Finley to be released

[Nolan]

I don't see how Finley fits in with Boston. Players wise maybe he fits in, but not in terms of playing time. Fin right now is not a better player than Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Marquis Daniels, and even Tony Allen.

I don't see how Fin gets playing time in Cleveland too. Lebron plays 40 minutes at the SF position. There's Jamario Moon backing him up. Delonte West, Gibson, and Anthony Parker are all better than Finley and plays the SG position.

Every Spurs fans know that Finley was done last year. It's why we got somewhat annoyed with Pop's insistence on playing Finley. I'd be very surprised if Finley goes somewhere and end up getting regular playing time for one of the league's top 5 teams in the playoffs.

Pierce, Tony Allen and Daniels have been banged up all season long and Ray Allen been playing a lot of minutes this year. They need some insurance on the wing and Finley would definitely provide that.

Rumour is that the Lakers and Celtics are the two teams interested in Finley. The Celtics make the most sense if he's looking for playing time, but if he's after a ring the Lakers are his best bet.

[co_laper]

Yeah, but it is said that his reason is to get playing time. If that's what he's looking for, then it would mean consistent playing time in the regular rotation. Not some sort of insurance policy only if someone gets injured. But we'll see. It is said that Boston is interested. I just don't think those teams will give him a regular spot in the rotation with consistent minutes come playoff time. Finley didn't have much left in the tank last year and he's running on empty this year.

Finley is a good insurance policy and that's what we would expect from him had he stayed. But to think that Finley has something left in the tank to become a regular rotation player with consistent minutes on a better team? No way. That's a joke.

[Nolan]

True enough. I really doubt he's going find a contender thats going to be willing to give him consistent minutes.

[Donald Kaufman]

I think reality is going to hit hard for Fin. He won't get significant PT with any legitimate contender. This isn't 2001.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this the first season in the TD era where more than one player has asked to be traded/bought out? First Mason, now Fin? What's going on with this team?

[michaelc204]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this the first season in the TD era where more than one player has asked to be traded/bought out? First Mason, now Fin? What's going on with this team?

Simply put, the team got old. Mason is still young, and doesnt want to waste his prime on a steadily declining team without much to build on for the future. Finley's just mad that these youngins stole his minutes (hill, mason, etc)

[co_laper]

Even the guys on our team is losing faith. I thought it was just us fans. This is gonna be a wasted season. I've lost hope on this team going anywhere. In fact, I expect us to be knocked out in the first round. If we advance to the 2nd round, that's gonna be a successful season to me.

[Donald Kaufman]

Pretty sad considering the expectations we had coming into the season...

[co_laper]

How is Mason young and wasting his prime? He's 30 years old. Older than Richard Jefferson and plays a position where the decline usually starts at 30.

[Nolan]

Well its offical Finley signed with the Celtics.

[co_laper]

Definitely didn't expect him to go there. Doubtful he gets consistent minutes and a spot in the regular rotation. They bring him in to be an insurance policy because Pierce and Daniels been injured this year.

However, I have to say that if I'm Michael Finley, I'd probably be doing the same thing.

My best bet is either Cleveland, Lakers, or Boston.

A lot of players don't want to just join the Champion (Lakers). So joining the Champion before them makes sense because as players, you think you can be a difference maker. Cleveland is out because Finley is a SF now and there's no minutes in Cleveland to be had.

[SApuro_]

Well Fin I wish you the best. His defensive rotation had improved greatly since first coming to SA. He still has a little bit in the tank and might be able to provide the C's with a steve kerr type effort but not much more.

He can still shoot the lights out when hot but he has definately lost a step or two or three.

[Tiga]

"We don't know yet," Rivers said of what the 37-year-old veteran might have left. "But he was available, he's a guy of high character, and he can shoot.

"But to be honest we don't know yet if he fits in or not," said the coach. "But adding a veteran can't hurt."


Nice to know you are really wanted

[Donald Kaufman]

Uh Doc, it can hurt if your team is older than dirt as it is.

[co_laper]

I'm surprised, but Fin's doing well in Boston. He's a better fit than Tony Allen over there. Personally, I would trade Finley for Tony Allen. Athletic, young, defensive minded, and cheap.

[SApuro_]

Fin is doing well in Boston. The guy can shoot the lights out when hot. I am glad the spurs let him go though. Even though Mason is struggling I like seeing Hairston get more minutes. The kid has an incredible drive.

[Donald Kaufman]

He wanted more minutes, he's getting them in Beantown. Good luck to him.

[deadstock_bM]

they'll probably sign a pg