FABRICO
I didn’t realize that my favorite team was Team Argentina. The Spurs added Fabrico Oberto to their roster for next season because they coudn’t bring Luis Scola in due to his international contract buyout issues. Fabrico has been awesome in the international scene for several years, and this looks like the steal of the free agent season. He very well could edge out Nazr for the starting spot next season. This also signals the end of the run for Rasho in S.A. He won’t be getting many minutes behind Oberto, Nazr, Duncan, and Horry. He’s also way overpaid to play the Tony Massneburg-Kevin Willis role. The Nets have balked at the Blazers asking price of a first round pick for Shareef Abdur-Rahim in a sign-and-trade. This opens the door for the Spurs to make an offer of Rasho and next year’s first rounder, (which won’t be higher than 28 anyway) in order to procure the services of Shareef. The Spurs really like him, and have been pursuing him for several years.
Shareef is a quality player, but what I’m wondering is, if they really want someone like him, why don’t they pursue Stromile Swift? Swift is younger and much more athletic at this stage of his career. The Grizzlies are desperately trying to find a center so they can move Gasol to power forward full time. Last time I checked, Rasho was center-esque. Since Swift is bolting anyway, wouldn’t the Grizzlies like something in return? I think a deal including Rasho and a future first-rounder would be enough to get a deal done for his services as well. Just an idea.
While we are talking about back-up power forwards, I think another avenue is Donyell Marshall. He would easily fill Horry’s regular season role, and then step in once Big Shot Rob’s tenure is done in two years (when he retires). The Raptors are also desperate for some help in the post. I think the deal already mentioned would certainly work for the Raptors as well. You all know I like Marshall because of his ability to play three positions (center, power forward, and small forward) and he reminds me of Horry without any of the postseason highlights or box office smashes. (Yes that is a reference to how much Horry looks like Will Smith).
Like I said, these are just some ideas. I’m throwing them out there to see if they’ll hold water.
