble.
@WOW I agree. Timmy is old and isn't what he used to be. It's inevitable and we all knew it was coming. At least he can still get blocks and is still able to do some posterizing dunks on people, so he's not all that old. But yeah, not at all what he used to be and our front court is looking slow and and small. Not good at all. We need to go from slow and small to big and fast. The problem is, the spurs front office haven't done a good job of doing that. Enough with getting the 6'7-6'8 guys who play power forward or center. If they are going to get a front court guy, at least make sure he's AT LEAST 6'9 and is athletic. Not to mention he has to be YOUNG too. I'm tired of rumors of guys in their late 20's jumping the pond.
It is just as well that he is not coming. The Spurs may sign free agents or enter the draft by trading some assets.
signing free agents/s is dependent on some factors, I think it depends on how much TD is willing to accept as free agent. If he accepts a reduced amount of say $12m, the Spurs saves $9m. 2nd, if Jackson is traded for a draft pick and that pick's salary is say $2m. The Spurs further saves $8m or a total of $17m enough to sign free agent/s. If this happens, they sign a younger, longer and aggressive player. Maybe kaman, Humphries or one of the ufa available.If Jackson agrees to an extension of 2 yrs including the current plus restructured salary of say $ 7m or 6m, the Spurs save $3m annually for a total of $12m, still enough for 1/2 free agent/s. In addition to this, the Spurs may opt to trade Splitter for a ist round pick maybe #10 to 15. It is rumored that the Bobcats or the Rockets are shopping their draft picks. Some may not agree but just to sweeten lthe pot, Bonner and Anderson (sign & trade) maybe included in the deal to get Andre Drummond. Blair is another expendable player. The Spurs maybe willing to trade for a high 2nd round and draft Henry Sims or Kyle O;Quinn. In all, the Spurs will have at least 4 BIG men. Is this enough to contend for next season? Practically only TD and Diaw are the relevant big men. With FOUR, the Spurs increase the likehood of playing in the western conerence finals if not the nba finals and give TD another ring.I am certain all these possibilities entered the attention of Mgnt. By NOW they are well awre of the team's weaknesses. They will do what is advantageous to the team. If there will be changes, it SHOULD be NOW while their players have value. Am sure it is not easy to see Splitter and Blair but, loyalty besides, it MUST be done.
@rtesoro440 I'd send Bonner and JA or Bonner and Green or Blair and any of the two guards mentioned for somewhere around 12-15 if there any takers and get a hold of Arnett Moultrie and Keep Splitter.
