HoopsHype.com Rumors

Jeff McDonald: Spurs call Boris Diaw probable for Game 1. Tiago Splitter considered a game-time decision. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries, Boris Diaw 

Mike Monroe: Steph Curry, on Popovich comparing him to Michael Jordan: 'Was he drunk when he said that?' Twitter @Monroe_SA

Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Michael Jordan, Gregg Popovich, Stephen Curry 

Spurs forward Tim Duncan arrived at the team’s practice facility Saturday morning and was promptly sent home. Ailing with what the team is calling a stomach bug, Duncan missed the Spurs’ final full workout in preparation for the start of a Western Conference semifinal series against Golden State on Monday. Coach Gregg Popovich doesn’t believe the illness will affect his All-Star big man’s availability for Game 1. “He’ll be fine,” Popovich said. San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan 

Jeff McDonald: Tim Duncan did not practice today, out with stomach bug. Should be fine for Game 1. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Injuries, Tim Duncan 

San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer has emerged as a candidate for the Detroit Pistons' head coaching job, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Pistons president Joe Dumars traveled to San Antonio on Wednesday and spent several hours meeting with Budenholzer, the top assistant to Gregg Popovich. Yahoo! Sports

Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Coaching, Joe Dumars, Mike Budenholzer 

Jeff McDonald: Pop said today he doesn't anticipate Tiago Splitter will practice before Monday. So I'd say that makes him very iffy for Game 1. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

Jack, who drew interest from multiple teams during the trade deadline, is in the last year of his contract paying him $5 million this season. He is expected to be a fairly well sought after this offseason, especially with the postseason he’s having, as multiple teams are looking for a point guard. Multiple teams are looking for point guards — including Utah, Charlotte, Toronto and possibly Milwaukee (since Brandon Jennings is a restricted free agent). Plus, Jack has proven to be a difference-maker off the bench, which has intrigued multiple teams that already have a point guard, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. Contra Costa Times

Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Free Agency, Brandon Jennings, Jarrett Jack 

A full participant in both of the Spurs’ lengthy practice sessions this week, Boris Diaw on Wednesday almost guaranteed he will be in uniform for Monday’s Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the winner of the Denver-Golden State first-round series. San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Injuries, Boris Diaw 

“It’s been a process, getting back, staying in shape and being able to get the core back so I wouldn’t feel any pain,” Diaw said. “It’s been good so far. I think I’ll be ready. I’m playing five-on-five already, and we don’t play until Monday, so I should be good.” San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Injuries, Boris Diaw 

Fabricio Oberto, the starting center on the Spurs’ 2007 title team, was at practice Wednesday doing some work for a TV network that is sending features back to Argentina about the Spurs and Manu Ginobili. The sixth man is the undisputed star of the “golden generation” Argentina national team that won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. One of the most popular teammates in recent Spurs history, Oberto visited with old friends, former teammates and media members still around from his playing days. Oberto walked off the court with Tim Duncan, his frontcourt mate from 2005-09. “Absolutely great to see him,” Duncan said. “One of the all-time greats.” San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Fabricio Oberto 

Jeff McDonald: Tim Duncan's take on contentious GSW-DEN series: “It’s playoff basketball. Everybody shakes hands the first game. The second game you kind of give a five. By the third game, you don't talk to anybody.” Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan 

Three finalists have emerged for the Phoenix Suns' general manager's job, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Suns plan to have completed interviews with Boston assistant general manager Ryan McDonough, Milwaukee assistant GM Jeff Weltman and San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Scott Layden soon, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Jeff Weltman, Ryan McDonough, Scott Layden 

Out of action since April 12 surgery to remove an olive-sized cyst from the base of his spine, Diaw says he’s “getting close” to returning to the Spurs’ active roster. He could suit up for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against either Golden State or Denver, a series that would not begin until Monday at the earliest. “I’m feeling good,” said Diaw, who on Tuesday came out of a second full-contact practice with no trouble. “It shouldn’t be much longer.” San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Injuries, Boris Diaw 

Metta World Peace: Marc Gasol and Tim Duncan are the best big men in the game. Glad they are not on the same team Twitter

Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan, Marc Gasol, Metta World Peace 

Jeff McDonald: Pop said Boris Diaw went through entire practice today. Sounds like he'll be available for start of Round 2. Splitter still uncertain. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries, Boris Diaw 

Tony Parker: Really hope people will RESPECT Jason Collins for his decision to come out. Just glad he can now relax and not be afraid to be who he is. Twitter @tonyparker

San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Tony Parker, Jason Collins 

David Bertans, selected by the Pacers in the 2011 NBA Draft (42th overall pick) and whose right were traded to the Spurs, will travel to San Antonio when his European season ends. The Young Latvian will spend the summer working out with the Spurs, as reported by his agent Arturs Kalnitis. Sportando

San Antonio Spurs, David Bertans 

Jeff McDonald: Tony Parker was asked if Spurs took satisfaction in being ones to euthanize Lakers. "Not really," he said. "Not like that." Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Tony Parker 

Marc J. Spears: Don't be surprised if T-Mac returns to China next season to play over NBA since he made a lot of $ on and off the court there this season. Twitter @SpearsNBAYahoo

San Antonio Spurs, Free Agency, Tracy McGrady 

Jeff McDonald: Tiago Splitter just walked into Staples Center. No longer on crutches, so that's something. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries