by Paul Gartlan

Corey Maggette is reportedly leaning towards signing with the San Antonio Spurs in a multi-year deal at the mid-level exception.  Maggette would be the one extra offensive weapon the Spurs need as the ever-aging Michael Finley and Brent Barry become unrestricted free agents this off season.  The Spurs would be adding another aggressive slasher to their lineup that can make plays off the dribble, lessening the play-making roles of Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker as the only players currently on the Spurs that are capable of doing so.  The main competitor in the campaign for Maggette is the Orlando Magic, but those talks seems to be dying down, as the Magic seem more pre-occupied with using their available funds to find a backup point guard.  The Boston Celtics have also shown some interest, but lack the funds to give an offer as appealing as the one the Spurs are willing to give Maggette.

Expect the Spurs to be back in the title mix if they indeed sign Maggette.  Subtracting Finley and Barry while adding Maggette to their roster makes this Spurs team look a whole lot younger, and a whole lot more explosive.  Corey Maggette’s toughness and aggressive style of play alone will help the Spurs tremendously, especially during post season play as the games get more physical.  Toughness and aggression are two attributes that the Spurs have lacked these last couple seasons, even in their championship run two seasons ago.  The Lakers made an example of the Spurs’ lack of toughness last season in the playoffs, before actually being made an example of themselves at the hands of the Celtics in the NBA Finals.  This just goes to show how far the aging Spurs have to go to be Finals bound once again, as the NBA postseason evolves into a more physical, grind-it-out style of play each year.  Signing Corey Maggette would be the perfect first step in adapting to the physical style of play in the post season.