Tim Duncan
31.8 minutes, 18.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.00 blocks, 1.7 turnovers
54.0% from the field, 76.1% at the line
A funny thing happened on the way to Tim Duncan's decline. Instead of moving to a role in which he takes a backseat, Duncan is statistically having one of the best seasons of his career. While his minutes are down, his production when he's out on the court has been extremely impressive.
Duncan is at career-high marks in offensive rebounding, defensive rebounding, total rebounding, true shooting percentage, assists and PER. On top of that, his rates of turnovers and fouls are the lowest of his career and his free throw percentage is the best it has been in eight seasons. Even his blocked shot numbers have returned to his career average.
All that said, Duncan's skill level wasn't the biggest issue heading into this season. Instead, it was his stamina and his ability to survive 82 games of wear and then be in top shape heading into the playoffs. Last year he broke down around the All-Star break. This year? Let's hope he continues playing at this level until June.
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Tony Parker
29.2 minutes, 16.5 points, 5.5 assists
48.2% from the field, 81.0% at the line
After a career year last season, Tony Parker has struggled to start this season. He's dealt with injuries, an altered role in the offense and unexplained passive play. And while last year he ran by far the most efficient offensive team in the NBA, his sloppy play this season has caused uneven flow from possession to possession.
Parker's percentage of turnovers is as bad as it has been since his rookie season, which is a big fall considering he was elite in that category last season. His assists are down more than 15% and his field goal percentage is down due to the fact that his jumper has been awry.
The good news is that Parker has played well during the current six-game winning streak. He's averaging more than seven assists and he's getting to the line a ton. In fact, Parker is averaging a career-high in free throw attempts and is shooting at a career-high percentage. Once he gets completely healthy, figures out how the new pieces of the puzzle fit and elevates his intensity on both ends of the court, Parker should return to an All-Star level point guard.
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Manu Ginobili
22.8 minutes, 13.5 points, 4.0 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 0.60 blocks
38.1% field, 35.6% on three-pointers, 84.9% at the line
It has been a rocky season for Manu Ginobili. Despite early struggles with his shooting, he was producing at a high level. After being slowed by a hamstring injury, a groin injury forced him to miss five games. In his lone contest since his return, Ginobili appeared to be only halfway in shape and totally out of rhythm.
Despite the injuries and despite the low shooting percentages, Ginobili is actually leading the Spurs in points per minute. He's getting to the line a bunch and he's hoisting more three-pointers than ever. And even though there is more talent around him this season, his field goal attempts are up. That fact is due to an increase in playmaking responsibilities, which has also led to a career-high rate in assists.
Going forward, health is obviously the biggest concern with Ginobili. His body let him down less than ten games into the season and he didn't exactly look healthy in his return. Ginobili has shown the ability to play at a high level when he's out on the court -- now it's just keeping him out on the court.
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Richard Jefferson
32.8 minutes, 13.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.7 steals
44.8% from the field, 34.1% on three-pointers, 72.7% at the line
Richard Jefferson has been an enigma so far this season. He's played well at times but has dropped off the face of the earth at other times. His incorporation into the system is an ongoing, often ugly, process. When he's involved offensively, he tends to play better defense, grab more boards and make more plays for his teammates. When he's not getting touches, he floats and does little of anything.
In the last five games, Jefferson's stats show a startling lack of production. In 30.8 minutes per game, he's averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while shooting 33.3% from the field and 35.7% on three-pointers. Add in the fact that Keith Bogans and George Hill are now taking most of the difficult defensive matchups and it's tough to figure out how Jefferson spends his time on the court.
A new Spur looking s -shocked isn't exactly a new phenomenon, however it appears as if Jefferson could be giving more of an effort. If he's not scoring, he at least needs to be playing frenetic defense and rebounding. As the schedules becomes more difficult, we'll get a better idea of Jefferson is suffering from a slow indoctrination process or if this is simply a marriage that just won't work.
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Antonio McDyess
21.3 minutes, 6.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists
51.3% from the field, 68.2% at the line
Unlike Jefferson, Antonio McDyess is progressing in the right direction. He's now the team's starting center and is showing no reason to remove him from that role. He's fitting in offensively and his production on the defensive end is picking up as the season goes along.
Statistically, he's playing at virtually the same level as last season with the Pistons. His rebounding was slow to arrive in San Antonio but he has grabbed plenty of boards since he became the starter. Personally, his mobility out on the perimeter on defense has been a surprise and I'm glad that he's already stepping up in pressure situations. The only thing to complain about with McDyess is his lack of blocked shots but even that is starting to come around.
Going forward, if McDyess can average seven points, seven rebounds and a block in 25 minutes a game as the starting center, the Spurs will be thrilled. He still has a lot to learn on the defensive end but the strides he's currently making give me great hope that he'll be ready for the bright lights of the playoffs.
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George Hill
27.1 minutes, 11.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists
42.1% from the field, 39.4% on three-pointers, 77.8% at the line
George Hill has gotten a lot of recognition as a breakout player this season who has supposedly taken huge strides from last year. Honestly, I'm just not that impressed. He has improved his shooting percentages and he's taking more shots -- but that's about the extent of his improvement.
Defensively, he's had his moments but has been exposed at other times -- just like last season. Rebounding has gone from a strength to a weakness. (Amazingly, Parker has been grabbing 10% more boards this season than Hill.) Additionally, his assist numbers are worse than any point guard in the NBA. His one big improvement has been a noticeable decline in turnovers, but even that is not all good -- it tells me that he's not even attempting to make plays.
I have high hopes for Hill but as of right now he's basically the same player he was as a rookie ... plus more minutes and the ability to hit corner three-pointers, and minus rebounding and assists. There's still a ton of his sop re season remaining but don't be tricked into thinking Hill has taken the next step in his NBA career just yet.
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Matt Bonner
20.7 minutes, 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists
49.5% from the field, 49.2% on three-pointers, 81.8% at the line
The most pleasant surprise of the season so far has been Matt Bonner's stellar play from off the bench. Last year and the beginning of this year as a starter, Bonner's weaknesses were magnified. But since being moved to the bench, he's been outstanding.
As a reserve, he's averaging 21 minutes per game and scoring 10.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, while shooting 54.6% from the floor and 59.5% on three-pointers. Needless to say, if Bonner can keep playing that well from off the bench, the Spurs will have one of the best reserve bigs in the entire NBA. Overall, his scoring, rebounding and assists per minute are all way up compared to last season.
Eventually, Bonner will hit a slump -- just like all shooters. What will be interesting is to see whether or not he can emerge from the slump while only getting sporadic minutes from off the bench. If he is able to, then his transformation to bench assassin would be complete.
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Michael Finley
19.1 minutes, 5.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists
42.5% from the field, 42.9% on three-pointers, 62.5% at the line
The one stat that is keeping Michael Finley afloat this season is his three-point percentage. Otherwise, he has obviously lost a step since last season and is staring the end of his basketball career directly in the eyes.
The biggest sign of loss of athleticism is his rebounding. His rebounding numbers have been steady the last half decade but they have dropped noticeably this season. Add in a reduction in scoring and assists with an increase in turnovers and you have a recipe for a swingman who is over the hill and onto the flat surface on the other side.
That said, Pop will continue to call Finley's number when he wants to spread the floor. As long as Finley continues to shoot threes at a good clip, it's unlikely that his role will completely disappear.
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Roger Mason, Jr.
19.4 minutes, 7.0 points, 2.5 assists, 1.8 rebounds
40.9% from the field, 32.6% on three-pointers, 77.8% at the line
In the first nine games of the season, Roger Mason, Jr. was really bad. He couldn't shoot and was getting burned on defense for overplaying the opposition. Thankfully, Mason was able to turn it around and become an asset almost overnight.
In his previous six games, Mason was really good. He shot 59.0% from the field and 52.9% on three-pointers. His defense was also improved and, perhaps most impressively, he was making plays consistently via dribble penetration. On the season, his assist numbers are way up and he is beginning to thrive in the role of a playmaking shooting guard.
Too bad Mason got injured while red hot. He should return against the Celtics after missing only one game. If he can keep shooting it straight, playing smart defense and being a playmaker with the ball, he could make the early season woes a distant memory.
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Keith Bogans
18.6 minutes, 4.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.8 steals
40.7% from the field, 26.5% on three-pointers, 76.9% at the line
Defensively, Keith Bogans has been about as good as could be expected. The Spurs haven't had such a bulldog defender out on the perimeter since Mario Elie left. Bogans has been starting during this six game winning streak and has been very consistent with his energy game after game.
The problem with Bogans is at the offensive end. In the last three games, he's just 2-for-16 from the field. Even if he's turns out to be a great defender, the Spurs need more from him than they are currently getting offensively. Teams are now starting to dare Bogans to hit shots -- and he's not showing the capability to do so.
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DeJuan Blair
14.7 minutes, 5.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.53 blocks
As can be expected with any 20-year-old rookie in the Spurs system, DeJaun Blair has had his ups and downs. Overall, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives even at this early point.
Blair so far is proving to be the dominant rebounder his college stats suggested. In rebounding per minute, he's second in the NBA to Dwight Howard. He's also scoring well and his feel for the game is undeniable. The two main areas of trouble are turnovers and fouls. His foul rate of one for less than ever six minutes on the court makes it difficult to play him for long stretches of time. However, those two issues should become less troubling once he figures out how to play against the bigger and more athletic bodies in the NBA.
I'm interested to see if Blair can hold up throughout the 82 games. Not only are his knees worrisome but he has to give so much effort each game that his tank may become empty before the team reaches the finish line. For the time being, Blair needs to continue doing a good job of improving his defense, picking his spots offensively and crashing the boards.
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Theo Ratliff
8.8 minutes, 1.6 points, 1.8 rebound, 1.22 blocks
46.2% from the field
Theo Ratliff isn't playing many minutes but his blocked shots numbers are staggering. If the Spurs go against a team with too many pesky perimeter players attacking the basket, Ratliff has the ability to change the complexion of the game.
It would be nice if Ratliff rebounded better but the Spurs signed him to block shots -- and that's exactly what he's doing. If he can somehow stay healthy, he'll continue to be a valuable spot player.
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Malik Hairston
4.1 minutes, 0.8 points, 0.5 rebounds, 0.3 assists
60% from the field
Malik Hairston has only gotten minutes here and there and hasn't been able to leave much of a mark. He hasn't proven he's an NBA level talent but he also hasn't proven otherwise.
The best part of his play so far has been his defense. Whether it's defending smallish guards or bigger forwards, Hairston has been really good and has avoided the mental lapses that plagued him last season.
I'm assuming the next step for Hairston is another season with the Austin Toros considering that he barely played even with Ginobili out of the lineup.
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Thanks timvp
Do you think Hill can fix the rebs/playmaking during the season?
I think Hill assist number won't go up. TP, Manu and in the last 6 games Mason Jr have done a better job than Hill to create for others in drive and kick and pick and rolls
Can you summarize what you see as the general state of the team and more specifically, the offense and defense as a whole? What are your concerns? Are they beginning to get it together, or is that wishful thinking? How do you see this team emerging right now?
Duncan's game has been amazing so far. Health is my only concern too. As long as he's healthy everything else will fall into place.
Thanks for the thoughts. Nicely done as always.
Very good break down. Thank you for the write up. I assume you mean, by the way, that Tim's rebounding rate is a career high per minute?
The thing that is so great about Tim is no matter the changes in teammates, rules, opponents, or his body, he just keeps on going. He's the Energizer Bunny of the NBA. I hope he goes forever...
Spurs need a playmaking PG.
When Manu is in the game the offense has a great flow to it. Because Manu is a better playmaker than Parker has ever been.
And IDK if its fair to say that Parker will improve. Ive heard the saying that you are either born to be a PG or not.You either have that playmaking ability in you, or you dont basically. Parker has always been a scoring first PG. His inatibility to create offense for others has been clearly seen so far.
IMO this Spurs team is so much different than last year that maybe our need for a scoring first PG isnt as necessary as it has been in past years. Spurs have shooters, a dominant big man, playmakers, and a good defensive philosphy. All we need now is a great PG to orchestrate the floor.....
nice read. thanx timvp...
Let's just hope health issues are gone now
nope we are fine with Parker.
trade Parker?
Disagree on hill. He may not be a true point and his assists aren't that great but the flow of the offense is so smooth when he's in the game. The offense looked good with him in even when the big three were out of the game.
Bogans struggling on the offensive end is definitely a cause for concern. He had some nice moments of driving it to the hole and he has the ability to finish there, but he's been missing a lot of open threes. Let's hope he at least will be able to get near his career average on three pointers, which is at .348. It would be sad if Pop couldn't play him more minutes because of his offensive shortcomings.
I'd agree that Hill has had his ups and downs, but I like that he seems to be playing with a lot more confidence this season.
Actually I think you need to credit that to Mason, Hill barely plays the PG position. Mason once he got out of his shooting slump has created well and played defense.
I can't live without this.. thanks timvp
While it is a nice read. I think you have got it all wrong on Hill.Good try though.
I don't buy the theory that Jefferson is dogging it (I've read an article about it from some other Spurs blog) or he needs time to gel. Jefferson hasn't been a good defender or rebounder in years. He isn't a good shot-creator. He's a streaky shooter. When RJ was good he was very reliant on his superb athleticism; not that he's athleticism is only decent... He'll give you an occasional good night when things are going his way and his ability to hold his ground against big wings will help the Spurs, but waiting for the 25 years old Jefferson is like waiting for Godot.
Dice is another story, he'll be be an extremely productive player for his salary.
Blair is too much of a defensive liability to play more than spot minutes in the play-offs.
I like Mason playing at the 1 and Hill at the 2 on both ends of the floor more than the inverse combination. Once Manu is healthy and the rotation is shortened for the play-offs, I expect Hill to be the one getting minutes.
Great season update. Thanks timvp
I don't care; still 10000000 times better than JV
Thanks timvp !
a little harsh on Hill IMO but very good reading as usual
Timvp at it again. Thanks.
You think you can just have these thoughts whenever you damn well please?
Oh wait. This is your crib. Of course you can.
Muchos garcias
timvp : hill :: mookie : manu
Jefferson sucks. I'd rather watch Becky Hammon ball with some international team I can't even pronounce.
Great analysis, and writing. Thank you.
How the was Becky Hammon brought up!?!
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