Spurs unlikely to Sign Splitter

by Tommy Dee on March 17th, 2010 at 2:48 pm

Via San Antonio Express

“…One NBA executive doesn’t believe that the Spurs will be able to sign former first-round pick Tiago Splitter away from Europe this summer.

Splitter, who was San Antonio’s first-round pick in 2007, has an opt-out clause in his contract with Tau Ceramica this summer.

Since he was drafted three years ago, the Spurs could offer the big man above and beyond a typical rookie contract, but they don’t have a large amount of cap space.

The San Antonio Express-News writes that the most they could offer will probably be mid-level cap exception, expected to be around $5 million.

With a possible lockout looming in 2011-12, that may not be enough to lure Splitter to the NBA.

“That’s why they’re probably not going to get him, even for the full mid-level,” said the executive. “If you’ve got a nice, guaranteed deal over in Europe, why would you sign over here and face a lockout? I’m telling you, the full mid-level probably isn’t going to get it done.”

San Antonio could try to work a sign-and-trade with a team that does have the cap space to give Splitter the kind of deal he’s expected to covet…”

I wonder what sort of deal Splitter would be looking for, but he is widely considered the best center in Europe.

“He’s a stud. Clear-cut NBA starter,” says DX’s Jonathan Givony.

The Knicks wouldn’t be able to add the contract if they were to obtain 2 max free agents, unless they can unload Eddy Curry‘s contract, but I wonder if Splitter could be part of a secondary plan. He would be for me.
  • blackwood

    ESPN » All Sports » NBA » NBA Draft
    Tiago Splitter – 2010 NBA Draft Prospect
    View: Rounds | Team Picks | Draft History
    View Prospects By: Top 100 | Name | Position | School/Country
    Tiago Splitter
    Power Forward (Rank: #17) | 7-0, 240 | Age: 25
    Brazil ()
    Hometown: Blumenau, Brazil
    You are signed into Insider and have access to the exclusive draft content below.

    Draft Projection: Lottery to mid first round

    Notes: A native of Brazil playing in Spain for one of the top teams in Europe, Tau Ceramica. Averaging 10.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg in his first 18 Euroleague games of 2006-07 season. Averaged 9.5 ppg and 4.6 rpg in Euroleague play in 2005-06. Splitter was terrific for the Brazilian national team. He scored 25 points for Brazil in the gold medal game of the 2005 FIBA Americas Men’s World Championship Qualifying Tournament.
    Tiago Splitter
    Time to put down the multi-color ball — the NBA wants you, Tiago.
    (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

    Averaged 13.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg for the tournament. Splitter declared for the past three drafts. He withdrew in 2004 after he couldn’t secure a promise in the lottery. In 2005, he received interest from lottery teams, but concerns about a massive buyout scared teams away from making a promise. So he withdrew again from the draft. Same thing in 2006.

    Positives: Splitter’s got an NBA body, though he still needs to make it stronger. Most scouts agree that his defense is ahead of his offense right now. He’s an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. He does have a nice handle and a good, but not great, jumper. He’s very long and runs the floor well. He’s a good, but not great, athlete. He’s fearless and doesn’t mind contact in the paint. His athleticism and coordination are also improving. Despite his youth, scouts say Splitter plays like a 25-year-old.

    Negatives: What position does he play? Probably power forward, but he needs to improve his inside scoring if that’s the case. A little more strength is needed for him to make the transition to the center.

    Summary: His stock was hurt in previous drafts over serious questions about whether an NBA team would be able to buy him out of his contract with TAU. Now he’s in automatically because of his age. This year his stock has taken another hit because of his lack of improvement, however his play in the playoffs has improved dramatically. Splitter doesn’t have a buyout from his contract with Tau until the summer of 2008, so there’s a chance a team will have to wait on him a year. Given the uncertainty about his future and his up and down year, Splitter’s stock is still in flux between the late lottery and mid first round.

  • JaymanJD

    This is just what the knicks need another unpoven international player to resurect this fanchise. Id rather sign a proven vet like Camby for way less than hope for the next Gasol. The Knicks didn’t have the patience to wait 4 yrs for Hill to develope bu they should do it with this euro kid FORGE IT. This would not be the type of marketed improvement Knicks fans need. Plus he a euro player which most likely means aweful on defense.

  • blackwood

    So what do you think the Spurs would want for him Tommy?

  • manners

    Just speculation but since the team, last year, was able to buy a first round pick last year that turned positively into Toney Douglas, maybe now that they cleared 30+ million maybe they can simply offer cash for Splitter?

  • HaS

    Totally unrelated, but I had a dream the Nets turned Devin Harris and CDR into Monta Ellis. That’s a pretty good trade for both. Weird. Wish I would have had a dream about the Knicks summer moves.

  • blackwood

    I have expanded it to LBJ or CP3 or both or bust this year so there go’s a few more options!! lol If they take str8 cash I would be with exploring it. I have been watching the footage and I’m not blown away but worth a shot if the numbers are not crazy.

  • ds2488

    If Splitter is going to be asking for the midlevel, then no way. Thats a major risk right there. The guy has talent and potential no doubt about it, but would you use precious cap space on an unknown now who will need time to develop? I would rather see the Knicks get Varnado at like 1 or 2 million a year who will be more ready to play and contribute anyway. However, young talent can never hurt on a team. If we could get him for the right price, why not?

  • blackwood

    My point exactly! No way I dont make the shot blocking board hitting blue collar guy the priority, but if the kid takes the same money why not go 2 for one for youth size and depth. But if where anything past 2 or 3 mil he can kick rocks!! The film on him is not mind blowing so I would not care if we pasted on this guy or gave him 2 mil.

  • SilentJay

    As a 2nd rounder, Varnado would take less, so I’d much rather sitting “learning” on the bench.