http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=11605 Mid-Day Report: Duncan Passes on VC
By: Preetom Bhattacharya
Duncan Passes on VC: The team that has thus far been linked to New Jersey Nets' shooting guard Vince Carter most often is the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have reportedly put together a package that includes Roger Mason, Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto, and Kurt Thomas, and many believe that the Nets will waive Oberto and Bowen, who are then expected to re-sign with the Spurs at some point before the Playoffs.
Still, though, a four-for-one swap is impossible unless the Nets clear up roster space before making the deal, which isn't something they have done yet.
Additionally, it seems unlikely that the Spurs would be able to commit to Carter's immense salary, though, as he's owed a guaranteed $21.5 million thorough 2012 ($17.5 million for 2010-2011 + $4-million of his $18.3 million guaranteed in 2011-2012; the Spurs could pay the $4-million to get out of the full $18.3 if they choose). For a smaller-market franchise committed to keeping Manu Ginobili (owed $10.7 million through 2010), Tim Duncan (owed $62.1 million), and Tony Parker (owed $26.1 million), Carter's addition could be too much to handle. (NOTE: these salary figures do not count monies owed this season)
But the financial issues aren't the only ones that make a trade for Carter unlikely, as it doesn't really sound like Spurs' star Tim Duncan wants to put a package for Carter together. "No offense to Vince, obviously he's an excellent player," Duncan told Marc Stein of ESPN.com, "We'd love to have him. But to give up most of our team to add one guy, I don't think that's the way you want to go."
Duncan does have a point; should the Spurs chase Carter, giving up that much might not be wise.
Mason has become the team's most deadly outside shooter, fourth-leading scorer (11.9-points per game), and third-most in playing time (30.4 minutes per game, more than Manu Ginobili even). Mason's presence on the floor is huge not only because he extends defenses, allowing more space for Tony Parker to slice through or for Duncan to operate in the post, but because he has already hit five game-winners this season. Having someone that is that clutch on a team chasing championship aspirations is huge.
But losing Mason isn't the only blow, as losing Bowen, Thomas, and Oberto as well really does hurt. All of these guys have been around the Spurs for some time and know the system, know how to produce without necessarily putting up huge stats. Bowen's annoyingly tough defense and scrappy play is a reflection of what head coach Gregg Popovich wants from his role players; Oberto and Thomas definitely bring their lunch pails to work as well.
"It's a long season and we have a lot of guys who have been here a long time and understand the way we want to play," Duncan continued. "Just to insert one new piece and try to teach him in half a season the way we want to play isn't the way we work."
On the New Jersey end of things, team president Rod Thorn told Fred Kerber of the New York Post that no deals are imminent right now and the Nets are still working the phones to see what the best opportunities are.
"We still have a few days," Thorn said. "But as of right now, we have nothing. We've talked to a bunch of teams but we have nothing going on."
With days left before the deadline, this story could end up being interesting to follow .. or it might already be dead.