Could Tiago Splitter become this season's George Hill?

[Jose_TheGenius]

The San Antonio Spurs have a slight problem. It's a problem that didn't completely rear its head until the Western Conference Finals, but once we saw it we couldn't get rid of it. When Tim Duncan wasn't in the basketball game, the San Antonio Spurs couldn't protect the paint and their overall defense went to Hell in a hand basket. Don't believe me? Check out the Thunder's offensive rating when Duncan is on the court and when Duncan is off the court. We've heard the Spurs want Boris Diaw back and that they want Erazem Lorbek to come over from Europe. That's a fantastic way to keep the offense flowing, but it's not going to improve their interior defense.

The Spurs faced a similar problem last season, just in a different position. They were undersized at shooting guard and small forward and were able to turn George Hill in to Kawhi Leonard, a cornerstone for the Spurs' future. The same thing might need to happen this season. George Hill was a great Spurs and a good fit for the franchise, but trading him was the only way to improve and keep the core of the team together. This year's draft has some guys in this year's NBA Draft that could help the Spurs some defensive issues, but it might mean they have to part with Tiago Splitter in the process.

Could Tiago Splitter become this season's George Hill? | June

[choppsboy]

I love Tiago, but if he has the same value as George Hill, I would trade him in a minute (this is assuming that the Front Office can find a gem of a PF/C like they did with Kawhi).

[MichaelWi101]

The article does make some good points, but I'm not ready to give up on Splitter. His game improved incredibly this year with more time on the court. Now if someone wants to take Bonner and Blair, then heck yeah, let's do it, but Splitter, nope, I think next year will be a major break out year for him.

[gosaspurs2150]

Originally Posted by MichaelWi101

The article does make some good points, but I'm not ready to give up on Splitter. His game improved incredibly this year with more time on the court. Now if someone wants to take Bonner and Blair, then heck yeah, let's do it, but Splitter, nope, I think next year will be a major break out year for him.

Yeah it does make some good points. Splitter played very nicely last year. Not sure if he overachieved or what but regardless, I think we should keep him and use him as our Center next season with Duncan at PF.

So Michael, what do you think of a Bonner, Blair, and Joseph for a sign and trade with the Kings for Jason Thomspon and Hassan Whiteside?

[choppsboy]

Originally Posted by gosaspurs2150

Yeah it does make some good points. Splitter played very nicely last year. Not sure if he overachieved or what but regardless, I think we should keep him and use him as our Center next season with Duncan at PF.

So Michael, what do you think of a Bonner, Blair, and Joseph for a sign and trade with the Kings for Jason Thomspon and Hassan Whiteside?

I know you didn't ask me, but . . . . . . why would the Kings want Bonner, Blair, and Joseph?

[gosaspurs2150]

Originally Posted by choppsboy

I know you didn't ask me, but . . . . . . why would the Kings want Bonner, Blair, and Joseph?

Thompson's value is around $5.0-$6.0 mil next season. They can offer him $4.1 mil but think Thompson will turn that offer down. Plus, they are likely to draft Drummond if still on the board or another PF. Cousins would be their center. So Thompson is gone and they need another PF, which they could use Blair. I think Hayes and Blair are very similar but Hayes underperformed last season for his $6 million pay.

Kings don't have a true point guard. Thomas is the closest for them. Joseph could be pretty good for them.

And they won't be signing Donte Green, and Bonner would replace him and they need a three point specialist with size.

Salaries of Bonner, Joseph, Blair would even out for a Thompson and Whiteside sign and trade.

Spurs would be getting Thompson who is 25, with upside potential, can rebound, pass very well, has a nice 15-18 foot shot, plays hard on defense. He would be perfect to back up Duncan.

Spurs could use a long athletic Center in Whiteside as a back up to Splitter. Whiteside is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA.

[grizzly_bexar]

Busts at the big man position are easy to find in the draft. Guys with potential usually are either highly coveted and don't slide, and would hence be unreachable for us, or have bad attitude/work ethic/etc. (see DeAndre Jordan), and hence not only be a gamble, but not a Spur type player.

Splitter can't shoot, is mobile to finish on P&R and take charges but doesn't have the ability to really protect the rim.

He actually averages a fairly good block rate but I think that may be deceiving . . . almost like he averages more blocks than his natural blocking ability would suggest because teams don't fear taking it inside against him.

I want to keep him if our choice is getting a project (realistically, what are our odds of striking gold in a player-for-pick trade like we did with Kawhi?) in return. But I see his deficiencies for sure.

I think with both him and Joseph the coaching staff was really aching about the fact that they couldn't work with these two this summer.

Imagine what they'll be able to do with a full offseason/summer league with Kawhi, Joseph, & Leonard. Plus a full training camp.

Kawhi could be a borderline all-star next year. Seriously.

[Uwe Blab]

If he can get a high pick, then sure. But he's not worth that. If it came to choosing between Splitter and a secound round big man, I would have to go with Splitter, and I despise him.

[choppsboy]

Originally Posted by Uwe Blab

If he can get a high pick, then sure. But he's not worth that. If it came to choosing between Splitter and a secound round big man, I would have to go with Splitter, and I despise him.

+1 (except that I like Splitter)

The only way something like this happens is if the Front Office identifies that "Kawhi Leonard" type opportunity.

[gosaspurs2150]

Originally Posted by choppsboy

+1 (except that I like Splitter)

The only way something like this happens is if the Front Office identifies that "Kawhi Leonard" type opportunity.

I think our needs are a quality back up to Parker, and I think the Spurs will do their best to keep Mills.

Our second need is a PF/C, an upgrade over Blair. I wouldn't risk trading or taking anyone in this draft.

Thompson has proven he can play in the NBA and is legit! I feel he would be an upgrade over Blair for a variety of different reasons.

Package Bonner, Joseph and Blair for Thompson and Whiteside. Good trade for both teams! This proposal makes 110% logic!

[grizzly_bexar]

Originally Posted by Uwe Blab

If he can get a high pick, then sure. But he's not worth that. If it came to choosing between Splitter and a secound round big man, I would have to go with Splitter, and I despise him.

Even on a high draft pick, I would ask how high. We don't need a project big man in return for Splitter.

[Brooklyn Dave]

I would gladly trade Tiago for a shot at another K Leonard.

[Uwe Blab]

Originally Posted by grizzly_bexar

Even on a high draft pick, I would ask how high. We don't need a project big man in return for Splitter.

We've seen what Tiago brings, and it's limited. Sure he's good in the pick and roll, but he's easily defendable. Sure he's got a high basketball IQ, but that will only get you so far when you're not athletic. He's not a leaper and can't block shots. He consistently misses rotations. Bonner is a better defender than he is. He's been figured out. He will only do well against the younger, undisciplined teams, but deep in the playoffs he's useless.

So I say, bring on the project!

[choppsboy]

Originally Posted by gosaspurs2150

Thompson's value is around $5.0-$6.0 mil next season. They can offer him $4.1 mil but think Thompson will turn that offer down. Plus, they are likely to draft Drummond if still on the board or another PF. Cousins would be their center. So Thompson is gone and they need another PF, which they could use Blair. I think Hayes and Blair are very similar but Hayes underperformed last season for his $6 million pay.

Kings don't have a true point guard. Thomas is the closest for them. Joseph could be pretty good for them. How does a rookie who spent most of the year in the D-league fill the kings role of "true point guard?" Especially with Thomas' play. What makes you think the Kings would need or want Joesph?

And they won't be signing Donte Green, and Bonner would replace him and they need a three point specialist with size.

Who says that the Kings need a 3 point specialist with size? I live here in Sacrament, and I have never heard that.

Salaries of Bonner, Joseph, Blair would even out for a Thompson and Whiteside sign and trade.

Spurs would be getting Thompson who is 25, with upside potential, can rebound, pass very well, has a nice 15-18 foot shot, plays hard on defense. He would be perfect to back up Duncan.

Spurs could use a long athletic Center in Whiteside as a back up to Splitter. Whiteside is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA.

How can yo call Whiteside "one of the best shot blockers in the NBA" when he only played 111 minutes in his 2 year NBA career. He has a whopping 15 career NBA blocks.

Not to mention the fact that Jason Thompson doesn't block shots at all, he has been in the league for 4 years already, and can't become a consistent starter on one of the worst teams in the league. What makes you think Thompson will make it onto the court for more than the 25 MPG he mustered for the Kings?

Thompson isn't worth the 4.1 mill offer. I would rather take a chance on a 2nd round draft pick and not tie up the cap space.

[mataipaepae]

Originally Posted by gosaspurs2150

I think our needs are a quality back up to Parker, and I think the Spurs will do their best to keep Mills.

Our second need is a PF/C, an upgrade over Blair. I wouldn't risk trading or taking anyone in this draft.

Thompson has proven he can play in the NBA and is legit! I feel he would be an upgrade over Blair for a variety of different reasons.

Package Bonner, Joseph and Blair for Thompson and Whiteside. Good trade for both teams! This proposal makes 110% logic!

If that is the case then trade dejuan blair for a late first rounder and take fab melo out of syracuse. And if needs be throw neal in too. Manu, green, and bringing de colo over leaves us fine at the SG spot.
DraftExpress NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Fab Melo, Stats, Comparisons, and Outlook

Then we have;

PF: duncan, diaw, bonner
C: splitter, melo

And I still say go get spencer hawes to start. That is good size and depth

[grizzly_bexar]

Originally Posted by Uwe Blab

We've seen what Tiago brings, and it's limited. Sure he's good in the pick and roll, but he's easily defendable. Sure he's got a high basketball IQ, but that will only get you so far when you're not athletic. He's not a leaper and can't block shots. He consistently misses rotations. Bonner is a better defender than he is. He's been figured out. He will only do well against the younger, undisciplined teams, but deep in the playoffs he's useless.

So I say, bring on the project!

Not yet, not while we're still trying to make a go of it with the big 3. Let's save the project years for when we're done with the big 3 and biding our time till Manu's twins grow up.

[choppsboy]

Originally Posted by mataipaepae

If that is the case then trade dejuan blair for a late first rounder and take fab melo out of syracuse. And if needs be throw neal in too. Manu, green, and bringing de colo over leaves us fine at the SG spot.
DraftExpress NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Fab Melo, Stats, Comparisons, and Outlook

Then we have;

PF: duncan, diaw, bonner
C: splitter, melo

And I still say go get spencer hawes to start. That is good size and depth

If somehow someone was willing to trade a late 1st round pick for Blair (a second round pick who hasn't developed a real NBA game), and if Fab Melo was available for that late round pick. . . . . .

I Say GO FOR IT

but those are big if's to me.

It is certain to me that what we need most is a rim protector. We need defense. The only lingering worry in the back of my head during this years run was that we are an offensive team. When Scott Brooks told his team that the were a defensive team, I felt like it was the beginning of the end.

We need to be a defensive team again.

[mataipaepae]

Originally Posted by choppsboy

If somehow someone was willing to trade a late 1st round pick for Blair (a second round pick who hasn't developed a real NBA game), and if Fab Melo was available for that late round pick. . . . . .

I Say GO FOR IT

but those are big if's to me.

It is certain to me that what we need most is a rim protector. We need defense. The only lingering worry in the back of my head during this years run was that we are an offensive team. When Scott Brooks told his team that the were a defensive team, I felt like it was the beginning of the end.

We need to be a defensive team again.

every publication that i have seen has fab melo going late 1st round. anywhere from 24-29.

as for blair i think there is a team that would take him for a late first. especially if we threw gary neal into it as well. or cory joseph could be used as well. then resign mills to go with parker and de colo.

either way getting into the late first should be doable.

[WILLTHETHRILL]

Originally Posted by mataipaepae

every publication that i have seen has fab melo going late 1st round. anywhere from 24-29.

as for blair i think there is a team that would take him for a late first. especially if we threw gary neal into it as well. or cory joseph could be used as well. then resign mills to go with parker and de colo.

either way getting into the late first should be doable.

I think Fab Melo could go higher. It's a deep draft but quality big men are not going to slide a lot in my view. Atlanta has the #23 pick. Since they have cap issues and money problems........I think they would take Blair because it would still be a lower salary to pay versus an unknown rookie making more money and clogging up their cap for at least two years. Throwing Neal will not be needed. Blair has value around the league,

[mataipaepae]

Originally Posted by WILLTHETHRILL

I think Fab Melo could go higher. It's a deep draft but quality big men are not going to slide a lot in my view. Atlanta has the #23 pick. Since they have cap issues and money problems........I think they would take Blair because it would still be a lower salary to pay versus an unknown rookie making more money and clogging up their cap for at least two years. Throwing Neal will not be needed. Blair has value around the league,

I believe blair has the value as well. I was responding to chops that doesn't think so. So I added neal to the equation.