I know that the title of this article sounds like an older and funnier than we are accustomed to Eddie Murphy movie, but the San Antonio Spurs have made a gigantic addition to their team in more ways than one for next season. While most NBA contenders, and pretenders were clamoring at the chances of signing one of the numerous high priced free agents this Summer like Lebron and Wade, the aging Spurs looked within their own organization to make a splash this off-season by finally signing their former ’07 draft pick Tiago Splitter away from Europe.
The 25 year old International superstar has become an overseas sensation the last three years since being drafted, by twice earning Spanish Supercup MVP and was a unanimous selection as 2010 Spanish League regular season and Finals MVP en route to leading Caja Laboral Vitoria to a 2nd straight championship. The 6’11 and 245 pound center averaged 15.4 ppg and 7.1 rebounds and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s absolute best big men.
Splitter has idolized current Spurs Hall of Famer Tim Duncan so much so that he has worn Duncan’s trademark #21 jersey during his career in Europe in honor of the 4 time NBA champion. Even though at age 25, Splitter isn’t a finished product, he is somewhat similar to “The Big Fundamental” in style of play as he is supremely gifted offensively and is only above average when it comes to mobility and athleticism. Since Tiago is still a work in progress on defense, hopefully Timmy can teach him a thing or two on how to defend the post.
Splitter is essentially an upgraded replacement for another departed European big man Ian Mahinmi, whom the Spurs declined to bring back for 2011. In addition to adding Splitter, the Spurs selected the sharpshooting James Anderson out of Oklahoma State in the first round of the draft, and instantly gave their aging nucleus a much needed injection of youth for the future. Also, the signing of the Brazilian big man may signal the end of last year’s disappointing Richard Jefferson on the Spurs roster, who will all but surely trigger a player option in his contract, making him a free agent.
The Brazilian sensation decided to take less money to play on the highest level of competition in the NBA rather than return to his Spanish club to continue getting a superior payday in Europe. While exact terms of the deal are not yet disclosed, Splitter should get the equivalent of the Spurs mid-level exception of $5.8 million this next season. Tiago is a cheap get, considering his potential skill level and possible heavy reliance on the offensive end immediately for the Spurs next season.
Check out some highlights of Splitter from the ’09’10 season:
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
