Express-News: Spurs Make Run At Finley

[spursfan20]

Spurs make run at Finley
Web Posted: 08/25/2005 12:00 AM CDT

Mike Finger
Express-News Staff Writer


Prepared to come home empty-handed but willing to at least make the most of an invitation from the NBA's most prized free agent, the Spurs will meet Michael Finley in Chicago today, long on credentials but short on visual aids.

Miami and Phoenix already have made their in-person overtures to Finley this week, with both teams going the multimedia route to illustrate their interest.

The Heat produced digitally enhanced photos of Finley wearing a Miami uniform. Suns owner Robert Sarver — who Spurs fans last saw hanging with The Famous Chicken — stopped short of lugging any fuzzy mascots to Chicago, but did bring stacks of fan e-mail to his meeting with Finley on Tuesday.

As for what zany presentations the Spurs might have in store for Finley today?

"We'll let people draw their own conclusions on that," general manager R.C. Buford said.

Translation: the Spurs' sales pitch — which will be delivered by coach Gregg Popovich — figures to be low on frills and heavy on talk of championships, a low-key locker room, and the chance to play with Tim Duncan.

Miami, with its full $5 million exception and talent-laden roster, still is considered the frontrunner for Finley, the 32-year-old guard who Dallas waived under the amnesty provision earlier this month.

But the Spurs wouldn't be making the trip to Chicago if they weren't assured by Finley's camp that they at least have a legitimate chance. The Spurs only have about $2.5 million available, but that difference isn't thought to be a deal-breaker because Finley is set to receive the $51.8 million the Mavericks owe him. The Suns, led by former Finley teammate Steve Nash, have only a $1.1 million exception to offer.

But unlike Phoenix, which is dangerously thin on the perimeter after the departures of Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson, the Spurs aren't exactly desperate for Finley's services.

His 3-point shooting and backcourt experience obviously would help an offense that bogged down at times during last season's championship run. But just as was the case when they pursued Jason Kidd and Karl Malone in recent years, the Spurs aren't scared of their alternatives.

The pool of options might be drying up, however. Detroit signed Sacramento restricted free agent Maurice Evans, one of the Spurs' potential summer targets, to an offer sheet on Wednesday. Also, the Suns are nearing a deal to acquire Indiana swingman James Jones.

The Spurs' safety net, though, is that they still have the right to match any offer made to their own restricted free agent, Devin Brown. Re-signing Brown would fill the Spurs' only glaring need, which is a backup wing player.

"You look at our roster, and we probably have enough bigs," Buford said. "Any moves we'd make would probably be in other areas."

[ObeOne Ginobili]

Hey we could use him... I hope he becomes a part of the dynasty!!!!

[Duncan21]

COME ON DOWN FINLEY

[TRslick81]

i wonder realistically what our chances are of landing him but if we did hed be a huge addition off the bench and would get positive minutes incrunch time.i still think finley has a couple strong years left especially if he came here and had his minutes reduced a bit,he may not be a 40min playa nemore but e can still drop 25 on occassion and will bust his ass on defense

[Silver Samurai]

Re-sign Devin, then worry about Finley

[liquidsky]

Pop to Mike: "San Antonio; the only place in the world where you can stay a Texan and be a World Champion at the same time. Priceless."

[SpursFanatic21]

He'll be in Phoenix... All that guy's ever wanted to do is SCORE.

[DizzG]

he's not going to take LESS money and LESS chance at a ring to go to the suns

Some rumors have him leaning to SA

[maddog]

Originally Posted by DizzG

he's not going to take LESS money and LESS chance at a ring to go to the suns

Some rumors have him leaning to SA

Really? That's the first I heard.
I find it interesting that comments about Finley run the gamut from all he cares about is scoring to he's a quality guy. I for one don't know a lot about him-other than seeing him play with Dallas. He can definitely score and shoot a problem the team has had off the bench- I wonder if he came to SA or to Miami how we adapt to more of a passive role on offense?

[doozie]

Originally Posted by DizzG

he's not going to take LESS money and LESS chance at a ring to go to the suns

Some rumors have him leaning to SA

I dont think we can go on rumors at this point, about a week ago it was rumors that had us believing he would be a Heat for sure.

[maddog]

I thought he would go to Miami- Minutes and Money. However, the more I think about it his minutes might be highest with the Spurs- he would arguably the first backup for Manu and Bruce- at minnimum you are looking at ~30 minutes a game. Money, it looks like more from Miami, not sure how he feels about that.

[Anthem Spur]

If we sign Fins and resign Devin, does Barry get closer to being moved? I see Fins as the back up 2 and situational 3, especially with a healthy D Brown in the fold. Does Barry get one spot minutes? Can we accommodate all these guys?

[Bleedblacknsilva]

Originally Posted by DizzG

he's not going to take LESS money and LESS chance at a ring to go to the suns

Some rumors have him leaning to SA

Stop teasing, Dizz!!

[maddog]

Originally Posted by Anthem Spur

If we sign Fins and resign Devin, does Barry get closer to being moved? I see Fins as the back up 2 and situational 3, especially with a healthy D Brown in the fold. Does Barry get one spot minutes? Can we accommodate all these guys?

I truly think if finley is signed, Barry is gone. I have no facts to back this up, nor am I someone who dislikes Barry- It just seems logical, he is still marketable, doesn't have a long horrendous contract and with Finley he is expendable.

[southern lights]

pop should go with rings on 3 of his hands and say to him does miami have this??????
shaq, does but he hasnt won one in 3 years. plus, weve beaten shaq starred teams in 2 of our runs.

[pjjrfan]

If Finley comes, I'm down with it, if he doesn't I'm fine with that also. Championship teams aren't made overnight. I know having Finley would help our bench depth tremoudously, but at the same time, our Spurs have the experience of playing together for several years, Manu, TD, Bowen, and Parker are the core behind 2 titles and a demoralizing loss in 04, HOrry is a proven vet whose value in the playoffs have people talking about the HOF and now Barry and Nazr will have another year to blend into the system.

I like the fact that our team has a blend of youth and experience, barring injuries I just don't see where this team won't be in the thick of things Finley or no Finley.

[rjv]

"You look at our roster, and we probably have enough bigs," Buford said. "Any moves we'd make would probably be in other areas."

what "other" areas? does this mean point guard? is so-who would the spurs target should finley decide on another team and devin resigns for only a million or so?

[txfar]

who dosn't want rings? you can get your minutes here, play hard and steal barry's mins. the xtra 2.5mil to play with shaq, have a great reg season, but have no shot in the crunch, but a ring...ask malone if he's in the market for a 06 ring for 2.5 mil...

[FamousJames]

I only want Finley if we lose Devin....I'll take age and team chemistry any day!

[TimmyDthaWay2B]

This will be the best place for him. Then he wouldnt have to worry about bowen shutting him down.