Rudy's Interview

Dang where to start?

TIM DUNCAN

Although it is nice to contemplate about Tim Duncan, the people I talked to had some differing views. Three peolple I trust said he was seriously considering Houston amoung the teams he would talk to about a trade. Another group of two, one I know well and another I am acquainted with but "know less"(is that proper?) state he is not only seriousily considering Houston, he is leaning heavily toward Houston. I am not sure I would agree with that assessment yet.

However, all of them (and I agree) say that Tim Duncan is more willing to leave San Antonio now than before the Allstar Break, because of a number of things, some reasons previously mentioned (and some purposefully unmentioned).

I also know that Tim Duncan is a very stand-up guy, honest, pragmatic in his approach to his career, likes the game, likes people and sincerely wants to do what is right for himself. In other words money is not everything. Respect and honor mean more to him.

This is my opinion: Tim likes teams that fight you with everything they have in a game, rergardless of injuries to key players, relative inexperience of the starters and in spite of the opponent they face. A team that plays to win, even if winning means they get to drop their draft value considerably. A team that says to guys like Maloney, Barkley, Shandon, RT, Hakeem, etc ... "...that regardless of what transpires, if you take less now, then we will pay you more when we are in a position to do that." A team that says it will go out and get the components to build around you, because "you are our key 'go to' guy and we will build to your strengths". I think he is considering us very seriously, but I also think it will take a lot of discussion to move him.

The Discussion

1. It would take some monumental agreements and great timing for things to happen. We not only would have to free up some cap, we have to use the $4.5Million, which can ONLY be used in a trade. No dipsy-doodling around that clause. This means that a trade with San Antonio must occur. It would have to mean a Duncan sign and trade for max, to be offset by some heavy contracts(Cato, Walt,) or a combo sign and trade (Mobes?) and we would justify the difference by the $4.5M exception. More importantly. although the Spurs would win by reducing their net salary and make it poossible to trade (Avery), shop (Samaki,Rose) or sign(Robinson) everyone realizes and some have stated, would they be willing to settle for their key player (Duncan) playing in their backyard(or damn close to it) as an opponent 4 - 6 times a year.

2. Next problem: My guess is they go coach hunting this summer if they don't make some kind of statement or advancement in the playoffs. My guess is also that the Spurs will be lucky to move out of the first round and will likely NOT get passed the second. Duncan, Robinson, Avery, Mario, lots of cvontracts to settle. Maybe a new coach with a fresh apporoach, new angle, etc .... change everyones focus and attention. Maybe Duncan stays afterall.(I still think they need some major fence mending and some BIG changes to keep him though.)

ODOM and KANDI

This business of Mo Taylor resigning must have come from one of those California kids that eat Strawberry-flavored Poptarts for supper (chuckle). Mo Taylor will test the market, and some team with some semblence of performance will nab him for a respectable but not maximum amount. That team will not be in housed in California. The Clips need to design a serious plan that shows a gradual climb through a careful rebuilding process. Or they need to jump in with both feet and start offering big money to some key members. They might want to start with the coaching staff. Then build around Odom, Kandi,etc... If they opt for a slow rebuild, Odom will be pissed and he is gone and Kandi will be right behind him. They want some "Action Jackson" in the game. Losing is not fun.

We would benefit from this as we have three, count 'em, three draft picks: Ours (which we have protected and also optioned to keep or give), Detroits pick, and (very probably) Orlando who will opt for this year as they did much better than anticipated. We also have Drew and they like him. They may be willing to unload Odom,etc ...

Next scenario is a Clipper quick fix shopping spree with guys being traded and bought all over the place. Walt, Carlos,or Cato as veteran "made guys" to support or anchor a star free agent like Miller, Rose, or Eddie Jones ..... What would Odom do? My guess it would make his decision harder but eventually he still would see it for what it is .... a bandaid, albeit a larger bandaid than previous years, but still a bandaid for a hemorrhage it will not stop bleeding for a couple of seasons. Now don't say the Clippers would not opt for losing Odom and/or Kandi, the list of guys they have let go is very impressive. If I have a spare hour or so, I'll fill a page with them. BTW: Don't be surprised if the Clips look at D. Anderson, Drew, Cato, Grant (or Rose) with Kukoc as a formidable fivesome that closely resembles the Kings. Well, the Drew/Jason Williams is stretchingh it a bit.



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[This message has been edited by popeye (edited April 13, 2000).]

 

CBFC

I am not a physician, as some have surmised. But I did go to med school for awhile, have a degree in a medical field, and worked in critical care, emergency medicine and sports medicine for a very long time (much too long).

I have another degree in Business Administration and presently work as a medical investigator and risk management(legal) consultant throughout Texas and other parts of the country.

How did I get going on this?

Anyway, as a profession, medicine is notorious for misspelled words and for horrible penmanship. I am sure my spelling is correct just by luck. You should see my handwritting!



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[This message has been edited by popeye (edited April 13, 2000).]

 

You know it is time to close a thread or get some controversy going when you start posting verbal drivel like that. Dang!!!!! Sorry!!!!



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That was just the cover story. They're really lovers and they squabble alot over who has the nicest bustline.

And Rusy wasn't going to be fired, he was offered the job of pulling Bobby Knight off his players at practice.

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