Men of culture

With the Olympics complete and time still remaining on their summer vacation, various Spurs players have taken the opportunity to broaden themselves.

Who could have guessed that Tim Duncan, he of the Spock-like demeanor and an apparent disdain for all things sensuous, has a need for speed? That was the case during his recent trip to the , during which he apparently took a GTR for a very, very quick spin. Can’t imagine Spurs management is all that thrilled about the thought of their aging-yet-still-effective franchise player hurtling down the track north of 100 MPH. But what are they going to do, cut him?

Then there’s Manu Ginobili, looking to join the likes of Rembrandt and van Gogh with the for a UNICEF auction. Although it’s unlikely to match the $71.5 million van Gogh’s “Self Portrait Without Beard” went for in 1998, it’s actually a pretty good likeness. So Manu doesn’t just attack the paint — he can actually use it, too. (Terrible play on words, I know.)

And last but certainly not least we have Tony Parker, by barrels and barrels of fine vino. You’d think he’d want nothing to do with alcohol in any container after nearly losing his eye earlier this summer to a shard of broken bottle, but he is French…

(All items initially posted at .)

Spurs set to add Layden

The Spurs appear on the verge of adding to their front-office staff.

Scott Layden, the Utah assistant coach and former general manager who the Spurs interviewed early this week, has agreed to become the team’s new assistant general manager. , which has not yet been formally announced.

Layden was the Jazz general manager from 1992-99, helping to orchestrate two NBA finalist appearances in Utah. He also served as the GM in New York from 1999-2003, but enjoyed considerably less success there.

Layden takes over for Dennis Lindsey, who — ironically enough — left last month to take the general manager’s job in Utah, Layden’s soon-to-be-old haunt.

The Spurs still have one front-office position left to fill, the one vacated when former vice president of basketball operations Danny Ferry took the GM position in Atlanta.

Spurs set to add Layden

The Spurs appear on the verge of adding to their front-office staff.

Scott Layden, the Utah assistant coach and former general manager who the Spurs interviewed early this week, has agreed to become the team’s new assistant general manager. , which has not yet been formally announced.

Layden was the Jazz general manager from 1992-99, helping to orchestrate two NBA finalist appearances in Utah. He also served as the GM in New York from 1999-2003, but enjoyed considerably less success there.

Layden takes over for Dennis Lindsey, who — ironically enough — left last month to take the general manager’s job in Utah, Layden’s soon-to-be-old haunt.

The Spurs still have one front-office position left to fill, the one vacated when former vice president of basketball operations Danny Ferry took the GM position in Atlanta.