Two key inside players for the Spurs’ present and future are ranked closely in ESPN.com’s most recent entries on its countdown of the top 500 current players in the NBA.
Veteran forward/center in the poll of 91 experts who were asked to gauge each player on a 1-through-10 point basis.
Tiago Splitter, who eventually will be asked to replace McDyess in the Spurs’ rotation checks in at No. 226.
The post notes that McDyess once was one of the most valuable players in the league before injuries wreaked havoc on his knees. He was once involved in a trade to New York where Denver received Nene, Mark Jackson and Marcus Camby in exchange for him.
And Splitter’s development in the playoffs against Memphis in points, rebounds and shooting percentage are mentioned as prime reasons for his ranking.
The Spurs are planning for a lot of development from Splitter over the next several years.
And they wouldn’t necessarily mind having McDyess around for a little while longer to help in the transition.