Spurs interested in Josh Smith?
According to Marc Spears from Yahoo Sports, the San Antonio Spurs are interested in acquiring Josh Smith from the Atlanta Hawks.
12. Atlanta Hawks (28-22, previous ranking: 13th): The Spurs are among the teams with interest in Hawks forward Josh Smith, a source told Yahoo! Sports. Keep in mind, Hawks general manager Danny Ferry was previously with the Spurs.
This would be a real coup for the Spurs if they can bring in an athletic power forward like Josh Smith. Alongside Tim Duncan, they would build a real problem in the frontcourt for every team in the NBA. Smith is sometimes trigger happy with 3-point shots, but the paint would be open for him to work with Duncan in the perimeter.
The deal would likely include Tiago Splitter and Stephen Jackson. Jackson is due $10 million for the season, so his contract would be an excellent filler. Smith can also play the small forward position to make up for Jackson's loss.
What do you think Spurs fans? How does Josh Smith in a Spurs uniform sound?
I'm sure most of you know already, but technically this trade could still go forward with Bonner being traded instead of Splitter: http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine/?tradeId=af2y93j
It'd obviously not be the best deal for Atlanta. But in this trade linked above, they'd still be getting three expiring contracts. And for this season, some SF play from Jackson, energy out of Blair, and shooting out of Bonner. Perhaps even a draft pick for the future.
That would leave us with Splitter/Smith/Duncan/Diaw/Baynes, at least for the rest of this season. How rad would that be?
Meh... the link I included isn't working. But essentially, it packages Blair/Bonner/Jackson for Smith
We all Dont Want Josh Smith Not For the Spurs We Got Somebody Can Help this Player Will Play is the Big Australin is Aron Baynes He Can Help We Dont Want Josh Smith
@sa2ny2004 @projectspurs @jrg1023 they could pull this off for cheap. I bet Danny Ferry owes Pop a favor. I'm in on this IF Kawhi stays
@MoralezB @sa2ny2004 @projectspurs the great thing is Smith is a combo forward in case we trade a SF and Jax is a SG in case Manu was in it
I think everyone here is missing a very valuable point: There is no way the Hawks do a trade for Jackson/Splitter/1st rounder. Maybe if we were a bad team, but that 1st rounder is essentially the same as a second rounder on a bad team. So aside from Jax/Splitt, the Hawks will DEFINITELY ask for Green/Neal/Another 1st round pick while at the same time asking us to pick up a contract like Anthony Morrow. I wish the Hawks were looking to dump Smoove, but that's not the case. We won't get a trade through without sending out two of our best role players or multiple first rounders.
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As expected, a lot of comments already. Haha. I'm sure there are already debates about Splitter again. I'll say the same as I said about the Jefferson trade. If we can somehow get Josh Smith without having to give up Splitter, I'm all for it. But of course, that's just my personal opinion. Maybe Danny Ferry can be nice to his former team. Haha.
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I want to see Smoov in Black & Silver. A Block,Assist, Rebound, Steal, finish-through- traffic dunking machine.
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Let's say just for a heck of it, that the teams has agreed on a Tiago, Jackson and a 1st rounder for Smith.
If we break what we give against what we get we see that:
Splitter is a RESTRICTED FA. Which means his next contract is a variable! i'll tell you all a secret, considering the contracts guys like Nene or McGee or DeAndre Jordan got, Tiago can get up to 13 Million a year even maybe MAX![His advanced stats[WP48,WS48,WARP] put him in all-star production.
Josh is Unrestricted. While I agree he isn't a Max guy right now, his set of skills, his age(He is younger than Tiago!) and upside or enough to push it over. So now, Pop and RC just need to make up their mind right now, if they think he is worth that money. Because I am 99% confident that he will resign here for that money.
Tiago is great. But playing him next to Duncan is really playing 2 Centers together. The biggest downside is Pick'N'roll defense. The Spurs are one of the worst teams in the league defending it, mostly because Tiago and Tim are too slow hedging and recovering in time. Josh essentially solves that problem.
Other things that make sense in that trade, is the high-tempo Spurs offense. Tiago is unbelievable running the floor, but isn't it obvious that Josh will be better in that scenario?
If that's the trade. I say go for it.
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There are a lot of players that have gotten better after the age of 28, 2 of which are Spurs, Tony Parker is 29 and playing the best basketball of his life and Tim Duncan last I checked was 36 and making a run at DPOY. So please know what you are talking about before you spout off. The Spurs have 4 banners hanging and by NBA standards have really only ever had 1 Superstar, Tim Duncan, maybea case can be made for Tony and Manu being Superstars which I think the are but as faras the talking heads go Timmy is our lone Superstar. All of our Championhips have come with a roster full of role players and that is what Tiago is. No one ever said Tiago was going to be a Superstar but he can be an integral cog to a Championship team this yearand years to come. Also yes I do love Splitter as a player as I do all that don the Silver and Black. Also he gets 28 MPG becaue we have Diaw, Bonner and Baynes that also need minutes to keep them active and ready for a deep playoff push. Please have some sembelance of knowledge when you post. GO SPURS GO!!!
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@backrds361 We just got Baynes so I wouldn't parade him around as a reason Tiago doesn't get more minutes. Bonner and Blair have been complete afterthoughts this season. Also, I don't know where you got 28 mpg? Everywhere I've looked has him at 23.8 mpg.
If Josh Smith were on our team though, he would not be getting role player minutes because he isn't one. Imagine a Tony+Smith fast-break? Also, Tiago's rim defense and rebounding are not that impressive. The tandem of Duncan and Smith protecting the rim would be a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention Smith is a better pick and roll defender as well.
I would caution you and other Spurs fans alike to not overvalue Splitter. He has definitely improved and become a very important piece on this team. However: 1. There is no guarantee he will re-sign with us, 2. His mediocre minutes are not just a product of our depth, 3. Players like can add dimensions to the Spurs that Splitter cannot.
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@CraigThomas @backrds361 I bleed silver and black, but this site is like the Justin Beiber fan site, all of the fans on here go crazy over a below average guy with gel in his hair.
I care about that 5th ring and our future of our team...but wow to compare Splitter to a top talent in the league is about as bad as it gets.
And for someone to say Our big 3 improved after they turned 28 that why the title went through us and the lakers for 10 years long time a go. Tim is just a freak of nature that takes care of his body, kinda like Kobe does and that is why they are the G.O.A.T at their positions.
Well if I was in my mom's basement doesn't that kind of tell you I would have the time to do so. We don't have basements in South Texas or at least I don't in my own home. Last I checked this was a Spurs site not some outlet for your childish quips. That being said this trade more than likely will not happen so the point is moot. Also since when does cutting and pasting stats that someone else took the time to compile make you a true fan? I am happy with our current roster and believe to be capable of winning a title. With the rest the Big 3 are getting due to injury is only allowing the bench and role players to get more gametime and build confidence. Every made basket by Kawhi last game only added to his confidence and by the 4th his was crossing over an Eastern Conference All Star, in Luol Deng, and shutting him down on defense. We are going to need that 4th, 5th and 6th option to provide a scoring punch as well as stops when the Big 3 are on the bench or can't create. OKC seems like the only bump in the road on the way to the finals because I don't believe the Clppers can beat us in a 7 game series. I can't wait for the playoffs...GO SPURS GO!!!!
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@ChrisCano Never mention Justin Bieber here ever again. He's vastly overrated. And MJ is the G.O.A.T at the SG position, not Kobe.
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@ChrisCano if you want real Spurs talk, go to Pounding The Rock. keep in mind, yes, there are fans with knowledge that will want to get a guy like Jefferson or Smith, but there are fans with knowledge that will give you reasons to keep a good player like Splitter. yes, Splitter is not a star, but he is a good player, not below average. again, if you want a good debate, i suggest going to Pounding The Rock.
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@backrds361 I really, really want your last statement to be true, but I don't think you can guarantee it like that 100%. This is not fantasy-land, but we are talking about the future of the Spurs just walking straight out of the door for big bucks. That would be situation in which our FO would trade for Splitter. Smith is undeniably a better player than Splitter. He is a better rebounder, defender, and shooter. Will he fit in the system? That's a tossup.
However, the whole "Spurs culture" is a joke. S-Jax's conduct prior to the Spurs was head and shoulders beyond a few pouty moments that Smith has had. Pop's ability to lead and motivate can probably get any player back in line including Smith. So to say that Smith's attitude would disrupt the team is stupid because Jackson hasn't disrupted our team and he is out of control compared to Smith.
Go back and watch the OKC tapes last year and tell me we couldn't use any extra talent. Are you so certain that Tiago's development is what's going to get us over the hump? Do you think we can count on Manu to be 100% and put on some incredible performances like last year? I hope all of those are true, but we don't know that for sure. This isn't about assembling the "fantasy Spurs," but putting us in the best position to beat OKC and the Clippers. Once we get to the Finals, we should trounce the undersized Heat. So really, this is about winning the West.
@CraigThomas yea this guy doesnt have time to look up stats cause he is in his mom's basement in between this site and the world of warcraft game...
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@backrds361 Hopefully the finals, that is why Memphis and Thunder front court manhandled us the past two years when we had the best record in the NBA one of those years and second another....we need that player to put us over the top in a 7 game series.That is why these trade rumors are coming up and pop went out and brought in Baynes...its about the rings not reg season wins.
Ask the heat that same question you would the lakers....
Adding one player to a team with strong leadership is what works for our team, Kobe is selfish and broke down poor howard and the lakers coach is a joke...cant compare the situations...
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We are talking present sir at least I am. We want to win now and yes in the future but Josh Smith could very well leave just like Splitter but if Splitter leaves it will only be Splitter and not Nando or Neal or whoever we would give up top get Josh Smith. From what I have seen all season long the team is Tim, Tony and Manu and a bunch of role players and we are 1st in the NBA so kind of a moot point. Can't we agree that the Spurs are doing great and don't need change at least not this year. THE END
Yes it is ridiculous. I am speaking of team currently assembled in the real world of the NBA not some make believe team that you have seem to pieced together in fantasy land. Are you dense that this Josh Smith led team is going to run rough shod through the playoffs. All I am saying is that Splitter isn't a crap player he serves a purpose. How many incidents has SJax had as a Spur a technical here and there an ejection or 2 it is Pop and the culture that keep him in line plus Jack hasn't hinted at being traded while on a playoff team like your boy Smith . You can tout talent up and down about Josh Smith I won't begrudge you that but just ask the Lakers how all that talent worked out for them even when healthy. Be proud of the team we have and don't go conjecturing situations about supposed trade rumors. The Spurs are fine and will be in the WCF and hopefully the Finals.
@backrds361 But we are talking about the future of the team. If Splitter leaves in FA this summer then what? There goes our future for NOTHING. Also, be realistic, Timmy and Manu aren't the same players who just needed role players around them to succeed the way it was 6 years ago. We cannot assume that 2007 Spurs=2013 Spurs. Having alternative playmakers takes the strain off of Manu and Tim and especially Tony for initiating all of the offense.
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I didn't compare Splitter to Top talent like Josh Smith and Al Jefferson (Talent and $5 gets you a Subway footlong btw). I would liken Tiago to Kevin Willis, Fabricio Oberto or Malik Rose of past Championship Teams. We need unselfish players willing to do what is needed in order to maximize the success of the system. Of course I know Timmy, Tony and Manu have been great their whole careers but you said NO PLAYER GETS BETTER AFTER 28 which is incorrect. The Spurs don't need a change in roster to be Championship contenders we just need the bench not to blank in the playoffs and by the progression they have shown as a unit this year I feel conident that the will show up in a Game 7 so to speak. I too bleed silver and black but everyone here knows the Spurs don't make trades midseason like that not when we are tops in the league.
I got 28MPG from Mr. Cano there. I don't go scouring for stats I don't have that kind of time. It seems to me that you people aren't Spurs fans the way you downplay the role of Splitter and seem to only want to add players who more than likley would't gel the way our current players do with our sytem. No way in hell do any of these trades happen. Furthermore the Spurs culture seems to convince players to sign for less to sign for less than they would get from a non contender( I.E. Manu GInobili & Tim Duncan). Josh Smith does not have the mental toughness to make it as a Spur because if he can't get his he gets all pouty and start throwing up 3's like his life depends on it. There is a reason our current roster is what it is. Reason being Pop, RC and the rest of the staff know what type of character and player it takes to be successful in the Spurs system. So if your goal is to make more ESPN TOP 10 plays then by all means take Josh Smith but the mission is to get rings and that is what we are composed for this year. Al Jefferson is great and so is Josh Smith but not at the cost of disrupting our system by sending away valuable role players (Nando, Neal and Splitter)
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@CraigThomas Dont forget about Robert Horry too, he fit in just nice
Sorry since Dec Splitter min have gone up to an average of 28 min
I want Tim to have more rings than Kobe not wait for a few years for Splitter to develop
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Calls me not a real Spurs fan, then doesn't have the 15 seconds to google "Splitter adjusted 36 mpg" and add factual evidence to arguments...
Ok I'm going to call BS here. You talk about players who don't fit the "Spurs culture"? What about S-Jax who was probably the 2nd biggest head-case in the league for years, who jacked up shots all the time, who FOUGHT fans in the stands, who regularly still gets technicals when a call doesn't go his way? He fits our "culture" more than J-Smoove how exactly...? That's just garbage you're spitting up because you have an attachment to Splitter.
Oh yes, my goal is to get the Spurs on Top 10 every night!!! That's exactly why I laid out a comparison of their stats and said Smith is a better defender and he's more versatile than Splitter. He gets more rebounds and plays more minutes. We could lay out a case to trade Tyson Chandler for Splitter and you would still say "you're just trying to get on SportsCenter, he won't fit in our system!" That's just completely untrue.
Before you go and call out someone's fandom, why don't you look up some facts or try to play down your abject LOVE for Splitter who, as you yourself said, is nothing more than a role player.
@backrds361 get out of here they have been great their whole Career, Tony took a year to adjust to the NBA Speed but his second year he was averaging 32 min per game and 15pts...
@backrds361 Knowledge get real, If we had Smith or Jefferson on the spurs Bonner and Diaw would be sitting right next to Blair on that bench...
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Before everyone goes nuts about how Tiago is a much better value, you really must take into account the fact that we may not even have Tiago next year. He surely took his sweet time getting here (drafted him in 2007), and who's to say he won't chase the dollars this summer? Just to restate this again, do you want the future of the Spurs to be in the hands of Tiago when he's being offered outrageous contracts next year? If the answer is yes, then by all means keep him, but I don't want a good portion of our future to be in his hands.
If you look at their adjusted stats per 36 min: (Smith 17.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 4.1 apg, 2.2 bpg, shooting 46%) vs. (Tiago 16.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.2 bpg, shooting 59%) it would seem that Tiago is a better player. However, you have to take into account their ACTUAL minutes played per game. Tiago is only playing 24 mpg while Smith is already playing 36 mpg. In terms of production, Smith would be out on the court for us longer than Tiago is right now. Regardless of your reasoning, you must acknowledge that Tiago's inability to play more than 25 minutes for us is disconcerting. Are you prepared to shell out $12 million+ for 25 mpg? That's what Tiago is giving us right now.
I would argue that Smith's ability to protect the rim and versatility (plays PF/SF) make him a very interesting prospect. The drawbacks of such a trade would be the obvious detriment to team chemistry, Smith's lack of pick and roll experience, and Smith's awful FT percentage (51%). Considering the drawbacks, It's really a tossup between the two right now. Our team chemistry is so important though that I doubt our FO would have the gumption to pull off such a trade while we are clicking on all cylinders right now and possibly derail a championship run. However, if the FO determines that Tiago is undecided in resigning this summer don't think for a second that we wouldn't pull the trigger and trade his tall Brazilian ass.
Splitter's upside alone is enough to shoot this deal down. Plus the MAX Cotract Josh Smith wants is another hugereason to say no especially for a selfish player who has hit his cieling. 6'11'" doesn't grow on trees and that is what wewould give up not to mention Tiago keeps getting better offensively in the post as well as his post defense. Splitter will command maybe 9 Milllion posibly 10 Million a year as aversed to the 15-18 Million Jsh wants and isn't worth.
@backrds361 Tiago is going to get more than $9 mil this summer that's a promise. All of the other NBA teams aren't stupid. The can see his stats too and know his upside. How do you think Omer Asik, a backup center who barely played more than 15 mpg, got a 3 year $25 mil deal? He can barely even score a basketball! And you think Tiago is going to get only $4 mil more than him???
@backrds361 what planet does everyone on this website live on that thinks Splitter will ever be a superstar in the NBA. he is decent but will never be more than that. No player gets better after the age of 28....He fits decent in the system and that is why he only get 28 min per game...WOW THIS SITE NEEDS TO BE CALLED THE "I HEART SPLITTER"
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@ChrisCano @backrds361 I know a lot of people (myself included) tend to overestimate his value a little, the main point is ture. We can resign splitter for around 10 mil next year, and for what he does that's excellent. From the past few games we've seen if we give him 32-32 minutes a game he can put up around 16-8 consistently. Smith, while a dominant force, will be VERY difficult to resign; basically max contract (smith said he wants it, I think he is more in it for the money than for the rings)
@ChrisCano no one's forgotten that, but is Splitter's contract going to be as big as Smith's or Jefferson's contracts? i don't think so.
@RG8907 @ChrisCano It won't be that big, but it is probably going to be higher than $10 mil. Teams with open cap space are going to go after Splitter and we can't just say "$10 mil, take it or leave it" because he will leave for the big bucks.
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@CraigThomas i understand that, and i know there have been solid backup big men that have stepped up as starters (Gortat, for example). judging from Splitter's personality, i'd say his intentions would be to wanting to negotiate with Pop and R.C., and stay here first. but like you said, just speculating. i guess we'll just have to wait and see.
@RG8907 Again, I really hope that we can secure him for $10 mil but I think you may be underestimating the premium teams are putting on solid big men. Right now it's pure speculation until the 22nd whether or not Tiago wants to stay or test his value. If our FO is unsure about Tiago's intentions, don't be surprised if we trade him because we want to get some sort of value for him.
@CraigThomas higher than $10 mil? nah i don't see it happening, unless some team is that stupid enough just like what Houston did giving Asik that ridiculous contract.
even if teams offered him more money, there's no guarantee that Splitter would say he'd leave for the big bucks, and i doubt we would say "$10 mil, take it or leave it." i would think Pop, R.C., and the front office would be willing to negotiate, and the same can be said for Splitter.
We will never get a good deal out of this. The hawks just rejected a deal for Humphries and Marshon Brooks from the Nets. Mt guess is we would have to trade Jax, Splitter, Neal and a 1st rounder. If we gave De Colo or Mills instead of Neal, then it would be 2 1st rounders. No thanks.
Even giving up Splitter and Jack I think Smith would put us as immediate favorites to win the title this year. Unfortunately I think that is all it is good for as I don't think JSmoove would resign with us, even if we offered him a max contract (which we almost certainly wouldn't do).
@JimmyPriour why wouldnt they max him out, he is a superstar and we had 24 million coming off the book next year. and the free agents are not that great
@ChrisCano Because hes unrestricted, and there are many more desirable places than SA to live and still have the chance to succeed. If we brought him in and won it all maybe he would, but it would probably completely rely on how he got along and if we won or not, otherwise I think we'd lose him. I would definitely love to see him in a Spurs jersey though. Exactly what the Dr ordered.
If the Spurs want to win this year, its a very good trade. Dollars work, too. However, unless the Spurs want to bring Smith back (he's a FA after this year), they leave themselves a very big hole at the center position long term.
Don't suppose Danny would do us a solid by taking Bonner & Blair instead of Splitter? :)
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It would be a good trade if spurs don't give up Splitter,if they can get Josh Smith for Jackson,De Colo,Blair and maybe a 1st or 2nd round pick,but we'll see how desperate Hawks are and how much Danny Ferry wants to see the spurs succeed.
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Hopefully we don't give up too much other than Splitter and Jackson. Smith can replace Jackson at the forward, meaning he can defend KD in the playoffs if we come across OKC which we will so it'll be set in the forward spot behind Kawhi Leonard or next to Leonard.
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@ChrisCano @koshwayne He can play both positions. But we would rather have him defending the rim instead of Durant on the perimeter.
