Well not really eight guys for this episode but we still managed to get six guys to join . In this episode we had Rey Moralde from The No Look Pass, Glenn Moore from the Dug Out Sports Show, Jared Wade from 8 Points, 9 Seconds & Both Teams Played Hard, Zach Harper from Cowbell Kingdom & Talk Hoops, John Karalis from Reds Army, and myself.
In this brand spanking new episode, which was co-hosted by myself and John Karalis, we discuss Kevin Garnett's knee and realize John likes to see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. We also discuss the All-Star game, who got snubbed, and Glenn Moore takes issue with being called a "typical Cavs fan." I tried my best to cool him down. Also how much of a trooper is Zach? Guy manned up and came on the show even though he lost his voice and could barely speak.
Unfortunately Mike De Leon could not join the show but I did give a state of the Spurs address and propose what they need to trade for before the end of the trade deadline.
"Last night, I was watching the Spurs-Blazers game and about 8 minutes into the 1st quarter, David Aldridge said that the Spurs aren't going to re-sign Manu? If that's so we definetly should trade him. I know that he's definetly a game changer and we wouldn't have won those titles without him, but he's on a decline. We should try and trade him for Bosh or even Granger, and keep RJ because I think he would be more comfortable and we will still have the big 3! But what I'm getting at, did I seriously hear that we aren't going to re-sign Manu? Instead of him going to a possible contender next year like Boston, Cleveland, Nuggets or the feared Lakers, then we should make a trade for him if we are not going to re-sign him." - Samir Patel
Samir,
You heard right, and according to a few of our sources, this is no surprise. I can't help but think this is a mistake though. Sure, Manu's had his share of injuries, but I've said for quite some time that I think the Spurs could work out a deal to keep Manu short-term at a reduced contract.
Manu has said money isn't an issue any more so I don't understand why they couldn't offer him a reduced salary as part of a 2-year extension where the second year is a team option. Currently, Manu is making $10.7 million a year. To stay a Spur, I think Manu would take $6 million a year and I think that is a fair amount to pay him.
If they were so concerned about cutting costs, why would they ever offer Antonio McDyess a guaranteed three-year contract starting at $4.5 million a year.
Manu's stats may be down across the board, but yet he's still averaging more than Richard Jefferson in points, assists and steals in five less minutes a game. Manu also plays hard on both sides of the floor. If that sounds like a shot at Jefferson, it should. Jefferson is set to make $15 million next year, yet the Spurs can't offer $6 million to Manu, one of few Spurs who seems to have some passion and intensity left.
If they can't sign Manu, they should at least attempt to trade him for a young, athletic swingman or center. I'd rather get something instead of nothing. I do know that I'm not ready to see Manu in another jersey, but I also know Bosh and Granger are not realistic. Tyrus Thomas is more on the money of what we could expect in return.
For more on San Antonio without Manu, be sure to check out Lance Fell's article posted last week.
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Don't be an asterisk. No we are not talking about Phil Jackson's snide remark regarding the Spurs 1999 NBA title.
Project Spurs was asked to help promote the "Don't Be An Asterisk" campaign aimed at preventing young men and women from using steroids in sports in conjunction with the upcoming Winter Olympics. Obviously, we were honored we were asked to assist in this campaign.
Some of the facts on the website about steroids were eye-opening and somber. The effects of steroid use on the body of men and women are devastating. Also there are testimonials from the athletes competing in the upcoming Winter Olympics. Testimonials from Jennifer Rodriguez (Long Track Speed Skating) discussing steroids to Manuel Guerra, Jr. (Sledge Hockey) on his training regiment, the website is something all young athletes must visit.
Please visit the "Don't Be An Asterisk" website by clicking HERE and check out the official facebook page by clicking HERE.
Michael and Jeff went live on Friday night to recap the first two games of the Rodeo Road trip, preview tonight's game against the Clippers and go on a long-winded rant about the current state of the Spurs. You can listen to the full 2-hour show by clicking play below (mp3 file coming soon).
Thanks to News 4 WOAI's Humberto Cervera, Mr. X Sports, Dave and Peter from the No Look Pass, KWAPT and everyone else who called in and chatted with us live.
Our next live show will be on Monday for the Lakers game. We'll go live pregame and postgame and we'll be chatting throughout the game.
The Spurs started their road trip with a win in Sacramento, but Tony Parker's return was not enough to get it done in Portland. They will try to bounce back as they continue their road trek in Los Angeles tonight to face the Clippers.
Now time for some Spurs readings.
KENS 5 - David Flores says that the Spurs have enough time to turn around the season
San Antonio Express News - Mike Monroe tells us that Duncan thinks that this year's Rodeo Road Trip could be the most important one for the Spurs.
48 Minutes of Hell - With the trade deadline looming, Timothy Varner suggested some roster shake up for the Spurs.
ESPN - Seth Landman gave advise to fantasy owners about four NBA All-Stars worth trading including Tim Duncan.
Bleacher Report - Despite their recent struggles, Robert Kleeman still believes in Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs. We share the same sentiment.
Euroleague - Caja Laboral gave reported about Tiago Splitter's recent injury. Thankfully it doesn't sound so serious.
San Antonio Express News - Mike Monroe thinks that the best may have yet to come for McDyess and the Spurs. I hope he's right!
Hoopsworld - Luke Byrnes talked about who's hot in the NBA right now... George Hill made it to the list.
The Sacramento Bee - Sam Amick talked about the frustrations in Sacramento after the Kings' loss to the Spurs.
48 Minutes of Hell - Andrew McNeill thinks that the Spurs should not rock the boat... Too much.
KENS 5 - Dan Oshinsky gave us 8 reasons to be excited about the Spurs' Rodeo Road Trip
San Antonio Express News - Jeff McDonald discussed about the Spurs' shooting slump. The fix? According to the Spurs, shooters just need to keep shooting.
Bleacher Report - Hadarii Jones gave us a list of 10 NBA Players that needs to be returned to their senders. Guess who's on the list?
KENS 5 - Dan Oshinsky takes a closer look at LatinD's own Rodeo Road Trip to the United States. Great read. Best of luck David! Have a safe trip!
Also check out some great articles from us at Project Spurs this past week.
Michael De Leon and Jeff Garcia reviewed the Spurs at midpoint and were joined by special guest Humberto Cervera of San Antonio's News 4 WOAI in their latest Spurscast. A MUST LISTEN for all Spurs fans. Humberto gave the inside info on the Spurs, Coach Pop, and a reason Ian Mahinmi has underachieved.
The Spurs are 1-1 so far on the Rodeo Road Trip. Squeaking out a win against the Kings and losing a close one to the Blazers. Oh and this happened! Guess the Kings scouting crew forgot Manu likes to go left.
For tonight's game against the Portland Trailblazers, I collaborated with Sophia Brugato of another Bloguin blog, Bust a Bucket. We've had Matt from Bust a Bucket on the Spurscast before to preview a game, so it made sense to go back to them for tonight's Q&A. Here are Sophia's answers to my questions:
1. With Oden and Przybilla injured for the year, what will Portland have to do to keep Tim Duncan from taking over the game?
Keep the ball out of his hands. LaMarcus, Batum and to some degree Pendergraph will have to work together to cover him. I assume mostly Batum and Aldridge will have much of the "guard Timmy" assignment.
2. Who is the Blazers' go-to man without Brandon Roy?
Anyone. It literally changes every night. I think tonight , the Blazers will need Bayless to attack inside over and over again and LaMarcus to have a phenominal offensive showing in order to win.
3. The Blazers have beat the Spurs without some of their best players before. What do they have to do to do it again and sweep the season series?
See above :)
4. Andre Miller went off for 52 points but then went 3 of 13 against the Jazz. Which Andre will we see tonight?
Who knows, it all is a matter of matchups. Against the Jazz he had some not-so-favorable matchups (guarded by Williams etc.) The point is, Miller can score, just depends on his teammates, Nates lineups and the opposing guards .
5. What are your thoughts on the Blazers now that we are past midseason. Have they lived up to your expectations?
I have no expectations . That pretty much sums up my feelings as a fan this season.
6. Prediction time. Who wins, by what score and why?
Blazers by 6 because they are tired and will speed up the pace, allowing the Spurs runs that will keep score close but eventually come away with the win.
Make sure to visit Bust a Bucket for my answers to Sophia's questions and for some great Blazers coverage.
With most attention being given to the Spurs' continued struggles and Richard Jefferson's underwhelming performance this season, it's good to give emphasis on the Spurs' other offseason additions that play important roles in the Spurs' rotation. Namely Antonio McDyess and Keith Bogans.
While their signings was not as hyped as getting Richard Jefferson or drafting DeJuan Blair, they might be the additional pieces needed by the Spurs for a successful title run this season.
Let us start with Antonio McDyess. Bringing in McDyess helped fill the void left by Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto. He is a solid veteran perceived as a player who can complement Duncan's game.
He has proven in the past that he can hit the mid-range jumper with consistency and can help out in getting rebounds. He is just what Duncan needed by his side in the paint.
But McDyess struggled early on with the Spurs and people started to wonder just how much he has left. For the season, he is averaging 6.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in 21 minutes of action. A far cry compared to his season average of 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds just a year ago with the Pistons.
While his slow start could be attributed to the fact he is still learning and trying fit in to an entirely new system in San Antonio, he is also known for being a slow starter and usually find his rhythm during the second half of the season.
Unsurprisingly, he has been playing solid basketball as of late averaging 12.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in his last five outings while shooting 63% from the field. That is a welcome development for a Spurs team that needs more inside presence, toughness, court savvy and energy on the floor.
Whether McDyess' resurgence is a start of good things to come only time will tell. But if he continues to sustain his improved play throughout the season, the Spurs' front office will look like geniuses once again.
That brings us to Keith Bogans. We called the Bogans' signing an “under-the-radar” move because unlike Jefferson or McDyess, he was not big name acquisition. But with the departure of Bruce Bowen, getting Bogans was a no-brainer because he can provide much needed defense on the perimeter and can shoot the 3 at a fairly decent rate -- 35% for his career and 38% this season.
Don’t get me wrong, Bogans can’t replace Bruce. But he hustles and is a tough defender. I actually see him as poor man's version Bruce Bowen.
His numbers will not "wow" you either. He is averaging only 4.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assist in 20 minutes of playing time. Although his 42.3% shooting from the field is a career high.
However, Bogans has been more aggressive lately and his production have shown some improvements. He averaged 5.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 53.3% shooting from the floor in the team's last five games.
More than just numbers, the most important thing for both McDyess and Bogans is to continue to get comfortable with their roles and gain more confidence as the season goes on. Their veteran smarts will come in handy for the Spurs in the playoffs.
And although it could be said that McDyess and Bogans have been under-performing, there are encouraging signs. McDyess is starting to find his spots and while Bogans is not producing much on offense, his perimeter defense is arguably helping to the Spurs’ cause.
What do you guys think? Are they playing out as expected or are they turning out to be major disappointments? Send us your thoughts and opinions on this matter.
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For tonight's game against the Portland Trailblazers, I collaborated with 
Let us start with Antonio McDyess. Bringing in McDyess helped fill the void left by Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto. He is a solid veteran perceived as a player who can complement Duncan's game. 
Don’t get me wrong, Bogans can’t replace Bruce. But he hustles and is a tough defender. I actually see him as poor man's version Bruce Bowen. 
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 