Tiago Splitter Revisited. Again.

[¹²³]

Yeah, it seems that this time he will actually go to the NBA.

[mab]

Yeah, it seems that this time he will actually go to the NBA.

Hopefully he will play alongside with Timmy...

[rikhardur]

considering how hyped this guy is, those numbers are good but not impressive

I don't think he will average more than 10 points and 5 rebounds if he comes to the NBA next year, and I'm actually being really optimistic

Just look at David Andersen as an example. the guy was killing it in Europe, but he hasn't been able to get it together over here.

No, actually Andersen was not killing it in Europe. He was a good, solid and reliable player, not the caliber of Splitter at all. He was never the star of any team he was with and was never an undisputed starter (not even close). Splitter is different material, watch some videos
But hey Jennings was not killing it in Europe and guess what happened

[boo_radley]

Everyone that follows the Spurs is waiting with bated breath on a resolution to this situation

[¹²³]

Finally! It looks like a done deal.

Report: Tiago Splitter finally coming to the NBA, agrees to terms with Spurs

Tiago Splitter may not be but a blip on the average NBA fan's radar, but he's about to step into one of the finest organizations in the sport with the potential to make a huge impact. After much delay, Splitter will finally join the Spurs, according to a report by The Ticket 760 in San Antonio, giving Tim Duncan a proper big man running mate for the first time in a long while.

Even if Splitter doesn't quite make headlines in the LeBron aftermath, this is a huge signing for the Spurs. Antonio McDyess' season wasn't all that productive, and as impressive as DeJuan Blair may be, he was never the ideal candidate for a full-time gig at Duncan's side. Tiago's perfect for the job, and so much a stylistic fit for the Spurs that it's sickening.

Splitter's signing may not be earth-shaking, but it does have legitimate implications for the rest of the conference. Maybe the rest of the West's second-tier teams won't be goaded into making reactionary moves in the coming days, but the stability and depth the Spurs just picked up mandates their inclusion in any NBA outlook. Gregg Popovich's big three may have one more run in them yet, and with Splitter, Blair, an emerging George Hill, and possibly another acquisition in tow, San Antonio has quietly created a team reminiscent of their title-winning roots.

[BBallfanJ]

Splitter's deal is for 3 years $10.9 million.

[¹²³]

Update by Joe Alexander at 4:05 p.m.

The Spurs released their official announcement regarding Tiago Splitter at about 3:10 p.m.:

"The San Antonio Spurs today announced they have signed Tiago Splitter. The 25-year-old Splitter was selected by the Spurs with the 28th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not announced."

Update: Mike Monroe reports Splitter's contract is for three years and for $11 million total starting at $3.4 million.

From Tiago Splitter news conference beginning at about 3:40 p.m.

"I'm very happy to be a San Antonio Spurs. It's been three years for me and San Antonio to wait for this moment. I'm very happy. I knew that I want to be part of the NBA, part of the San Antonio Spurs. You never know when.

"My game in Europe is mostly low post. I'm a center. I can run the floor quickly for my size I think. I like to play pick and roll.

"They're the team since I'm a kid. I know them very well. I'm very happy to be here in San Antonio. For sure we're going to have fun.

"I told R.C. (Buford) and Pop (Gregg Popovich), when I started wearing 21 it was because I love the way Tim Duncan plays. He was one of my idols. Now that they change my number, I don't care.

"I decided I want to come here. I feel I'm in the right moment. Three years ago when San Antonio drafted me I knew it was impossible for me to come here. I signed a new contract in Europe. I improved my game a lot.

"I know the (NBA) game is different. I also know I know how to play this game. I will try to be the smartest and strongest I can do."

Link

I really expect him to succeed in the NBA.

[mvblair]

Spurs fans seem pretty excited about him coming. Somebody put together a nice video of a Tau/Barca game, breaking down what Splitter does.

[CKR13]

Twin Tower days revisited.

[Phantim3dx]

nice video matt

man i am hoping splitter doesnt bust. i think he is more developed and should be mature now for the NBA style of play. im curious as to how oberto, ginobilli and a brazilian play together. parker at pg, ginobilli at sg, sf is who?, timmy at pf, and splitter at center thats an intl all star cast already

[¹²³]

It looks like it will take some time to see Splitter having a real impact on the NBA. But Pop seems to be working close with him.

[Duncan]

I guess he is being eased in to the Spurs way of doing things. Pop is a great coach though, and Splitter will really be soaking up the info and experience. I think toward the end of the season he will get more PT as the starters get ready for the playoffs

[mvblair]

Check out Splitter's game log. When he gets minutes, he gets points and rebounds. I'm a little disappointed that he hasn't played more minutes or that he isn't starting. I guess maybe Coach Pop is giving Dejuan Blair a chance too.

[Duncan]

If the Spurs go up against the Lakers in the playoffs, they will need Splitter if Bynum is back for LA

[¹²³]

Making sense of Tiago Splitter’s lack of playing time