Repost: So All-Access: On the Bus in NYC

Glad to know Becky's staying in San Antonio. :p

Repost: So All-Access: In the Locker Room with Mini Sophia

I want one.

Of course, a Becky Hammon one too. Becky was cute in this video.

Repost: Here's Tim Duncan swimming with a beluga whale

This was a cool article. I enjoyed it.

How I wish I can experience the same thing. Man, I wish I lived in SA. I'd be a season ticketholder for the Spurs and the Silver Stars.

I'd take swimming with TD over the World Basketball Festival anytime.

***

By Trey Kerby

You know, sometimes pictures happen and there's really no good reason for them. For instance, Tim Duncan(notes) and a beluga whale embracing in a blindingly blue pool of water.

Ostensibly, this photo comes from a season-ticket holder experience like none other — a chance to swim with not just beluga whales, but also Tim Duncan. Super-cool experience, I'd say.

But don't be fooled. I'd guess these pictures are something a bit more dubious. In fact, I woudn't be surprised if this is all an attempt by the Spurs organization to prove that Duncan isn't a robot. After all, if he were made of electronics, he would malfunction while he's in water, wouldn't he? I'm on to you, R.C. Buford.

More Swim with Tim pictures after the jump.

I like how even when a gigantic sea creature is doing a stunt five feet in front of his face, Tim Duncan still shows no emotion. Look at the other four with their arms raised, celebrating this glorious feat. Then Tim is just sitting there like, "nice one, whale." Even from behind you can tell he's got a totally straight face.

Apparently the only thing on Earth that makes Tim Duncan smile is being the only one around with a customized wetsuit. Can't blame him, since I'd be rubbing it in people's faces too.

Remember when I said I'd be in New York for the World Basketball Festival? I lied. I went swimming with Tim Duncan instead. That's me in the middle. Swimming with Tim Duncan is so much fun!

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b5jSN

Repost: Pop's successor

Pop's irreplaceable. But this was a nice article. I'd go with #1 or whoever Pop chooses.

By Michael A. De Leon

Monday, 09 August 2010 11:39

San Antonio Spurs fans may hate to face this reality, but Gregg Popovich will not be coach of the Spurs forever. Finding a successor for one of the best coaches in league history won’t be an easy task, but we'll list some of our favorites today. #1: Mike Budenholzer “Coach Bud” has been by Pop’s side through all four championships and he is the longest-tenured assistant on the Spurs’ staff. Not to mention, he’s also getting head coaching job interviews and offers left and right. The team also knows him well and respects him, which is very important, especially for a veteran-laden team. He's coached several summer leagues, takes over when Pop gets ejected and Pop has given him plenty of opportunities to coach during preseason. The reason Budenholzer hasn't left for a higher pay-grade and head coaching job? He's likely being groomed and may have been promised the job here when Pop calls it quits. Candidate #2: Scott Skiles I've always respected Scott Skiles, as a player and a coach. He is a student of the game and knows it well, having played professionally for 10 years. He's coached overseas for PAOK in Greece, as well as in the NBA for the Suns, Bulls and currently the Milwaukee Bucks. Last season, he took a very young, injury-plagued Bucks team to the playoffs, and he may be able to make some noise again if his offseason acquisitions work out. Plain and simple, he's a no-nonsense, tough coach. Sound like somebody to you? Candidate #3: Mario Elie We all know Elie from his playing days with the Spurs, especially the '99 Championship run. He was tough and he gave the Spurs some swagger. Aside from playing under Pop, he's also been on his coaching staff. Elie was hired when Mike Brown was hired away from the Spurs to join the Indiana Pacers. Later, Elie left the Spurs, a move he says he regretted, to join the Mavs as an assistant coach. He is now an assistant with the Sacramento Kings. Just because he's an assistant now doesn't mean he's going to waste his talents and basketball knowledge on that level for the rest of his career. Elie only made it in the NBA as a player after seven years of playing overseas. So I expect at one point he'll get a shot to be a head coach, much like former Spur Monty Williams this offseason. But will Elie's shot come with the Spurs? Candidate #4: Bob Hill Just kidding! Let us know what you think of our replacements and list your own in the comments.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b5gZx

Repost: How George Steinbrenner Helped The San Antonio Spurs Win NBA Titles

Fun article.

R.I.P. George Steinbrenner

***

By Barking Carnival (Featured Columnist) on July 16, 2010

So I know the title is a bit of a stretch, but we’re a Spurs blog…a basketball blog at best…so how the hell else can I talk about George Steinbrenner?

But in all seriousness, Mr. Steinbrenner has done so much for his sport that has spilled over into other professional and semi-professional sports (college I’m looking at you!) that I feel it’s appropriate to honor his passing with a few kind words.

First things first: I hate the Yankees. As previously stated, I’m an avid Astros fan when they’re winning and a summer league basketball fan when they aren’t. The Yankees are the epitome of what’s wrong with sports, right?

They have an astronomical payroll with little regard for a once flourishing farm system, they overpay aging super stars and "almost" super stars trying to fill holes in their line-up, and more often then not, they beat the hell out of the rest of the league because of it. It’s because of the Yankees and Steinbrenner that baseball should have a salary cap, right?

Ahh…here comes the Spurs championship tie in. Now, while the NBA has what’s been defined as a “soft salary cap” it has one none the less. As do almost all other professional sports.

Some position it as a way for teams to have equal footing. Others look at is as a way for Owners to keep the oh so small margins they pull in. Don’t you think that the other professional leagues looked at what was happening in the MLB…with Steinbrenner’s Yankees…and said, “uhh, we don’t want to have to spend that much for this hobby. I think we need a salary cap.”

Now you can argue for or against a salary cap until the cows come home. But I’m arguing that without a salary cap in place for the NBA, an already unbalanced league…with very few owners and management that actually care about winning…we would have seen a lot more of these “LeWadosh” teams forming, and small market teams like our beloved Spurs would have been just another Generals game for the Globetrotters.

It’s already pretty bad. When was the last time you looked at the last 20 years of NBA champions? Let me save you the time. It looks like this: Pistons, Bulls, Rockets, Lakers, Spurs, Lakers, Spurs…mix in a little Heat and Celtics and call it a day. Not a lot of small market teams in there. Really, just one.

All in all, I’m saying the the salary cap, which Steinbrenner indirectly influenced for the NBA, is one…ONE…of the reasons that our Spurs had an opportunity to with a Championship. Whoops, I meant four championships.

So I raise my Shiner Bock to you George Steinbrenner. Pioneer on so many levels. The merchandising mecca you have formed, paving the way for regional TV sports networks (YES), and most importantly, caring about a game so much that you would stop at nothing to win. And your entire life, that’s what you did.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/421321-how-george-steinbrenner-helped-the-san-antonio-spurs-win-nba-titles?utm_source=newsletter

Repost: San Antonio Spurs Make Quiet But Significant Noise With Tiago Splitter Signing

Gotta love my Spurs' class.

***

By Robert Kleeman

The San Antonio Spurs' celebration of a day they had long hoped would come did not mirror the Miami Heat's recent reaction to some nifty news.

Pat Riley reeled in Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James last week in one of the greatest free agency coups of all time. The Heat congratulated themselves and indulged frenzied fans with a lavish party at American Airlines Arena. More than 13,000 fans packed Miami's pro basketball palace Friday afternoon to welcome James and Bosh to South Beach.

The three stars emerged on a humongous stage in a cloud of smoke and under the glare of obnoxious strobe lights. The Heat's newest slogan, "Yes. We. Did." flashed on the giant LED screens above.

Riley prepared for 2010 Free Agency by ensuring he would have no more than two or three players under contract this summer. The way he gutted the roster allowed him to sign the three best ballers on the market.

The legendary coach had hoped for years he would convince Wade to stay by surrounding him with expensive talent worth the sticker shock.

Yes, he did.

The Spurs' moment of ecstasy came Monday afternoon and was met by far less fanfare and no pyrotechnics. The extent of the front office's party after GM R.C. Buford introduced 2007 first-round draft pick Tiago Splitter in a presser?

I would guess it involved a few high fives and some firm handshakes. Maybe an employee was courageous enough to bring some cascarones to the office. I doubt he or she cracked any of them.

The Spurs organization shuns the confetti-filled, party-first atmosphere that defines Miami, even if many San Antonio residents also love fiestas.

Splitter arrived in the Alamo City, at last, after a three-year wait. Days after King James guaranteed more than six or seven championships in his new home, the Brazilian big man merely told Buford and a few reporters in broken English that playing alongside Tim Duncan was an exciting proposition.

His price tag —a modest $11 million over three years, and little more than $3 million next season, according to the San Antonio Express-News — gave Buford and co. another reason to smile. They landed the big man they had coveted since picking him 27th in 2007 and did so without surrendering the full mid-level exception.

If the Spurs re-sign Richard Jefferson for a lower price, since they own his Bird rights, they could then use the remainder of the mid-level and the bi-annual exception to ink rookie James Anderson and lure another free agent.

Matt Barnes will find a number of suitors when the frenetic, LeBron-centric market slows. How could he not at least consider the Spurs?

No amount of speculation, negative or positive, can dampen the euphoria in South Texas.

Splitter— considered for several years the best big man, maybe the best player in Europe— will not soon become what Duncan was to David Robinson. Go elsewhere to find hyperbole.

He will likely never make an All-Star team. He may not even start next to Duncan on opening night. The reason for the fuss, though, is simple.

If Splitter, 25, can provide some or most of the seven-foot help Duncan needs to hoist his fifth trophy, he will prove worth every penny of that deal, which qualifies as chump change in this climate.

He projects as a bruising banger, a productive rebounder, and an above average interior defender. If Splitter averages 10 or 11 points and six to eight rebounds plus a block or two a game, he will be a boon in a league where size matters.

Gregg Popovich does not figure to feature his newest puzzle piece much in the offense, and the acquisition does not change Duncan's importance. He remains the franchise's foundation.

Splitter, though, should give Duncan some much-needed frontcourt help in the two years leading up to the future Hall of Famer's presumed 2012 retirement.

The 6'11", two-time Spanish league MVP should shine on a roster that also features Dejuan Blair, Antonio McDyess, and Matt Bonner. What can Splitter do for those support players?

If Splitter scores a few buckets in a row in a playoff game, will opponents continue to play Duncan one-on-one or stick to any constant defensive strategy?

The decline in double-teams on Duncan led to the roster-wide dip in three-point accuracy as much as injuries to Bonner and Roger Mason Jr. Spot-up specialists need open looks and cannot be expected to hit at the preferred rate from distance if the star once doubled on every possession isn't doubled much anymore.

McDyess can still swish mid-range jumpers in his sleep but has become a less effective post option as his years climb. Blair's size (he's 6'7", and that's a generous listing) limits his ability to finish in traffic. Bonner can drill treys when he's open and hit the occasional floater in the lane.

Splitter will make life easier on the other role players if all he does is convert three to four buckets per contest. The Spurs have tried to replace Robinson since he retired in 2003, but have rarely succeeded in their quest for a Duncan sidekick.

Duncan does not need All-Star company at the four or five as much as an efficient interior giant who can bump foreheads with Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, or Andrew Bynum without standing on a phone book.

The Spurs could add another frontcourt piece with a minimum deal for extra insurance.

No one can say the franchise has lacked in the effort department when it comes to finding affordable forwards and centers.

First, the team tried Rasho Nesterovic and Nazr Mohammed. The pair worked in 2005 when the Spurs triumphed over the Detroit Pistons in seven games to capture their third title. Popovich could not play them much in 2006 when the Dallas Mavericks presented matchup problems galore.

The coach opted for a smaller lineup that forced Duncan to rack up exhausting minutes. Splitter, more agile than most his size, might have made a difference then. Popovich might have re-considered rotating Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley at the four.

Fabricio Oberto and Fransisco Elson fit the bill in 2007 when the Spurs swept the Cavaliers for their fourth and last championship. The Los Angeles Lakers ousted them the next year, in part, because of the frontcourt's limitations aside from Duncan and an injury to Manu Ginobili.

Kurt Thomas, acquired just before the 2008 trade deadline, proved a terrific addition. His toughness and determination, though, could not trump the Lakers' talent, uneven as it was.

Splitter could have helped in 2008, 2009, and this year. Another seven-foot presence would have made it tougher on the Phoenix Suns' sharpshooting big men.

Phoenix would not have triumphed without its dead-eye perimeter shooting.

Splitter will save Duncan a few more minutes a game and will help him stay fresher for the stretch-run and postseason grind.

If the combination of Blair, McDyess, Splitter, Bonner, plus another big can spare Duncan the equivalent of 10 to 15 regular season games in minutes, Monday's news will matter as much as what Riley pulled off last week.

The Spurs' prized pick spent the last few years with Spanish team Caja Laboral, formerly called Tau Ceramica. He recently swept Ricky Rubio's team in that league's championship round.

Given the chance to opt out of his deal in 2008, Splitter instead signed a new deal that would keep him in Spain until at least this summer. The threat of a lockout in 2011 and his buyout further complicated the situation.

It was fair to wonder if he would ever make the NBA jump. He finally did.

The Spurs' new slogan might echo Miami's. Just don't expect to see it in lights or on a billboard. Anyone expecting an exorbitant "welcome to San Antonio" show at the AT&T Center this week will be disappointed.

Still, Buford, Popovich, and other team officials can say it with equal conviction.

Yes. We. Did.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/419831-san-antonio-spurs-make-quiet-but-significant-noise-with-tiago-splitter

Repost: Why Would LeBron James 'Quit' on the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Not a LeBron fan at all. But this was an interesting article.

***

By Bryan Toporek

NBA fans have been trapped in a free agency world of preposterousness these past two weeks.

We've gone from "The Decision" to "The Letter." We've gone from Amir Johnson's five-year, $34 million contract to Joe Johnson being the highest paid free agent in a class that includes LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

And yet, one of the most preposterous ideas in all of this free agency hysteria has been that of LeBron James, The Royal Quitter.

It started with his owner, Dan Gilbert, who ranted about LeBron quitting in every big game in an interview with the Associated Press. He advised us to "go back and look at the tape" of the Orlando-Cleveland Game Six from 2009, asking us to check how many shots James took (he took 20 shots, for the record).

So, in other words, we can discount Gilbert because he's a bitter owner who's lashing out like a 13-year-old girl after a breakup. What else should we have expected? (To his credit, the Fathead stunt was hilarious.)

Then we had the bloggers, who swarmed in with the "James = Quitter" argument by saying a true superstar would never want to join forces with other stars; instead, they'd create a decade-long rivalry on the court and maintain their friendship off the court.

By joining Wade and admitting that he sometimes wanted another player on his team to be able to take over and dominate a game, LeBron showed a supposed weakness that he's never revealed before.

Then again, joining Wade and Bosh isn't so much quitting on the Cavs as it is quitting on the chance to become one of the all-time greats. Therefore, it's not entirely relevant to this particular discussion.

Finally, we get to Jay Mariotti.

Mariotti suggested the possibility that LeBron would "deliver less-than-maximum effort at times" because he "was planning all along to bolt the Cleveland Cavaliers." This appears in a column in which Mariotti practically begs the league to investigate the Super Friends' decision for tampering and/or collusion.

Moving beyond the fact that Mariotti has become a caricature of himself at this point, the mere suggestion of this conspiracy should cause FanHouse to ban Mariotti from writing for a week, for his own sake.

Imagine, for a moment, that Mariotti is right, and that LeBron, Wade, and Bosh had agreed to head to Miami months, if not years ago. Why would that cause LeBron to deliver less-than-maximum effort in the last playoff run he'd ever have with his hometown franchise?

Would LeBron really give up a chance at his first NBA championship just because he wasn't planning to stay with Cleveland long-term?

To put it plainly, not a chance.

How can you argue that a guy who just passed up $15 million on his new contract for a better chance of winning doesn't value championships before all else (including loyalty to his hometown)? And if he's got such an obsession with titles, why would he intentionally sacrifice his shot at a championship when he's on a team that had the best record in the NBA?

If anything, wouldn't Cleveland be (a little) less upset with LeBron had he brought home a championship before callously dumping them on national TV?

No, LeBron's apparent lack of effort in the final two games of the Celtics series didn't stem from the underlying knowledge that he'd be leaving his hometown after the season.

Instead, as Sports Illustrated's Joe Posnanski points out, LeBron hit a breaking point with the Cavaliers during the Celtics series:

"But, well, if James did quit, then WHY did he quit? Why does anyone quit anything? It’s because they think there’s no point. I think LeBron simply came to the realization that his team wasn’t good enough. The coach wasn’t good enough. Ownership wasn’t good enough."

"He realized (rightly or wrongly) that no matter what he did, this team was not going to win a championship. And once he realized that, he lowered his intensity level and finally, in the last minute of his Cleveland career, watched the clock tick down."

LeBron didn't quit on the Cavaliers. LeBron felt like the Cavaliers quit on him.

LeBron didn't need Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman around him to win a championship. All he needed were teammates that could knock down wide-open shots when he passed to them out of a double-team.

Year after year, the Cavs came up short in that department. After seven years, James finally decided that he'd seen enough Mo Williams bricks for one lifetime.

So he left. A "quitter."

To his credit, Mariotti did promise that we'd remember Game Five against the Celtics—the night that LeBron turned into LeGone, as he called it.

But why suggest that James would intentionally forfeit his last shot at a championship in Cleveland, knowing that he'd be heading to Miami in a few months anyway?

We may be able to replace Dan Gilbert's letter in the "Most Preposterous Idea From the Summer of 2010" category after all.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/420067-why-would-lebron-james-have-quit-on-the-cleveland-cavaliers