Tiago Splitter update via Draftexpress..

[Ballings7]

Like said, hopefully that source is off and money isn't a real priority for him.

He's still going to get money with us, too .

[biskvito]

I'm positive he will choose Spurs, if not I'll be surprised. He always said on interviews that his dream was NBA, he's the kind of guy that does everything for brazilian NT, it was never about the money. I'm sure he won't change now, unless someone brainwash him. That would be sad and stupid, since he'll get high money anyway.

[SMRattler]

Well, I'll say that if he comes to the NBA instead of taking the money, I will have the most respect I can have for a guy I've never met and a player I've not seen a lot of.

On the other hand, I won't lose any respect for a guy doing what almost 100% of people around the world would do, regardless of the situation.

A can't-lose situation for him as far as I'm concerned.

Young, talented, rich and no way to screw it up. Must be nice.

Cheers, Tiago.

[Rique]

http://www.elcorreodigital.com/alava/20080605/deportes/tau/sido-increible-pesar-decision-20080605.html

Here is an interview with Tiago that looks like it was posted today. Some folks on ST are talking about it. It is in Spanish, and here are a couple of the more important questions with my rough translations.

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[SMRattler]

Excellent job Rique. Thanks!

[Ballings7]

Iffy stuff there... :/

Still questionable, though.

[Rique]

Yeap, no prob fellas.

As far as his comments..yeah, it doesn't sound too promising. Obviously better than the previous stories of him already having signed the contract with Tau. It looks like they are trying to pitch him a deal like Scola...stay a couple of years and then enter the NBA like Scola did. However, I think Splitter needs to remember all the stress and frustration that Scola went through. Scola was annoyed that he couldn't come to the NBA year after year. I think winning a title definitely made things more difficult for him. He's coming off of a high of winning it all and must feel like he's at the top of the world right now. Hopefully the Spurs players (*cough*manu*cough*duncan*cough) and Pop speak with him personally or even visit him to try to lure him. I think if he does well after this initial contract, his potential for money is much greater in the NBA than in Europe.

[Blame Rasho]

If Parker can get PT and a starting role as a 19 year old rookie, Splitter doesn't need to worry about his role if he is a good as we all expect him to be. It is alot of nonsense about the whole "role" agenda that TAU is trying to sell to him.

[SD2042]

First off, good find Rique. Second, although it sounds like Splitter is leaning on staying in TAU. Pop and company need to talk with Splitter and explain his options on going to the NBA and convince him to play for the Spurs now and the big bucks will be there in the future if he plays well enough to deserve the payday.

[Blame Rasho]

Tell him that players like Rasho and Darko can get contracts in the 8 million dollar mark for 5 years... and ask him does he think he is better than them?

[johnnyjohnnyjohnny]

Would you rather be the best in the lesser group or the worst in the better group?

Any athelete worth a hill of beans would want to go to the more competitive league where their is ultimately greater reward and dominate there than be the best in a league not as competitive. However, he may be in a comfort zone... if this is true, and he's not ready to step his game up to meet the demands of the NBA, I think we're better off with him not coming. How much faith can we put in someone who's not sure about their own capabilities?

[biskvito]

I don't know anymore... Used to think he would choose Spurs, but he will have to adapt again, he can fail in NBA, get no time and low money, or stay were he is being leader and enjoy life in Spain ...