I've heard from a lot of people bummed out that Brent Barry is leaving San Antonio. Count me along with them, since he was always funny and good to run soundbites from. But given the potential risk/reward factor, the Spurs had to do this deal.
The Spurs are giving up 3 point shooting with Brent, but not much else. Thomas is clearly better than Elson, and they have other sources with which to fill in the 3 point void (Udoka, Finley, Bowen, Manu, Bonner, Big Shot). And, according to reports, with this deal, they go under the luxury tax. I see no downside to it at all.
Is this reactionary to Gasol and Shaq now being in the West? Of course. Is that a problem? I don't really think so. The reactions were because the Spurs were so good that the rest of felt they need to catch up. Now that they did, the Spurs were able to take an extra step ahead.
So don't be curt to Kurt when he comes to town. He could just be the reason for a successful "Drive 4 Five."
