quote:
If the Spurs can't get a decent backup SF (and all indications are they will not do that this offseason), then re-signing Neal makes perfect sense. You can't roll out Manu (who likely misses 30 games), Belinelli (who likely misses 15-20 games), De Colo, Joseph, and Mills as your only options behind Parker, Green, and Leonard.
The only way the Spurs could really afford to let Neal go and not suffer is if either of the following were to happen:
A) Manu heals through some holy water miracle and has an all-star caliber year.
B) One of Belinelli, Joseph, De Colo, or Mills turns into an absolute baller (compared to their careers so far) off the dribble.
Say what you will about Gary Neal. He is streaky. His defense is shaky even when he's on fire. But he's one of the only guys on the team other than Parker and occasionally Manu who can create his own shot off the dribble. If Gary can learn how to become a better passer he's going to be a really good role player.
I expect a lot of 3 guard lineups and I know that Ginobili likely won't be healthy the whole season, but I still don't see where Neal's minutes come from. Bellineli isn't prime Manu, but he's more than capable of running the offense if needed (he did so for the Bulls). CoJo will likely get more of a chance to really be a point guard. Parker and Green will get the bulk of the minutes, CoJo probably gets most of the minutes when Parker isn't in, and that leaves Bellineli, Manu, Nando, and Neal that will all split minutes behind Green and to an extent Kawhi.
Also, Neal is one of the worst defenders in the NBA. Calling his D shaky is generous.
All of this ranting; I like Neal. He's a hard worker and gives you some good production for a guy that wasn't drafted.
