Spurs Re-sign Michael Finley

Mr.Bottomtooth · Post #1 » by **Mr.Bottomtooth** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:58 pm

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3537371

After drawing interest from a few top contenders, including the NBA's new champions in Boston, Michael Finley has elected to re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs.

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com on Friday that Finley and the Spurs have reached terms on a new deal that has been submitted for league approval.

Contract specifics were not immediately available, but sources say Finley's decision came down to a choice between staying with the Spurs or joining the Boston Celtics as the reigning champs' replacement for James Posey, who signed with the New Orleans Hornets earlier this summer.

Sources say the two-time All-Star also drew strong interest from the Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Spurs, though, were determined to keep Finley, 35, even after signing swingman Roger Mason away from the Washington Wizards last month, with Brent Barry leaving San Antonio's wing rotation to sign with the Houston Rockets.

Heading into his 14th season, Finley joined the Spurs in the summer of 2005 after being waived by the Dallas Mavericks via the league's one-time amnesty provision, which allowed the Mavs to avoid paying a dollar-for-dollar luxury tax on the $51.8 million they owed Finley over the past three seasons.

The Spurs were eliminated by the Mavericks in a memorable second-round series in Finley's first season in San Antonio before winning the championship in 2007 to end Finley's decade-plus chase for a ring.

Finley then started 61 games last season for the Spurs, averaging 10.1 points and shooting 37 percent from 3-point range.

HarlemHeat37 · Post #2 » by **HarlemHeat37** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:59 pm

God help us all..

Ballings7 · Post #3 » by **Ballings7** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 11:32 pm

Fine by me... he's still a proven shooter in a few ways. Will have more of an easier role this year, too.

And, despite a year older, I really think Finley's better than he showed at times last season (especially that one bad stretch in the 2nd half of the season), and for the Lakers series.

bmw42690 · Post #4 » by **bmw42690** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 4:48 am

I dont mind the move since it brings us back another shooter although i prefer Barry. He did hit that shot that in the Suns series that sent the game to OT.

the southern dandy · Post #5 » by **the southern dandy** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 7:17 am

I'm beyond angry right now. Michael Finley is a wasted roster spot a best. I've tried to remain positive during a pretty weak offseason, but that is the end of my faith. What the hell does he provide? The guy can barely dribble in a straight line, and would get lit up by high schoolers.

Welcome back to the starting lineup Michael Finley.

Why Michael Finley?
Because **** basketball, that's why

tuncaboylu · Post #6 » by **tuncaboylu** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 8:23 pm

A double digit scorer who knows the system very well and a good locker room guy. There is too many reasons to be happy for me. By the way he's staying for only veteran minimum, it's also nice.

Post #7 » by **Nolan** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 12:58 am

I guessing once the front office found out Pargo was heading overseas they decided to resign Finely, for the vet min its not a bad deal for all the reasons tuncaboylu already stated.

Tiga · Post #8 » by **Tiga** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 7:30 am

Finley will get more than the min..

Black_Jack21 · Post #9 » by **Black_Jack21** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:15 am

So long as he plays Barry's role last season and leaves starting up to Roger Mason it's ok.
If we think about it from the point of view of a cheap veteran shooter and not a new starting SG it's not a bad signing.
I just hope thats all he does get, a vet shooters minutes. Should he be given the starting job then we are in a bit of trouble.

SMRattler · Post #10 » by **SMRattler** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:32 pm

No way Pop starts the season with Fin on the bench. Pop will make him earn his stay there but he'll be our starter on opening night.

Manu, Mason and Udoka off the bench.

I doubt Pop changes Manu's role.

lukeridenour · Post #11 » by **lukeridenour** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 8:58 pm

this is not a bad signing, its not like the spurs didnt try to upgrade. we just got outbidded by other teams with money. resigning finley is a great move because he knows the system and hes still a clutch player.

Post #12 » by **SD2042** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 6:11 am

It's not too bad of a move. Fin really should be use to play spot up minutes since the Spurs went out and got Roger Mason from the Wizards.

Blame Rasho · Post #13 » by **Blame Rasho** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:18 pm

Eh... well another season of contested jumpers...

boogernights · Post #14 » by **boogernights** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:08 am

Er, should they be getting younger?

Also, they are one of the few teams who can afford to risk signing a Shaun Livingston or a Kirk Snyder.

I think Greece's Diamantidis (or Lithuania's Siskauskas) is perfect for the Spurs.

Ballings7 · Post #15 » by **Ballings7** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:06 pm

We'll get younger...

And, Finley won't have as much of a role as he's had in the past.

Also I'd love to see us take a chance on and sign Kirk Snyder, ease him along, then put him into the fold next season. Obviously not ideal for him, but he'd be in good situation.

boogernights · Post #16 » by **boogernights** » Tue Sep 2, 2008 6:09 am

With Manu's injury (and being injury-prone) I don't think Finley is enough insurance at the 2G spot.

SMRattler · Post #17 » by **SMRattler** » Thu Sep 4, 2008 3:16 am

boogernights wrote:With Manu's injury (and being injury-prone) I don't think Finley is enough insurance at the 2G spot.

Understatement of the year.

boogernights · Post #18 » by **boogernights** » Thu Sep 4, 2008 6:10 am

Do they have space to offer RFAs Ben Gordon or Delonte West?

coyotes_geek · Post #19 » by **coyotes_geek** » Thu Sep 4, 2008 3:11 pm

boogernights wrote:Do they have space to offer RFAs Ben Gordon or Delonte West?

Not enough to make an offer that either guy would take seriously. Even if they did, it wouldn't be enough to prevent the Bulls or Cavs from matching.