WEDNESDAY WIRE

The Aftershocks of LeBron's Decision Hit Home


“We are all witnesses”, it read. The mural portraying the immaculate King James with outspread arms towered pompously over the people of Cleveland, a defiant reminder that the road to salvation is 6 foot 8 and 250 pounds. Raised among them and groomed by the best Ohio had to offer, LeBron James, the “savior”, and the crowned king of Cleveland, was led into the city on an ass named David Stern (he too understood the importance this second coming would have on the entire NBA). We are all witnesses indeed. King James addressed his people from on high as the entire world watched in silent disbelief. “It’s not you, it’s me.” He told Ohio. The words came awkwardly, but the King’s message to his former city and to his new teammates rang loud and clear, “No really, it’s all about me!” Like a teenage girl being dumped in front of the entire school at prom, the once proud city went “Carrie” on LeBron. Chaos ensued as Clevelanders began destroying every shred of evidence linking them to their crushed dreams. Number 23 jerseys burned in the street, posters and memorabilia maimed and dismembered, frantic crying, and then the inevitable, “he wasn’t that good anyway!” from owner Dan Gilbert. The sacred wall that once held the image of their savior now stands bare. A grim reminder to the rest of the NBA, the path to salvation is not so easy. The Spurs’ faithful would be wise to take note; we too may be headed down a one-way-road to disaster.

Just like every other team in the NBA, the Spurs waited for “The Decision” before making any roster adjustments this summer. Unlike other teams, they were not holding their breath in the hope LeBron would grace our humble city with his magnificence. Instead, in typical Spurs’ fashion, they waited patiently for the stampede to end and the dust to settle before surveying the league landscape. LeBron’s decision would ultimately affect the Spurs in two ways. First, Richard Jefferson opted out of the final year of his contract in an effort to jump into an already crowded pool in the race for cap space. Second, the ensuing balance of power might give San Antonio leverage to work a trade landing them some younger talent, laying the foundation to a quick rebuild after Tim and Manu’s looming retirements. The future of our beloved Spurs could very well rest on decisions made this summer.

Following a mediocre first year with the Spurs, the NBA collective mind predicted RJ would take his poor 2010 season and his $15 mil and rest comfortably in Pop’s doghouse (recently vacated by Roger Mason) for the final year of his contract. Instead, Jefferson shocked the experts when he chose to opt out and join the already loaded free-agent pool this summer. This decision may prove costly for Jefferson, but ultimately it gives the Spurs complete flexibility when determining RJ’s future with the team. We were all a little let down after he didn’t perform up to expectations last year, but there is an excellent opportunity to exploit the two-year learning curve in Pop’s system at a much more budget friendly price. When you consider other stars in the league, including Amare and Joe Johnson, were probably overpaid, and losers in the LeBron sweepstakes have already started spending their dough on younger long-term players, Jefferson may not get big money from other teams giving the Spurs a chance to sign him on the cheap. RJ has long been known around the league as a smart and talented player, with one year under his belt and a slight roster tune-up, Jefferson could turn into a real bargain should the Spurs decide to bring him back next season.

Pat Riley is the ultimate mastermind. Planning 3, 4, 5 steps ahead, predictably arrogant, and arguably the best coach/GM the league has ever seen. He managed to pull off the clean sweep, landing the three biggest fish in the pond in one foul swoop. Adding insult to injury he throws a massive South Beach party just to rub our noses in it. With Boston likely possessing one more run, and teams like Atlanta and Orlando improving every year, this was Riley’s only chance to level the playing field, keep Dwayne Wade, and compete for multiple titles over the next 6 years. Riley’s move has left some younger Eastern teams in need of talent, and a whole lot of cash burning a big hole in their pockets. Chicago and New York are two teams in the East that are one or two players short of being competitive. Upon his signing with New York, Amare Stoudemire began the “Join Me” campaign for 2011 free agents Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker. While Chicago moved to add front court depth and toughness with Boozer, complimenting an extremely talented back court. All the Bulls need is a talented scorer on the wing, a three-ball threat, and some veteran leadership.

Amare already beat me to the punch, but Tony Parker is the obvious solution for the Knicks. A quick guard, possessing a great drive and dish game, one who knows how to run the pick and roll, and has a decent mid-range jumper to boot. The Spurs should force Tony’s hand, this summer and offer him a contract extension. Give him some time to mull it over, but if he refuses to commit, it is time for the Spurs to break their mold and trade him while he still has value. Cleveland went from top Eastern contender to bottom dweller in a matter of minutes, San Antonio runs the same risk if Tony leaves via free agency. In two years Tim’s contract is up, Manu comes off the books shortly after, but both players are shells of their former selves, and it is just a matter of time before they retire. Under these circumstances the Spurs could effectively loose their big three in just two or three years, and I have a feeling George Hill, Dejuan Blair, and Richard Jefferson are not going to be the next “Big Three”.

Jefferson provides the Spurs a similar opportunity. With his wide-open contract situation, the Spurs sit in the driver’s seat when it comes to working a deal with RJ. Rose, Jefferson, and Boozer in Chicago would be reminiscent of the Jersey trio (Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson, Kenyon Martin) that pushed the Spurs in the finals just a few years ago. Jefferson was a youngster then, but he has polished his game, adding a solid perimeter shot, a tough slasher with the strength to finish strong at the rim, and an experienced playoff veteran to get a young team over the hump.

The Spurs organization is widely regarded as one of the best clubs in all of professional sports. Their ability to sniff out talent at the deepest levels of the draft; creating real relationships between players, staff, and fans, facilitating the unique balance between great talent and great people; and an uncanny ability to keep their cards close to hand, out of sight of the media and the competition, have kept this team perched precariously at the top of the NBA for 12 years. The Spurs managed to alter what is for most teams “just business”, into something that is completely “personal”. This keystone of “Spurs Basketball” has led us between a rock and a hard place. A personal relationship will only take you so far when intrigue comes knocking. In just a few years we fans could find ourselves in the exact same quagmire Cavs fans are in today, hopeless and regretful. An early Christmas present from Richard Jefferson, paired with key young talent waiting in the wings could keep the Spurs marching cleverly down the straight and narrow that so many other teams ignorantly plunged themselves from every year. Be diligent Spurs’ fans, because the greatest affect King James had on the Spurs when he went to Miami, is to show us loyalty only goes so far.

WEDNESDAY WIRE

The Wire Returns


On Wednesday July 14th, I will be discussing the effects of Lebron James' decision on the Spurs, and the rest of the NBA.

Gone Fishing...For Now

So the season is officially over and the Spurs are gone fishing. I had hoped we would still be competing our way through the conference finals, but I have to say, an early elimination in the playoffs is not necessarily a bad sign for the franchise. In fact, this season should be viewed as a resounding success for the Spurs. Why you ask? Well, let me answer that by pointing out the key reasons why Spurs fans should still be standing tall.

1. A First Round Upset Victory Bodes Well for the Spurs
True, the Spurs couldn’t find the rhythm to dispatch the historical playoff fodder in the Steve Nash led Suns, but a shot across the bow to the archrival Dallas Mavericks, a team that was expected to contend with the Lakers for a championship following the blockbuster All Star weekend trade, proved that the Spurs still have the juice to contend with the “big boys.”

2. Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess Have Started to Fit In

Despite not playing well for a majority of the season, and really not playing well when it counted in the Suns series, Richard Jefferson has shown some flashes of brilliance on the court this year. By the tail end of the season he was rebounding and defending much better than the Jefferson of old, and even though his scoring proved a dreadful Achilles heel, he brought the type of energy and dedication that makes me think he can still be made a Spur. As for McDyess, the big man has proved every bit as reliable as the McDyess of old. He rebounds. He defends. He hits that 15-17 foot jumpshot. By next year I expect he will be a perfect fit into the starting lineup and a fundamental compliment to Tim Duncan, and a key component in a potential championship run.

3. George Hill, DeJuan Blair, Malik Hairston, and Garrett Temple Bring Youth and Energy

Of the breakout players this year, George Hill has proved to be one of the best. He hits corner threes. He passes well. He defends. Realistically, he is a future franchise player in the making, provided the Spurs can keep him around and surround him with the appropriate pieces, which ought not to be too difficult considering the warm reception Hill has had not only from the fans but from the coaching staff as well. But aside from Hill, Blair, Hairston, and Garrett Temple have all shown great energy and determination. Hairston has shown himself to be a surprisingly solid defender. Temple has proven to be a nimble guard with range out to the three point line. DeJuan Blair has sucked up rebounds like a possessed industrial vacuum. Altogether the backups have played at a surprisingly high level, and next year I expect to see them continue their high level of play as mainstays in the regular rotation.

Of course, there are still a few things that desperately need to happen before the Spurs can clench that elusive fifth title, so on top of my list of good signs I feel compelled to add a list of must haves before a championship dream can become a reality.

1. Welcome to America, Tiago

I’m sure everyone has heard this one before, and I do hate to be unoriginal, but I feel like this is pretty essential to the process. Tiago Splitter is without a doubt the best big man not playing NBA basketball, and the addition of another legitimate seven footer to play alongside the Big Fundamental would be huge for the Spurs. Although Antonio McDyess has played solid basketball for most of the season, he can only do so much, and let’s face it, he is old. Splitter would provide the Spurs with young, high-energy player to come and play defense alongside the two starting bigs, and that is an addition whose importance cannot be understated, especially considering that the alternatives now are Blair, whose small size inhibits his ability to challenge larger forwards like Pau Gasol and Kevin Garnett, and Bonner, whose defensive abilities have proven to be somewhat unimpressive. Throw in a young, seven foot center, and all that changes. Hello Splitter, hello twin towers defense, hello fifth title.

2. Help us Obi Wan Ginobili

I’m not sure if there even is a way to put into words the tremendous contributions a healthy Manu Ginobili is capable of making to the Spurs. He passes. He scores. He rebounds. He blocks. He has an uncanny tendency to do the impossible, and he knows it. Unfortunately, he also has an uncanny tendency to get injured at the most inopportune times. Ankle injuries. Foot injuries. Groin injuries. From the waist down, Manu Ginobili is an accident waiting to happen, and in order for the Spurs to have a chance to contend for the title, we are going to need to make sure that he is in ship shape, not in shambles.

3. Bring Home the Bacon

R.C. Buford has proved himself to consistently be one of the best executives in the NBA, and the Spurs front office has been unimaginably consistent in drafting future basketball phenoms, both foreign and domestic. Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, George Hill, DeJuan Blair the list of All Stars and future All Stars stolen by the Spurs on draft day goes on and on, and although sometimes our draftees don’t end up with the franchise (Dragic and Scola seem the most glaring), the scouts and the fine members of the front office always seem to make the right decision come draft time. And as they say, every team is only one great draft pick away from a dynasty.

4. Forget FIBA

Memo to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, it is time to remember who pays your bills. Representing the Motherland on the international scale is not necessarily a bad thing, but come on; when push comes to shove the loyalty from the players has to be to the team. And not the international team either. It’s time for the NBA off season to be a real off season, as in please, for the love of all that is good and holy, take the summer off! If Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili can actually get some rest and get healthy, then the championship is ours for the taking.

PLAYOFF PICK AND ROLL

I have to give the Spurs credit. I did not see this one coming. A game after hounding the Dallas Mavericks into a second half meltdown, the Spurs come out looking tired and unmotivated. Sure, the Mavs have earned the relatively lax attitude the Spurs have afforded them, playing arguably their worst basketball since acquiring their new headliners in the blockbuster All Star Weekend trade that was supposed to transform them into a contender, but that doesn’t seem like quite a good enough reason to let one slip away the way they did tonight.

Still, barring tonight's nigh unwatchable performance, the Spurs have impressed me greatly. I could never have foreseen a marquee win in Dallas to steal home court, nor could have imagined the intense dedication the Spurs showed to secure two critical home wins. To me, this team looks like the old Spurs. It looks like a team ready to go all the way. They are playing incredible defense, forcing a fifteen point turnaround to win game four at home after trailing by twelve at the half. They are playing tough and most importantly, they are playing smart.

I had the pleasure of being in San Antonio for game four, and believe me, the feeling was good. The AT&T Center was electric. The noise was deafening. The fans want this one and we want it bad and believe me, the players know it. They felt it. They fed off it. They delivered. Even though the big three struggled to get on track, the Spurs had the swagger of champions in that building, and the backup three took up the mantle and proved that every “dog” certainly has his day, delivering a knockout blow with their steady play and ruthless, hounding defense. To me, they looked like the players we had been hoping for all year.

But all of that is in the past now, and with Dallas eking out a 20+ victory at home it looks like the tide may be turning. Still, I think the Spurs have the juice to go all the way, and with any luck this little wakeup call will serve as a reminder that the Dallas Mavericks were the number 2 seed for a reason. It’s time to step it up Spurs. It’s time to put the final nail in this dead horse’s coffin. It’s time to get rested. It’s time to get healthy. It’s time to get ready for game six.