Spurs Mahinmi out for the year

[Reality]

Ah, Tallballs and the days when the Spurs played their game.
Nazr title and gone
Frankie Elson title and gone.

On the heels of Popped getting run yet again by Phil Jackson.....
If you're looking for frontline help for Timmy Dunkar, well it's going to continue to be in the form of Fabs Oberto leaping over a beer bottle cap or Spaz Bonner clanking up another three pointer attempt.  Or Mike Finley locking down the power forward spot. 

Per today's french newspaper "L'?quipe".
Translation is by a Frenchy so its broken a bit.

End of the season for Mahinmi!

The season of Ian Mahinmi has ended... even before having started. After a right ankle sprain during the summer, San Antonio's French player has tried to come back on the court but always felt the same pain at the ankle with continuous trace of blood. Send to LA to consult the specialist who has done Manu Ginobili's surgery this summer, he went back with the confirmation that the problem was far from being solved. After a six month waiting(!), the decision has been taken to have a surgery in LA and to end his season even if Spurs refuse to officially communicate on the situation of the young and unlucky French player. At 20 years old, the true start of his career is again postponed (only 6 regular season games played in 2007), but he still has until the end of the 2009-2010 season to show Spurs FO that they were right to draft him.

[WayOutWest]

Send to LA to consult the specialist who has done Manu Ginobili's surgery this summer....

There is the problem, the LA doctors are looking out for the Lakers.   

Ian was not going to help the Spurs enough to win a title this year anyway.  TD definately needs help, he's not young enough to carry dead weight like Flabs Obencho through the playoffs.  Bonner is pretty useless unless he's hitting his jumper, he can't help TD with the "bigs" in the WC.  IMO the Lakers are widening the gap between themselves and the WC.  Without help for TD the Lakers should be able to repeat last years performance against the Spurs in the playoffs, healthy Manu or not, because the addition of Bynum and Ariza addresses all the problems the Spurs present for the Lakers.  It's starting to look like Houston is the only legit threat while everyone else would be a major surprise (i.e. Jazz and Hornets).

[westkoast]

I thought Spurs fans were not happy with Nazr anyways?

[WayOutWest]

I thought Spurs fans were not happy with Nazr anyways?

Only Real Spurs fans.

[Lurker]

I thought Spurs fans were not happy with Nazr anyways?

If Nazr was to have a passing contest with Kwame the winner would be the first one to catch the ball.

[westkoast]

I thought Spurs fans were not happy with Nazr anyways?

If Nazr was to have a passing contest with Kwame the winner would be the first one to catch the ball.

I don't even know why he was mentioned. 

Lurker I do want to ask you why the Spurs have yet to find a quality big man to lighten Duncan's load.  They usually draft well but I haven't seen them go after a younger guy who can relieve Duncan while at the same time learning from him.  What is the reason for them kind of dragging their feet?  Sure there is slim pickens when it comes to big men but something is better than nothing right?  Clearly Fab is not the answer.  Even Reality has given up on him.

[Lurker]

I thought Spurs fans were not happy with Nazr anyways?

If Nazr was to have a passing contest with Kwame the winner would be the first one to catch the ball.

I don't even know why he was mentioned. 

Lurker I do want to ask you why the Spurs have yet to find a quality big man to lighten Duncan's load.  They usually draft well but I haven't seen them go after a younger guy who can relieve Duncan while at the same time learning from him.  What is the reason for them kind of dragging their feet?  Sure there is slim pickens when it comes to big men but something is better than nothing right?  Clearly Fab is not the answer.  Even Reality has given up on him.

Actually they have drafted one in both the 2005 and 2006 drafts (they didn't have a 2007 pick).  Mahinmi (2005) was the younger (18 when drafted), less polished player who they hoped to develop.  He stayed in Europe for 2 years then looked good in the NBDL last season and there were high hopes that he could contribute this year.  But injuries have wiped out this season.  In 2006 they drafted Tiago Splitter who is considered the best big man in Europe.  Unfortunately his Spanish league team offered more money than the Spurs could offer and he stayed in Europe.

Last season they got Kurt Thomas to help shore up the front line.  And he helps but is better suited to being your #3 big.  They definately need another big man who can play consistant and rebound.  I almost (make that ALMOST) wish they had Rasho back.

[westkoast]

I thought Spurs fans were not happy with Nazr anyways?

If Nazr was to have a passing contest with Kwame the winner would be the first one to catch the ball.

I don't even know why he was mentioned. 

Lurker I do want to ask you why the Spurs have yet to find a quality big man to lighten Duncan's load.  They usually draft well but I haven't seen them go after a younger guy who can relieve Duncan while at the same time learning from him.  What is the reason for them kind of dragging their feet?  Sure there is slim pickens when it comes to big men but something is better than nothing right?  Clearly Fab is not the answer.  Even Reality has given up on him.

Actually they have drafted one in both the 2005 and 2006 drafts (they didn't have a 2007 pick).  Mahinmi (2005) was the younger (18 when drafted), less polished player who they hoped to develop.  He stayed in Europe for 2 years then looked good in the NBDL last season and there were high hopes that he could contribute this year.  But injuries have wiped out this season.  In 2006 they drafted Tiago Splitter who is considered the best big man in Europe.  Unfortunately his Spanish league team offered more money than the Spurs could offer and he stayed in Europe.

Last season they got Kurt Thomas to help shore up the front line.  And he helps but is better suited to being your #3 big.  They definately need another big man who can play consistant and rebound.  I almost (make that ALMOST) wish they had Rasho back.

Kurt Thomas to me doesn't count because I see him more as a replacement for Horry than a legit back up for Duncan.  Plus he's old.  Not exactly a type of player you can bring to follow in the foot steps of someone else.

Do you think the Spurs are going to be able to get away with looking for a player to bring up under Duncan or will they eventually have to bit the bullet to go after a bigger name FA in 2011-2012?

[WayOutWest]

Kurt Thomas to me doesn't count because I see him more as a replacement for Horry than a legit back up for Duncan.  Plus he's old.  Not exactly a type of player you can bring to follow in the foot steps of someone else.

Do you think the Spurs are going to be able to get away with looking for a player to bring up under Duncan or will they eventually have to bit the bullet to go after a bigger name FA in 2011-2012?

Despite their success, it seems the Spurs don't want to spend the money to help TD.  Up to 07-08 season the Spurs were the best at balancing money and success.  After the big moves last year, my first thought regarding the Spurs was that they were being very smart with their "wait and see" approach instead of making franchise altering moves like the Suns and Mavs.  Had they beat the Lakers thier current roster would not even be questioned since IMO they have actually improved their roster over last year.  With the upgrades going on in the league, I'd be very disappointed if I were a Spurs fan at the lack of movement from the front office.  TD and Manu are not getting any younger, the Spurs title window is closing and the Lakers, Trailblazers, Jazz and Hornets look to be competitive for a few years beyond TD's career. 

The Spurs don't have much to work with regarding trades.  To their credit the Spurs don't have any bloated expiring contracts to use as trade bait.

[Lurker]

Kurt Thomas to me doesn't count because I see him more as a replacement for Horry than a legit back up for Duncan.  Plus he's old.  Not exactly a type of player you can bring to follow in the foot steps of someone else.

Do you think the Spurs are going to be able to get away with looking for a player to bring up under Duncan or will they eventually have to bit the bullet to go after a bigger name FA in 2011-2012?

Despite their success, it seems the Spurs don't want to spend the money to help TD.  Up to 07-08 season the Spurs were the best at balancing money and success.  After the big moves last year, my first thought regarding the Spurs was that they were being very smart with their "wait and see" approach instead of making franchise altering moves like the Suns and Mavs.  Had they beat the Lakers thier current roster would not even be questioned since IMO they have actually improved their roster over last year.  With the upgrades going on in the league, I'd be very disappointed if I were a Spurs fan at the lack of movement from the front office.  TD and Manu are not getting any younger, the Spurs title window is closing and the Lakers, Trailblazers, Jazz and Hornets look to be competitive for a few years beyond TD's career. 

The Spurs don't have much to work with regarding trades.  To their credit the Spurs don't have any bloated expiring contracts to use as trade bait.

That's because the Spurs have most of their money tied up in the big 3.  And unlike the big market teams they are very cognizant of staying under the luxury cap.  When all you can spend is the MLE or sign low draft picks then it is harder to rebuild.  They have made moves ever since Robinson left to get another big man.  They drafted Scola but contract problems prevented then form signing him...first too high of a buyout then Scola asking for more money than the Spurs could give.  They drafted big men in 2005 & 2006.

However the Spurs are also in position to play the Superstar Sweepstakes in the summer of 2010.  Only Duncan, Parker and the rookie, Hill will be under contract.

It isn't from lack of trying but the Spurs just don't get 7 footers given to them for a box of kleenex and draft rights. 

[WayOutWest]

And unlike the big market teams they are very cognizant of staying under the luxury cap.

Why?  Your market size does not matter in regards wether or not you choose to go over the cap or luxury tax threshold.  You sell out your arena, get plenty of national TV air time and have corporate sponsers.  It's not like the Spurs are losing money.

the Spurs just don't get 7 footers given to them for a box of kleenex and draft rights. 

Even if the Spurs did they would probably balk since they don't want to spend the money.  Buss historically has been adament about staying under the luxury tax but when the Gasol opportunity came along he was willing to spend big. 

[westkoast]

Kurt Thomas to me doesn't count because I see him more as a replacement for Horry than a legit back up for Duncan.  Plus he's old.  Not exactly a type of player you can bring to follow in the foot steps of someone else.

Do you think the Spurs are going to be able to get away with looking for a player to bring up under Duncan or will they eventually have to bit the bullet to go after a bigger name FA in 2011-2012?

Despite their success, it seems the Spurs don't want to spend the money to help TD.  Up to 07-08 season the Spurs were the best at balancing money and success.  After the big moves last year, my first thought regarding the Spurs was that they were being very smart with their "wait and see" approach instead of making franchise altering moves like the Suns and Mavs.  Had they beat the Lakers thier current roster would not even be questioned since IMO they have actually improved their roster over last year.  With the upgrades going on in the league, I'd be very disappointed if I were a Spurs fan at the lack of movement from the front office.  TD and Manu are not getting any younger, the Spurs title window is closing and the Lakers, Trailblazers, Jazz and Hornets look to be competitive for a few years beyond TD's career. 

The Spurs don't have much to work with regarding trades.  To their credit the Spurs don't have any bloated expiring contracts to use as trade bait.

That's because the Spurs have most of their money tied up in the big 3.  And unlike the big market teams they are very cognizant of staying under the luxury cap.  When all you can spend is the MLE or sign low draft picks then it is harder to rebuild.  They have made moves ever since Robinson left to get another big man.  They drafted Scola but contract problems prevented then form signing him...first too high of a buyout then Scola asking for more money than the Spurs could give.  They drafted big men in 2005 & 2006.

However the Spurs are also in position to play the Superstar Sweepstakes in the summer of 2010.  Only Duncan, Parker and the rookie, Hill will be under contract.

It isn't from lack of trying but the Spurs just don't get 7 footers given to them for a box of kleenex and draft rights. 

Um the Lakers gambled on Bynum taking him 10th so......

[Lurker]

And unlike the big market teams they are very cognizant of staying under the luxury cap.

Why?  Your market size does not matter in regards wether or not you choose to go over the cap or luxury tax threshold.  You sell out your arena, get plenty of national TV air time and have corporate sponsers.  It's not like the Spurs are losing money.

It does matter.  SA does not have the level of corporate sponsership that the big media markets have.  The price of tickets also are not as high (thus less revenues) as the big markets.  And if it wasn't for the revenue sharing...especially the luxury tax money...then the Spurs probably would be losing money.  SA does not have a deep pocket owner that can burn a few extra million a year for his recreation.

the Spurs just don't get 7 footers given to them for a box of kleenex and draft rights. 

Even if the Spurs did they would probably balk since they don't want to spend the money.  Buss historically has been adament about staying under the luxury tax but when the Gasol opportunity came along he was willing to spend big. 

Actually the Lakers didn't take on that much additional salary with Gasol.  Trading rules require that salaries are matching (within a small margin).  So Buss didn't break out the checkbook to get Gasol.  He committed to more years than he would have paid Brown & Critterton but not more money on a annual basis.

[WayOutWest]

It does matter.  SA does not have the level of corporate sponsership that the big media markets have.  The price of tickets also are not as high (thus less revenues) as the big markets.  And if it wasn't for the revenue sharing...especially the luxury tax money...then the Spurs probably would be losing money.  SA does not have a deep pocket owner that can burn a few extra million a year for his recreation.

I guess that makes Donald Sterling a genius. LOL!

Actually the Lakers didn't take on that much additional salary with Gasol.  Trading rules require that salaries are matching (within a small margin).  So Buss didn't break out the checkbook to get Gasol.  He committed to more years than he would have paid Brown & Critterton but not more money on a annual basis.

When the Lakers got Gasol they knew it was going to be a huge increase in payroll because, unlike Kwame, keeping that much salary on the books was going to impact the Lakers when they have to sign(ed) Bynum, Ariza, Sasha, and  Odom.  They are probably going to lose Odom, but I will blame Radmanovich for that.

[Lurker]

Actually the Lakers didn't take on that much additional salary with Gasol.  Trading rules require that salaries are matching (within a small margin).  So Buss didn't break out the checkbook to get Gasol.  He committed to more years than he would have paid Brown & Critterton but not more money on a annual basis.

When the Lakers got Gasol they knew it was going to be a huge increase in payroll because, unlike Kwame, keeping that much salary on the books was going to impact the Lakers when they have to sign(ed) Bynum, Ariza, Sasha, and  Odom.  They are probably going to lose Odom, but I will blame Radmanovich for that.

It COULD be a huge increase in salary.  Or it could be that some of those players are not signed to new contracts or extensions.  Bynum is the only absolute keeper in that bunch at this time.  With Kobe and Gasol even Buss has to think about paying double for every contract.  My bet is that the Lakers payroll doesn't increase that much.