My first post, since this loss. Just a terrible end to a great run. That Pelicans game and lack of HCA was likely the difference in a series literally decided by a bucket.
The Spurs rolled the dice last season and brought back 100% of the same roster. It was a worthy risk and if not for a few injuries and a red hot Clips team with some home cooking it very well may have been rewarded. With that said, they lost in the 1st round, uncharacteristically struggled in close games all year, and shooting almost across the board declined. We are basically a Duncan post move or jump shot team now. Some changes have to be made with the West only getting stronger.
Manu - He either gets the Vet min or he is done. He absolutely still adds value at that price. He is still one if not our best pick and roll ball handler. I wouldn't mind seeing what he looks like with a long offseason for the Vet min.
Leonard - will get the max. It is a risk since he is still inconsistent offensively, but you have no choice but to sign him if you are the Spurs. He really needs to take the next step though offensively and stay healthy. Good PG play would help him tremendously.
Green - I have no idea which way this goes. How much does he want? How much does he command on an open market? He is definitely our best on ball defender against quick guards like CP, but a part of that is due to the defensive liability TP and Mills are at the point. JJ Redick completely outplayed Green and gets under $7 million. I wouldn't go much above that number and would let him walk if his cost pushes $10 million. If letting him walk would put you in play for a LA or a Gasol, then it's a no brainer. If that happens just keep Beli, re-sign Mnau, play Mills here occasionally and you will have similar offense with less defense and just hope an increased presence down low makes up for any deficiency in defense.
Parker - Is he just nicked up and tired or is he on a steady decline? That's the million dollar question. He seems to always be nicked up now when we need him the most. I wouldn't say he is a top half of the NBA PG anymore after his post season performance. I honestly would consider a trade here if it wouldn't upset the apple cart too much with Tim, but you have to trust the Spurs front office to make the call on what the problem was with TP this post season.
Tim - Keep him for the cheapest he will play for. He is still a top 5 big man in the NBA. I wouldn't mind a 2-3 year contract here as crazy as that sounds.
Splitter - I would try to move his salary as well if it frees up space for a big like Gasol, LA, Deandre Jordan, etc. Baynes is close to bringing a very similar skillset, even if not quite as good as a perimeter defender. He is overpaid for what he brings.
Beli - likely re-sign for similar money, if he wants more let him walk and consider giving a slight bump to Green or going after another 2.
Diaw - Our third best player this postseason besides Tim and Kawhi. He is under contract, so keep him and try to get him in a little better shape. Hope he finds his 3 ball this offseason.
Mills - Nice player, but not a starting PG. Keep him under his contract as an instant offense PG or SG in spots.
Baynes - showed signs and is a value at current contract.
Ayers, Bonner, CoJo, Anderson....who cares, just fillers.
Key needs - We need a big man that can consistently score in the post (Gasol or Aldridge please). If that doesn't happen go hard after Deandre Jordan and see if Chip can work some magic. If all 3 say no then see who is left of Al Jefferson, Chandler, West or Milsap to get a bit more offense out of our posts.
I would really look to upgrade the 2 guard position. Between Beli and Green that is likely 10-12 million in salary. Can we find a better 2 guard for that price and then bring back Manu or play Mills at times as backups? Also can we draft into this position for a backup role if we overpay for Green and have to let Beli walk? I know he is restricted, but I wouldn't be against going after Khris Middleton for $7-11 million to see if the bucks will match and then bring back Beli and Manu for cheap. This is a good option in my mind especially if we strike out at the high dollar bigs and are flush with cash. There is not much else here as far as unrestricted Free Agents, so Green might get overpaid by someone.
PG - As stated above, TP is likely the answer here if he can regain form. Unfortunately, there is a whole lot of nothing hitting Free Agency here. The problem is PG was our biggest black hole this post season run. Yes we were going against one of the best, but we were severely outplayed, had a huge defensive liability and were reduced to Duncan or a jump shot on 90% of our possessions. We have to get more out of the PG position or we aren't going anywhere.
Honestly, besides a couple big names in Free Agency, there really isn't a ton of big names or instant upgrades. Let's hope Green signs for a fair price and L Aldridge or Deandre want to come home or Gasol wants to win a title.
