It’s been a whirlwind day for the San Antonio Spurs as they re-sign Boris Diaw, Tim Duncan, Patty 
Mills, and Danny Green while signing French guard Nando De Colo but the march to improve the team continues.
The Spurs still are thin up front especially after Erazem Lorbek decided to stay in Spain and continue play for Barcelona and cash in a huge payday.
According to Fox Sports’ Sam Amico, the Spurs are interested in Brazilian center Rafael Hettsheimeir.
Hettsheimeir is a 260 lbs., 6’10” center who averaged 13.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and shot 54.7% from the field in 30.1 minutes in the ACB League last season.
Also, factor in Lorbek stated the Spurs are looking for a more physical center, Hettsheimeir could fit the bill for San Antonio.
This physical evolution is driving Rafael even closer to the basket, making him a pure center. His first offensive option is usually the low post. He uses his big body pretty well, and his first objective is usually to bang with his match-up without the ball, pushing him as close as possible to the hoop, so he can receive and just turn around to leave the ball on the glass.
If he’s not close enough to the basket by the time he gets the ball, he’s not nearly as effective, usually opting for turnaround jumpers or just to pass the ball, which he does nicely. Rafael doesn’t enjoy great footwork, just some basic stuff, and neither is he skilled releasing jump-hooks. (via Draft Express).
However, the Spurs reportedly have competition for his services with Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta also showing interest. Though Dallas might be in the lead at acquiring Hettsheimeir.
Hettsheimeir will be playing with Spurs’ Tiago Splitter at the 2012 Olympics so Spurs fans will get a chance to see him in action, however, this might be a desperation move by San Antonio to get size on the roster.
With no other viable big man (considering Lorbek stayed overseas, and many other free agent big men are not within the Spurs’ reach) San Antonio is better off passing on someone who is unproven and look elsewhere. For example, Tyrus Thomas should the Bobcats buy him out.
What do you have to say Spurs fans?
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