A Little Update From Javier Perez

The Silver and Black is a collective...you would be foolish to believe that it is but one, quasi-tech savvy individual mindlessly plugging away at his computer as if he knew something that other people did not. No, in fact, the yin to the Silver and Black's yang is Javier Perez, sports anchor for NBC affiliate KTSM in El Paso. I'll let him do the heavy lifting in regards to Manu's injury:


No Spurs fan can argue that the championship window on this season (which was narrower this year than in years past) was slammed shut upon learning about Manu's injury. The Spurs have too much pride, experience, and integrity to just dog it out until they pack their bags, so I expect Parker to carry the team past the first round. Keep tuned to The Silver and Black and Realgm.com for a forthcoming article on what Manu's injury means for the future of the Spurs.

Miss Us? We Missed You.

I’m sure that there are many devoted, loyal types that have wondered what has happened to our dear Silver and Black. Well, from the deepest, most sincere part of my heart, I only have one unwaveringly genuine answer: aliens. I was abducted. And probed. And no, I don’t feel like talking about it.

But, in terms of Spurs-land, there is much to be talked about. And, yes, we’ll get there. For now, enjoy this clip of Roger Mason Jr. kicking some Clipper ass. (Of course you remember how much we loved that signing here, eh?)

2008-2009 National Television Schedule

Wednesday, Oct. 29 - Phoenix at Spurs, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Friday, Oct. 31 - Spurs at Portland, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Friday, Nov. 7 - Miami at Spurs, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Thursday, Dec. 4 - Spurs at Denver, 9:30 p.m. (TNT)

Wednesday, Dec. 17 - Spurs at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Thursday, Dec. 18 - Spurs at Orlando, 7 p.m. (TNT)

Thursday, Dec. 25 - Spurs at Phoenix, 1:30 p.m. (ABC)

Wednesday, Jan. 14 - L.A. Lakers at Spurs, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Sunday, Jan. 25 - Spurs at L.A. Lakers, 2:30 p.m. (ABC)

Thursday, Jan. 29 - Spurs at Phoenix, 9:30 p.m. (TNT)

Sunday, Feb. 8 - Spurs at Boston, noon (ABC)

Thursday, Feb. 19 - Spurs at Detroit, 7 p.m. (TNT)

Friday, Feb. 27 - Cleveland at Spurs, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Sunday, March 1 - Spurs at Portland, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

Wednesday, March 4 - Spurs at Dallas, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Sunday, March 8 - Phoenix at Spurs, 2:30 p.m. (ABC)

Thursday, March 12 - L.A. Lakers at Spurs, 7 p.m. (TNT)

Sunday, March 29 - Spurs at New Orleans, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Sunday, April 5 - Spurs at Cleveland, noon (ABC)

Rumor Mill: Spurs Eyeing Jannero Pargo, Finley Turns Down Euro Offer

Silver and Black, why have I forsaken you!? It's been too long since our last post, partly due to a busy schedule at the "real" job. Here's the latest rumors in Spurs land:

Spurs Talking to Jannero Pargo

The take: Last time we say Pargo, he was burying threes in a late charge to steal game 7 of the Western semis. This is still in "rumor" mode, but Pargo's agent, Mark Bartelstein, acknowledged mutual interest by saying that "The Spurs speak for themselves. It's a great place to play. They are limited in what they can do financially, but we are definitely talking to them." We'll keep an eye on this, since signing another backup point would have definite roster implications.

Finley Turns Down European Offer

The take: Old news, and not that surprising. Over a month ago, the 35 year-old Finley opted not to take a lucrative offer in Europe, and is still a free agent.

Spurs Re-Sign Kurt Thomas

The take: An absolute necessity after Tiago bolted, the resigning of Kurt Thomas stabilizes the frontline that will be introducing a young Ian Mahinmi to the rotation.

Spurs Sign Anthony Tolliver

The take: A relative no name out of Creighton, the 6-8 Tolliver earned a contract through summer league play. 53.5% from 3-pt land during the Rocky Mountain Review can do that for you. Keep in mind that it's a nonguaranteed contract, so Tolliver hasn't earned himself a roster spot, but he could be this year's version of Darius Washington.

Brent Barry Signs with Rockets

As soon as the Spurs signed Roger Mason Jr., the writing was on the wall for Brent Barry to sign with another team. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Barry has just signed with the Rockets, leaving the Spurs after four seasons and two championships.

On some level, it's saddening. He was one of the most personable and funny guys in the league, and he was one of the few players that was genuinely, visibly emotional when he played (on a team of robots, it's refreshing). So, here's to bones, one of my all-time favorite Spurs personalities, and a guy that earned each ring he got.

I'll miss you. *Sniffle* This shot will always give me chills...

Spurs Ink Roger Mason Jr.

This offseason, I wanted the Spurs to target the sweet-shooting combo guard, who averaged 9.1 points a game with Washington last season. Lo and behold, they actually listened to me for once (unlike the draft).

After Corey Maggette signed with the Warriors, the Spurs signed the Virginia product to a 2-year, $7.3 million deal. The Spurs spent half of their MLE, and what they do with the rest of their money will probably be dictated by whether or not they sign the in-demand Brent Barry, who is coveted by Phoenix and Houston, amongst other things.

Roger Mason Jr. can stroke it, is a class act, and plays defense, so he fits in well on the team. He's capable of playing point guard in spurts, but he's best served as a shooter who can, on occasion, get red hot.

Links:

Signing Mason Brings Spurs Tax Relief

More Details on Mason

Spurs Targeting Maggette; Barry Opts Out

Yahoo: Spurs Front-Runners for Corey Maggette.

Spurs fans have wanted Corey Maggette for some time now: he's relatively young (28), can jump out of a gym, and is strong enough to steal minutes at the 4 spot. He's also sort of one dimensional (a scorer), and has never dedicated himself to defense. That being said, you take you 22 points per a game players as they come. If he'll take the MLE with the Spurs and plays second-fiddle to the holy trio of Tim, Tony, and Manu, he'll be proving a lot of people wrong about his desire to win.

ESPN: Barry Opts Out, Becomes Free Agent