Monroe: Mensah-Bonsu Knows Basics Of Spurs' System (And: Duncan A Game-Time Decision)

[duncan228]

Mensah-Bonsu knows basics of Spurs' system (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Mensah-Bonsu_knows_basics_of_Spurs_system.html)
Mike Monroe

The first Spurs player to welcome Pops Mensah-Bonsu into the locker room Wednesday afternoon had a familiar face.

Roger Mason Jr. got acquainted with Mensah-Bonsu in summertime games in his hometown of Washington, D.C., when Mensah-Bonsu was a player at George Washington.

Familiarity is something Mensah-Bonsu believes gives him a chance to find a place on the Spurs roster beyond the 10-day contract he signed Wednesday morning. His time with the Austin Toros, during which he averaged 26.6 points and 13 rebounds in eight games, gave him a rudimentary education in the Spurs' offensive and defensive schemes, because the Toros use most of both.

Mensah-Bonsu is 2 inches shorter than his officially listed 6-foot-10, but he has long arms that make him play taller than 6-8. He hopes to show the Spurs' coaches that his defensive versatility also is reason to keep him around.

“I think I can help this team,” he said. “I think I can be a piece of the puzzle they need, so, hopefully, coach (Gregg) Popovich can see something that they're missing.

“I'm ahead of the game, as far as the system is concerned, and I think I bring a different aspect, a different edge to the team. I'm an athletic power forward, and they haven't had a player like this for a while.

“The kind of player I am, I'm able to guard different positions, guard smaller, athletic players, as well as bigger, stronger players, power forwards and centers.”

Duncan uncertainty: Spurs forward Tim Duncan, who has missed the past two games with right knee pain, is likely to be a game-time decision tonight against Cleveland.

The team's medical staff will evaluate Duncan after shootaround this morning and again after pregame warmups. Duncan has been diagnosed with tendonosis in his right quad, a degenerative condition that responds to rest.

Kurt Thomas has started in Duncan's place in each of the past two games, totaling 18 points and 25 rebounds.

Gimme a ‘D': Don't look now, but the Spurs' defense is beginning to draw less and less ire from Popovich.

The Spurs, who are on a four-game winning streak, have held three consecutive opponents to less than 40 percent shooting.

They have held four straight foes to 84 points or less.

Surprisingly, the Spurs have turned in back-to-back defensive gems with Duncan, their defensive centerpiece, sidelined.

“The great thing with our system, it doesn't matter what five guys you put on the court,” center Matt Bonner said. “If you execute it, we can shut anybody down.”

Staff writer Jeff McDonald contributed to this report

[Yorae]

Oh he's 6'8"? He really seems to be taller than that....

[Russ]

Mensah-Bonsu is 2 inches shorter than his officially listed 6-foot-10, but he has long arms that make him play taller than 6-8. He hopes to show the Spurs' coaches that his defensive versatility also is reason to keep him around.

Maybe this guy can be a burly Wes Unseld type under the hoop.

[SenorSpur]

I'm sure Pops is not as good of a positional defender as he could be, at this point, but I'd love to see him try his hand at David West and/or Dirk.

[EricB]

Eh, its too late in the season IMO for this guy to get a shot at the rotation.

[toki9]

“The great thing with our system, it doesn't matter what five guys you put on the court,” center Matt Bonner said. “If you execute it, we can shut anybody down.”

I hope he didn't just jinx the team...

[mystargtr34]

6'7.5" without shoes = 6'9" in the NBA.

Every player is measured in shoes, and then some. Nearly all are at least an inch shorter than their listed height, some up to 2.

[mystargtr34]

6'9", 245 is pretty good size for an NBA PF.

[Spurtacus]

I hope he gets some playing time tonight.

[Blackjack]

Eh, its too late in the season IMO for this guy to get a shot at the rotation.

That would be the conventional wisdom, but Dell Demps really seems to be high on him.

Demps' interview before the game with Schoening, had him coming off like he really stuck his neck out there for Pops, and that Pops would succeed if given the opportunity.

Only time will tell, but I'm looking forward to seeing how the young fella plays.:corn:

[EricB]

Eh, I don't know how far Demps is sticking his neck out for Pops.

I think he stuck his neck way out there for Jackie Butler, but that was a miserable failure apparently.

[raspsa]

Maybe this guy can be a burly Wes Unseld type under the hoop.

I don't know if you want to compare him with Wes. unseld is a couple of inches shorter and maybe 30lbs. heavier. Built like a fire hydrant. He had one of the greatest outlet passes ever. Another one of my favorites. :toast

[The Truth #6]

Time will tell if Pops earns rotation minutes or not. It's probably a long shot but I see no reason to suggest it won't happen because it doesn't normally happen.

[Blackjack]

Eh, I don't know how far Demps is sticking his neck out for Pops.

I think he stuck his neck way out there for Jackie Butler, but that was a miserable failure apparently.

Sticking his neck out there was probably a poor choice of words, so let's just say a strong advocate. I'm pretty sure Pops would've been given a look without much pushing from Demps, but nonetheless, he seemed pretty optimistic about what Pop brings to the table.

I'm no expert on Pops (seen very little in-game action) but if he could carve out a Leon Powe-type role, that'd be a nice weapon to add to the arsenal.

[Manufan909]

Whaat was the percentage of games Croshere played on his 10-day with on the Spurs? Cuz I think he missed some too. I hope Pops gets more minutes than him, at least Pops knows the system, if not the players. If TD is out again, I see no reason not to. If one of Fab/KT/Bonner is either not on, or in foul trouble, he could maybe see 10+ minutes. As long as he doesn't shoot himself in the foot.

If the Rockets can blow out the Cavs, the super-D Spurs-lite can win a 3rd game by double-digits. If at any point the lead hits 17, I'd like Pop to experiment with a lineup of Pops, KT, Hairston, Mason/Bowen, and Hill. Hell, as long as both Hairston and Pops play, I'm good.

But for more than 34 seconds this time, more like 5-10 minutes.

[Manufan909]

Pops apparently is 6'9 and has a 7' winspan, what iss the wingspan of the avg 6'11 player? Cuz I don't think height matters as much as standing reach.

[Austin_Toros]

6'7.5" without shoes = 6'9" in the NBA.

Every player is measured in shoes, and then some. Nearly all are at least an inch shorter than their listed height, some up to 2.

I've heard stuff like that before. So most players are shorter than they are listed?

That means Shaq truly isn't 7'1"
And Iverson really is shorter than 6'

well there you go.

[cool hand]

all he needs is 3 blocks 2 killers dunks and about 5 offensive rebounds in any given game and he will be locked in. pop will be forced to use him if he can "sportscenter"
show his stuff.


I have noticed pop will cave to nationwide "other teams want to sign this guy" pressures.

[cool hand]

Pops apparently is 6'9 and has a 7' winspan, what iss the wingspan of the avg 6'11 player? Cuz I don't think height matters as much as standing reach.

Theo Ratliff.

[DBMethos]

When Matt Bonner starts talking about shutting people down, you know things are going well.

[Samr]

Well, he certainly doesn't lack confidence. I do believe he is an intriguing player that brings an athletic aspect to the game that could benefit the Spurs if he can establish himself as a consistent contributor.

That being said, do I think he'll crack the rotation this late in the season? Not a chance.

Hope I'm wrong.

[urunobili]

Feel the Bonsu!

[MoSpur]

Eh, its too late in the season IMO for this guy to get a shot at the rotation.


Typical TPark response. If the Spurs were to have signed a guy TPark was all up on, his response would be the total opposite.

[EricB]

Typical TPark response. If the Spurs were to have signed a guy TPark was all up on, his response would be the total opposite.


Uh wrong.

[urunobili]

Uh wrong.

dude you have been bashing the Bonsu from the very beginning... If he doesn't pan put it won't be an upset... but if he does... you'll have to create yet another user name... again... :bang

[Spursmania]

pops apparently is 6'9 and has a 7' winspan, what iss the wingspan of the avg 6'11 player? Cuz i don't think height matters as much as standing reach.

+1

[EricB]

dude you have been bashing the Bonsu from the very beginning... If he doesn't pan put it won't be an upset... but if he does... you'll have to create yet another user name... again... :bang


The Bonsu?

I haven't bashed him, all I've said is the hype around this guy has reached insane stupid proportions and your guy's expectations for him are unrealistic.

Yeah if the guy turns out to be a good player and help the team win, I'll be upset :rolleyes


Where the hell do you people get this tripe?

[urunobili]

The Bonsu?

I haven't bashed him, all I've said is the hype around this guy has reached insane stupid proportions and your guy's expectations for him are unrealistic.

Yeah if the guy turns out to be a good player and help the team win, I'll be upset :rolleyes


Where the hell do you people get this tripe?

Getting exited about the 15th man on the Spurs roster is always something to debate on here and we ALWAYS hype up those players... you have been here longer than i have and should know the pattern by hand... That's why i am shocked that YOU seem surprised about the hype on him... :wow:wow:wow

and btw... if he ends up cracking the rotation... i know deep inside you'll be happy... where in my post did i say you'd get upset if he ends up being useful? :nope

[Bruno]

10 days contract are made to evalauate players. It's likely Pops will get some "no garbage" minutes during his first or second ten days contract. It will help Spurs to decide if they should keep him for the year or if they should try another bigman.

From what I've understood of Duncan's injury, it's something that will only heal during the offseason. In this case, keeping him out few more days won't really help him.
Spurs will have a very busy end of regular season with 25 games in 46 days in March/April. Managing player health for the playoffs will be damn important. The best case would be Spurs to secure the second seed spot a week before the end of the regular season.

[Manufan909]

10 days contract are made to evalauate players. It's likely Pops will get some "no garbage" minutes during his first or second ten days contract. It will help Spurs to decide if they should keep him for the year or if they should try another bigman.

From what I've understood of Duncan's injury, it's something that will only heal during the offseason. In this case, keeping him out few more days won't really help him.
Spurs will have a very busy end of regular season with 25 games in 46 days in March/April. Managing player health for the playoffs will be damn important. The best case would be Spurs the second seed spot a week before the end of the regular season.

You meant to put "secure" in there, didn't you?

[Bruno]

You meant to put "secure" in there, didn't you?

I did. :)

[The Truth #6]

If Tim's knee issue is degenerative, then I wonder if he can truly be healed. Whether or not a few days of rest will be of ultimate relief is hard to say, but I"m sure he could use some rest overall. Resting Tim to test Pops is obviously silly, but if it's a by-product of that then all the better.

If Tim is still sore I would hope they would keep him out another game, rather risk a more serious injury.

[Flux451]

I read that once this is diagnosed the tendons and ligaments "rarely regain their original strength."

Also, "initial recovery is usually within 2 to 3 months and full recovery is within 3 to 6 months. About 80% of patients will fully recover."

So, Tim will probably play through the pain....or its the end of his season.

On another note.
I am extremely excited to see Pops though. I hope he works out. Right now is a good time to figure out our active roster for the rest of the season.

[StoneBuddha]

When Matt Bonner starts talking about shutting people down, you know things are going well.

:lol

[Mark in Austin]

coach (Gregg) Popovich can see something that they're missing.



Thanks for clearing up which Popovich he's talking about... Are we sure the E-N hasn't started outsourcing stories to India?

[urunobili]

TP needs an alley oop partner... THAT is what the Bonsu will bring to the table too!

[eisfeld]

I'd really like to see what he can do against those athletic forwards. He might not be a good one on one defender but I certainly hope he can give them some trouble.

[Ocotillo]

Dirk stopper :ihit

[Yuixafun]

From what I've understood of Duncan's injury, it's something that will only heal during the offseason. In this case, keeping him out few more days won't really help him.
Spurs will have a very busy end of regular season with 25 games in 46 days in March/April. Managing player health for the playoffs will be damn important. The best case would be Spurs to secure the second seed spot a week before the end of the regular season.

And with only around a dozen gimme games. The challenge will be to keep the health and vigor of the team primed while also facing playoff calibre teams to sharpen the spurs as they go into the playoffs.

Ideally if the Spurs are up to it, this is a good stretch, where the team can manage and Duncan and Manu get a some time off to replenish.

Hopefully it doesn't take too much out of Parker.

[Manufan909]

Hopefully Mason can step up like he did to start the season to help TP out.

[Taking it to the Hole]

I am finally glad to see 3 young athletic players on the Spurs roster...I think put Hill, Hairston, Pops, Bowen, and Kurt Thomas out there and you have quite a defensive lineup out there. I think Hill and Hairston might be the only ones who might be able to create their own shot but if they get out in transition...WATCH OUT. You need to put Pops out there with players that are going to play with their instincts rather than their heads.

[Yuixafun]

Some of the line-ups have been strange indeed but I'm seeing some quirky stuff happening, especially on the rebounding end.

[Hemotivo]

The Bonsu?

I haven't bashed him, all I've said is the hype around this guy has reached insane stupid proportions and your guy's expectations for him are unrealistic.

Yeah if the guy turns out to be a good player and help the team win, I'll be upset :rolleyes


Where the hell do you people get this tripe?

:tu

[urunobili]

:tu

:sleep

[MarHill]

Dirk stopper :ihit

We already have one...Matt Bonner!!

Remember he said that Dirk was on his hit list!!

:lmao

[SenorSpur]

We already have one...Matt Bonner!!

Remember he said that Dirk was on his hit list!!

:lmao

The original Dirk Stopper was Elson, so if this reason for more hope and comparisons - that's it. :lol

Who knows? Maybe one day, once Dirk gets tired of losing in Dallas, he will sign with the Spurs and that will resolve the infamous Dirk Stopper quandary.

[MarHill]

The original Dirk Stopper was Elson, so if this reason for more hope and comparisons - that's it. :lol

Who knows? Maybe one day, once Dirk gets tired of losing in Dallas, he will sign with the Spurs and that will resolve the infamous Dirk Stopper quandary.

SenorSpur,

I forgot about Elson being the Dirk Stopper! Oops!! :lol

However, I don't think Dirk would ever sign with the Spurs. For him that would be coming to the enemy!!! :lmao

[The Truth #6]

And with only around a dozen gimme games. The challenge will be to keep the health and vigor of the team primed while also facing playoff calibre teams to sharpen the spurs as they go into the playoffs.

Ideally if the Spurs are up to it, this is a good stretch, where the team can manage and Duncan and Manu get a some time off to replenish.

Hopefully it doesn't take too much out of Parker.


With Parker being younger, I'd rather have him have to carry the load than Manu or Tim. Last year Manu had to carry the team around this time for about 10 games and I can only wonder how much of an effect that had on him breaking down at the end of the playoffs against the Lakers.

We'll need to lean on Tony but it seems like this is a challenge he's wanted all season. I sense he wants to prove his talent and what better way than being the number one option on a team that usually has two other Hall of Famers.

[Yuixafun]

With Parker being younger, I'd rather have him have to carry the load than Manu or Tim. Last year Manu had to carry the team around this time for about 10 games and I can only wonder how much of an effect that had on him breaking down at the end of the playoffs against the Lakers.

We'll need to lean on Tony but it seems like this is a challenge he's wanted all season. I sense he wants to prove his talent and what better way than being the number one option on a team that usually has two other Hall of Famers.

That's on point.

If it should fall for any of the big three to carry us during the regular season Parker is the one.

He's younger, hungrier, in his physical prime, seasoned with vet savvy and fortitude, all the while grooming the bench by giving them minutes to grow confidence.

Insert rested TD and Ginobili to a mix of Parker having spent the past month being in overdrive mode with a bench used to playing meaningful minutes...

[montgod]

Well... the way the game is going with the Cavs... Bonsu might get his shot to show Pop what he got.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

The original Dirk Stopper was Malik Rose..