SI: Most Underrated Moves of the Summer

[AHF]

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/08/06/nba-free-agency-paul-pierce-david-west-tiago-splitter-underrated

 

Rob Mahoney: Hawks trade for Tiago Splitter

While the true bargains of free agency were few and far between, Atlanta managed to pick up the final two years of Tiago Splitter's contract (worth just over $17 million total) at no real cost via trade. The market price for a two-way center is generally far higher. This case was different only because of the Spurs' larger plans; by absorbing Splitter's contract without sending back any salary or trying to wring out assets in an extended trade negotiation, Atlanta enabled San Antonio's eventual signing of LaMarcus Aldridge. Playing accessory to one of the summer's blockbuster signings had its perks. For only the inconvenience of committing their cap space early, the Hawks added a nice defender and pick-and-roll finisher to deepen an already effective frontcourt rotation.​

Ben Golliver: Hawks trade for Tiago Splitter​

Atlanta's snagging of Splitter got lost in two pretty big shadows. On one side, the discussion of Atlanta's off-season was dominated by the loss of small forward DeMarre Carroll, who cashed in with Toronto. On the other side, Splitter's departure was a mere footnote for the Spurs, who added All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge while also re-signing Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Manu Ginobili.

Nevertheless, acquiring Splitter for a protected second-round pick looks like an excellent bargain and a strong use of cap space by the Hawks. Although Atlanta won 60 games and ranked in the top seven in both offensive and defensive efficiency in 2014-15, its rebounding was a persistent problem all year and its interior defense wasn't up to snuff in the Eastern Conference finals. Enter Splitter, 30, a proven rim-protector who ranked in the top 10 at his position in Defensive Real Plus-Minus in each of the last two seasons. A veteran of two trips to the Finals, the 6'11" Splitter also posted a 10.2 offensive rebound percentage last season, a mark that was significantly better than every Hawks player who logged at least 600 minutes.

Without a doubt, there are questions about Splitter's ability to stay on the court, as he has missed 53 games combined over the last two seasons due to injuries. Atlanta is well-positioned to gamble on his good health, though, because coach Mike Budenholzer has a Spurs-like approach to minutes distribution, because the presence of Al Horford and Paul Millsap bump Splitter back to the bench, and because he's arriving on a favorable contract that will cost the Hawks just $17 million total for the next two seasons. 

 

[Peoriabird]

Agreed!

[Guest]

How sweet would it be if we won the NBA finals over the Spurs in game 7 in San Antonio with a Splitter offensive rebound and putback slam over Lamarcus Aldridge. The script writes itself. An instant Sunday night Disney Classic(right after Herbie the love bug).

[Guest]

Yep

[Guest]

How sweet would it be if we won the NBA finals over the Spurs in game 7 in San Antonio with a Splitter offensive rebound and putback slam over Lamarcus Aldridge. The script writes itself. An instant Sunday night Disney Classic(right after Herbie the love bug).

 

[frosgrim]

The Splitter move has the potential to be great. Of course we have to see what plays out in the season. But, fixing your team's #1 problem with one of better players in the NBA for fixing said problem WITHOUT giving up more than cap space is brilliant.

[hawkman]

Extremely shrewd move. The Hawks gave up next to nothing to get a much needed addition to the front court at a reasonable price. But does anyone really see him coming off the bench? I can see the limited minutes, but won't he at least be a starter?

[Guest]

Extremely shrewd move. The Hawks gave up next to nothing to get a much needed addition to the front court at a reasonable price. But does anyone really see him coming off the bench? I can see the limited minutes, but won't he at least be a starter?

Unless Millsap will be our starting SF(doubtful) or will come off the bench as the back PF (highly unlikely) Splitter will be our first big off the bench behind Al.

[hawkman]

Unless Millsap will be our starting SF(doubtful) or will come off the bench as the back PF (highly unlikely) Splitter will be our first big off the bench behind Al.

Gotcha. I thought Al and Sap were moving down to make room for Splitter if Thabo and/or Korver weren't ready at the start of the season. Either way, this team shouldn't get out rebounded as much as last season and should have better rim protection.

[JETSET]

Gotcha. I thought Al and Sap were moving down to make room for Splitter if Thabo and/or Korver weren't ready at the start of the season. Either way, this team shouldn't get out rebounded as much as last season and should have better rim protection.

and who comes off the bench if you start Millsap/Horford/Splitter?  The rest of our bench bigs are Muscala and Tavares now that Scott has screwed up.

 

Cliffs:  Our frontcourt isn't deep enough to play Millsap/Horford/Splitter together.

[frosgrim]

@JETSET

I think you'll see a big line-up at times in the season. I agree that if you start Splitter then you have no big-man depth off the bench, but there will be times when that line-up could be exceptionally effective.

 

I do find it interested that Bud downplayed the issue of rebounding all season, but 2 of the team's biggest moves where to specifically address the rebounding issue.

[Peoriabird]

and who comes off the bench if you start Millsap/Horford/Splitter?  The rest of our bench bigs are Muscala and Tavares now that Scott has screwed up.

Bud would just bring in 5 guards

[AHF]

Bud would just bring in 5 guards

 

I've said for years that Teague would make a great center.  Have you seen his sky hook?  Silky smooth.

 

PG: Dennis

SG:  Mack

SF: Holiday

PF: Bazemore

C:  Teague

 

He can protect the paint and then start the break!

 

Edited August 6, 2015 by AHF

[benhillboy]

SI does give us some low-key shout outs from time to time that show they're paying attention. Good job.

I can't claim to know much about Splitter's game. His minutes were always capped and there just isn't much responsibility when you're next to Timmy. All you have to do is be in the right place at the right time and you get a shiny ring at C. See Rasho Nesterovic.

With that said I'm looking forward to him fortifying Bud's attack because he's a ready-made system guy and they always say you can't teach 7 feet.

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

Kyle Korver?!? He's a bench player!!!

Demarre Carroll?!? Who the hell is that???

Mike Budenholzer??? What a boring hire!

Thabo Sefolosha?!? He's washed up and has lost his shot!

Tiago Splitter?!? What a waste of cap space!!!

[hazer]

Kyle Korver?!? He's a bench player!!!

Demarre Carroll?!? Who the hell is that???

Mike Budenholzer??? What a boring hire!

Thabo Sefolosha?!? He's washed up and has lost his shot!

Tiago Splitter?!? What a waste of cap space!!!

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439036761.044138.jpg

 

You forgot "Kent Bazemore?!? He'll be exposed with increased minutes!"

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

You forgot "Kent Bazemore?!? He'll be exposed with increased minutes!"

 

Along with:

 

Paul Millsap?!? Horford is going to be pissed!

 

Dennis Schröder?!? We past up on Goodwin and GRJR for a German! The Hawks suck at the draft!

 

 

...We could fill a greatest hits and complaints album with all of the overreactions from forum GM's. lol