Gregg Popovich | SAN ANTONIO SPURS TICKETS

Burning Questions

Thanks to Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the offseason came two victories shy of the NBA Finals for the Spurs.

What’s next for the Western Conference runners-up? Here is the answer to that question with five more, plus one:

How badly does Tim Duncan just want to eat red meat and play “Call of Duty” all day?

The Spurs’ franchise player since draft day 1997, Duncan’s contract famously expires July 1. Whether he decides, at age 36, to sign another one will largely hinge on the answer to the question above.

Duncan proved this season that his body can still handle the rigors of an NBA season, but it takes hard work — and a stringent low-fat diet — to make that happen. If Duncan is ready to finally unstrap that omnipresent knee brace, sink his teeth into a cheeseburger and fire up the Xbox in retirement, nobody would blame him.

If Duncan does decide he’d still like to play “until the wheels fall off,” expect the Spurs to come to a workable agreement with him. Duncan’s not playing anywhere else.

So how much is an aging franchise player going for these days anyway?

Less than the $21.1 million Duncan made last season, but probably more than you’d think.

Duncan appeared rejuvenated during the lockout-shortened season, including a 25-and-14 performance in Wednesday’s Game 6 ouster in OKC. Though clearly no longer an MVP candidate — and, according to the voters at least, no longer an All-Star — Duncan remains a quality NBA big man, and those don’t come cheap.

The Spurs have other free agents to address (namely guard Danny Green and center Boris Diaw), but must first gauge what their payroll looks like after they re-up Duncan.

How dangerous are the Olympics for Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker?

Put it this way: Coach Gregg Popovich plans to attend the London Games this summer, but don’t be surprised if he watches matches involving Argentina and France with both hands covering his eyes.

Who can forget the sight of Ginobili rolling around on the court in 2008 in Beijing, clutching an injured left ankle that would soon require surgery? Of equal concern is the daily toll year-round basketball takes on 30-something bodies, and neither Parker (30) nor Ginobili (soon-to-be 35) is getting younger.

With the Olympics piled on top of a deep playoff run, expect Popovich to give his international backcourt plenty of rest come training camp and the preseason in October.

Should we prepare for more draft-night drama?

After years of using draft night to select players whose names fans couldn’t pronounce from countries they couldn’t locate on a map, then stashing them overseas for future use (or not), the Spurs made a bold move last June to land Kawhi Leonard at No. 15.

The Spurs do not have a first-round pick in the June 28 draft, having shipped it to Golden State in the March trade for Stephen Jackson, but won’t rule out trying to move up for the right player and right price.

Tiago Splitter: linchpin or liability?

Somewhere in the middle. The former first-round pick produced a sophomore campaign significantly more impactful than his first, doubling his scoring average to 9.3 points per game, and increasing his rebounding and blocks, while serving as a capable backup to Duncan.

But Splitter fell off the map during the latter part of the Western Conference finals, proving his upside has limits. The 6-foot-11 Splitter never was meant to be the heir-apparent to Duncan as the centerpiece big man, but should be a useful rotation piece going forward.

Bonus question: Should Erazem Lorbek and Nando de Colo look into obtaining work visas?

A 6-foot-10 forward from Slovenia currently playing with Ricky Rubio’s old club in Spain, Lorbek was a sidepiece of the Leonard deal. De Colo, a 6-foot-5 guard from France, has also been playing in Spain since the Spurs drafted him 53rd overall in 2009.

Both have a chance to cross the pond and join the Spurs next season, depending on how the free-agency landscape shakes out. If you’re handicapping it, expect Lorbek to make the jump before de Colo.

jmcdonald@express-news.net

Slideshow: Spurs vs. Thunder Game 5

The Thunder beat the Spurs 108-103 to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

– photos by Jerry Lara and Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

1 of 83 | Share

Spurs vs. Thunder Game 5

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) helps up San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) reacts near San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) reacts after being fouled and hitting a three point basket near Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) walks off the court after the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots a three point basket during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. Ginobili missed the shot to tie the game. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) hits a three point basket over San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) walk on the court near the end of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) on the bench near the end of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

The San Antonio Spurs tip off against The Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kevin Martin / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) walks down the court during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-106. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) motions after hitting a three point basket giving the Thunder 108 points during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) walk off the court after the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) holds a towel over his head near the end of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) walks on the court during team introductions before the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) talks to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) near Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) guards Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) talks to official Tom Washington as Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) listen during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich gestures during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) reacts after being called for a foul during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) goes to the basket over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4), drawing a charge call, during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks gestures during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) fight for control of the ball during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) smiles during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks talks to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich yells during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) points after scoring a basket during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) reacts after being called for a charging foul during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) and San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green (4) and San Antonio Spurs’ DeJuan Blair (45) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) is guarded by San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) and San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) gestures after making a basket during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Daequan Cook (14) shoots the ball during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) yells near San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) after being fouled during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) passes the ball over San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw (33) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) strips the ball from San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) near Oklahoma City Thunder’s Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) reacts after teammate Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) was fouled during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) fouls San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) sits on the bench during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Gary Neal (14) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) draws a charging call against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nick Collison (4) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) helps up Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) with Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) watching during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) drives against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) passes around San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (22) and San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) is pressured by San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter (22) and San Antonio Spurs’ Gary Neal (14) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) shoots over San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) shoots over San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) high fives Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) dribbles between San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) and San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) gestures after fouling Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) greets Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) reacts near San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s James Harden (13) dribbles near San Antonio Spurs’ Stephen Jackson (3) during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) walks towards the benech during the first half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) lays in the ball during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) goes to the basket during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kendrick Perkins (5) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)

San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili (20) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant (35) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks hugs Wanda Pratt, Kevin Durant’s mother, after game five of the NBA Western Conference Finals in San Antonio, Texas on Monday, June 4, 2012. The Thunder won 108-103. (San Antonio Express-News)

Dollars for Diaw: A Spurs’ equation

Column by Buck Harvey

Before the series with the Thunder, here is what one Spurs’ staffer thought was the best way to keep Boris Diaw:

Win.

Give Diaw both a ring and a sentimental reason to want to return.

After the series with the Thunder, here’s what another in the organization wonders:

Will anyone else want to commit big dollars to a guy who went scoreless in Game 6?

It’s the power of the last impression, and all of this will figure into the Spurs’ summer. While they know they will eventually reach agreements with Tim Duncan and Danny Green, Diaw is something else entirely.

Exactly how much is he worth on the open market?

These are the questions of every summer, since the art of basketball management is financially based. DeJuan Blair is an example.

The Spurs have been disappointed with him at times. He got emotional this season when he was demoted, and he gained some weight. As the Spurs like to say about players who aren’t in tune with their way of doing things, he wasn’t pulling the rope.

Blair seemed to recover late in the season, and staff found him working out at surprising hours in the practice facility. But the bottom-line incentive to bring him back is the salary cap’s bottom line. Blair is ?under contract for a little more than $1 million next?? season, and that’s the kind of value that eases other concerns.

What’s tougher to determine is how much to pay someone such as the veteran European player, Erazem Lorbek. Obtained in the Kawhi Leonard trade, Lorbek shoots nearly as well as Matt Bonner and does most other things better.

They like him. At 28, Lorbek is at an age where he should come to the NBA if he is ever going to. But money will determine what happens this summer, and, again, once they establish Duncan’s salary, this begins with Diaw.

From the day he arrived after a buy-out in Charlotte, Diaw was priceless. Diaw knows the game, and he’s clever enough to pass and big enough to defend the post.

He had a 12-rebound game against the Clippers, as well as a 16-point one. He banged with Blake Griffin while also becoming a snug fit between Duncan and Leonard.

Had the Spurs advanced to the Finals, then maybe another team would have wanted to steal a healthy 30-year-old with his kind of versatility. Anything beyond the mid-level exception will be out of reach of the Spurs, and, besides, a ring and sentiment only go so far in this business.

At his age, Diaw is facing what is likely his last chance to cash in.

But then came the Thunder series. As adaptable as Diaw is, he struggled to stay on the floor when Oklahoma City went small. He was hesitant to take the 3-point shot the Thunder were giving him, and when Diaw opted to drive instead, he was ineffective with either the shot or the pass.

He ended with five turnovers in the final two games — when he had only three in a stretch of seven consecutive games in the postseason.

Were other teams still thinking he was worth, say, a $35 million deal? What happened in Charlotte will leave doubt, too. And even those impressed with his stint with the Spurs might wonder if he was happier in San Antonio than he would be elsewhere.

There’s only one city where he can live with Tony Parker, after all.

The Spurs hope all of this is part of the equation. They thought Diaw was remarkable, especially since the stretch-four position is new to him. Diaw was 9 of 18 from behind the 3-point line this postseason, for example; in his previous 39 playoff games with other teams, he was only 4 of 29.

So how much better would Diaw be if Gregg Popovich gets him in November instead of March?

The Spurs hope they will be able to pay to see that.

bharvey@express-news.net
Twitter: @Buck_SA