Fox Sports: Spurs No Longer Duncan's Team

[SpursFanFirst]

As the NBA regular season grinds down the home-court stretch, it's easy to find ourselves walking a ledge that separates reality and sacrilege as both pertain to the San Antonio Spurs.

For example, just when they seem capable of dropping to the third seed (or lower) in the Western Conference standings, the Spurs rip off wins on successive nights. This surge of seed-sowing life arrived immediately after a home loss to the relentlessly challenging Houston Rockets, and compromises the opinions of those who were preparing to write off the allegedly descending powerhouse.

And it leads to another fit of sacrilege, one that inspires many of us to embrace the notion of Tony Parker becoming the team's go-to employee. Before proceeding under the seemingly shaky banner of this premise, please note that the Spurs' much-debated window of championship opportunity will remain propped open as long as Hall-of-Fame-bound post man Tim Duncan is supplying about 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

But with that caveat firmly in place, we also should realize Parker — who will turn 27 in May — has massaged his preternatural speed into a variable few (if any) teams can deal with.

While we've detected no public chest-pounding in regard to assuming the defining offensive role in the Spurs' attack, Parker has made considerable on-court noise. In Wednesday's Duncan-free (resting the knees) triumph at Atlanta, Parker bagged an eye-popping 42 points — on 18-of-25 shooting from the field — and handed out 10 assists.

The night before, he dropped 30 and 10 in a victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Similar Parker salvos have been occurring more often during a season in which he is providing the Spurs with career highs in points (21.9) and assists (6.9) per game, while knocking in a career-best 79.4 percent of his free-throw attempts.

The spin through Atlanta became Parker's 11th game of 30 or more points; those games have been defined by exquisite marksmanship (an almost-stupid 60 percent from the field) and no loss of altruism (8 dimes per). They include a combined 76 points on a back-to-back last month.

OK, so even though Eva Longoria's hubby long has demonstrated he's much more than a marital novelty act (the seventh-year pro from France was Most Valuable Player of the 2007 NBA Finals, not Duncan), he still seems overlooked when popular chatter zeros in on the league's premier point guards.

With that topic on the table, the names usually streaming from the mouths of experts are the properly saluted Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Steve Nash and a small bundle of fine playmakers. Out of habit, the sharpies may even float the name Jason Kidd, whose alleged mutual flirtation with the Spurs several years ago predated Parker's upgrade in decision-making and shooting accuracy.

The franchise's move to stay the course with Parker has been rewarded with more Larry O'Brien hardware. But even winning at the highest level hasn't afforded Parker the hosannas associated with perceived superstardom.

"Playing in the shadow of Duncan — one of the sport's all-time greats, no doubt — has made Parker a bit less appreciated than he might be somewhere else," said a league scout who works for a Western Conference franchise. "To be fair, playing with Duncan creates opportunities for Parker and everyone else and has led to championships."

Yeah, the trade-off is pretty reasonable.

"But the main reason the so-called purists may not anoint Parker among the great point guards is the way he plays," the scout continued. "'That's not to say he's selfish; but his strength is blowing past guys and finishing.

"When we rate point guards, we like to go with the pass-first types. And that's fine. Most teams need someone to make the game easier for teammates. Parker has improved on that, but he's always done it in different ways. Having what we define as a pass-first point guard doesn't really matter if you can defend the position and are efficient, as a team, on offense. It never bothered Phil Jackson's teams."

Amen, but it never hurts to suit up non-point guards named Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

Anyway, with that blazing speed to the rim and a floater he unloads with uncanny accuracy, Parker generates more spot-up freedom for perimeter teammates while pulling attention away from Duncan in screen-roll situations.

"Exactly," the scout said. "He's gotten better at knowing where his teammates will be and when, but his bread and butter is that crazy speed and quickness. Along with that, he's improved his shooting."

Most of the improvement occurred after Parker learned to recognize what a good shot (for him) is. Great assistance in this education was provided by Spurs shooting coach Chip Engelland, who convinced the team's floor leader that the two-point shots you hit are more valuable than the threes you miss.

"His ability to take the ball anywhere on the court he wants at any time makes him one of the biggest threats we face," the scout said. "And the less Duncan is able to take over a game and just dominate as he ages, the more important Parker becomes."

With two-guard Manu Ginobili returning and professing more pop in his wheels than he's felt in a while, an emerging cast of younger snipers than in recent years and the big constant in the middle, the experienced Spurs still seem like a playoff team to avoid.

"Duncan gives San Antonio that presence on the block, potential foul situations and Ginobili is streaky and dangerous," said an assistant coach who also works in the Western Conference. "But Parker has turned into the guy who really scares you. You can send a double at Duncan and rotate out. It doesn't always work, but it can be effective.

"But you can't prepare for speed like Parker has."

And as the go-to-Point-B-from-Point-A guy in San Antonio, Tony Parker is reminding us that Hollywood doesn't hold the patent on fast lanes.

[DAF86]

How many times have I heard this before?

[Buddy Holly]

How many times have I heard this before?

That it's no longer Tim's team?

Well, for the first time in 12 years, it's finally true.

[exstatic]

The Spurs will be Duncan's team until he hangs up his kicks, just as they were David's team until he did. I still remember Pop curtailing practice any time David would put on his watch. The Spurs don't push their franchise under the bus when he's no longer the first option. I also think Tim looked better than he had in a couple of years before the tendonosis set in. I hope the Spurs are pro-active in treating it this summer, instead of hoping that rest cures it in 4 months. Supposedly, you can inject an irritant that will stimulate new normal tendon growth over the raggedy shit. That puts you out of action for a while, but if done over the summer, he should be right as rain next year.

[lefty]

So, they say that based on regular season games ?



Come playoff times, those FOX idiots will realize this is Duncan's team

[kace]

Tony is our main offensive weapon.
It's still Tim's team though.
both seem happy with those facts.

[duncan228]

The Spurs will be Duncan's team until he hangs up his kicks, just as they were David's team until he did.

Agreed.

And Duncan will do what Robinson did and mentor Parker into being the team's leader. IMO it started slowly in '07 and will continue to evolve until Duncan retires.

But it is still Duncan's team. He's Captain, and it's not just a title.

[DAF86]

That it's no longer Tim's team?

Well, for the first time in 12 years, it's finally true.

Let me ask you this: Who would you rather have for the playoffs? Duncan or Parker?

[lefty]

Let me ask you this: Who would you rather have for the playoffs? Duncan or Parker?


dUH !


TD of course :toast

[DAF86]

dUH !


TD of course :toast

'nuff said.

[DPG21920]

Lets not ruin what a good season TP has had by doing this. I made the mistake earlier. You do not have to knock someone down in order to elevate someone else. Tony has had a spectacular year and TD has been fantastic; his current injuries are recent, so that is what is on people's minds.

Spurs need them both, they need Ginobili. Together, they run this team.

[Texas_Ranger]

FOX is Wrong!

[xtremesteven33]

I know most Spurs fans wont admit to it but this team is Parkers team as of right now. Duncan is the leader/captain of the team but Tony is the Superstar of this team now.

Duncan is still a great ball player but Tony is playing MVP type basketball right now and Tim knows it and im sure in his his mind he knows this is Tonys team for right now. For sure when the Playoffs come around Tim will step his game up and maybe hell carry the team on his back for the playoff run but as of RIGHT NOW this team gos as Tony gos.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Timmy will always be THE man in SA, but the article is spot on in highlighting Tony as the Spurs' go-to guy. The same way The Admiral mentored Timmy, Duncan has taken Parker under his wing.

[kace]

How many times have I heard this before?


So, they say that based on regular season games ?



Come playoff times, those FOX idiots will realize this is Duncan's team


it seems really hard for you to accept Tony's predominance in Spurs offensive game as you always come with this kind of comments about him.

not straight hate, but surely some irritation about tony.

i don't know how many times you heard it before, i think not so much, but anyway, it hasn't ever seemed so true that's it could be tony's team. so, the argument could be valid.

and just in case you didn't notice, Tony was our 2007 finals MVP and was arguably our best PO player last year. the RS argument doesn't work.


Anyway, i still think it's Tim's team for different reasons as i wrote in my previous post, but i noticed your quickness to be the party poppers in Tony's praising threads.

[urunobili]

TP is the best payer of the Spurs right now and hopefully he'll lead us to 5... but this is Tim Duncan's team...

[mookie2001]

Tony has had a spectacular year
especially when you compare his season to fragile x ginobili

[Buddy Holly]

Let me ask you this: Who would you rather have for the playoffs? Duncan or Parker?

Both.

But the fact is, Tony is the best player on this team now. I don't understand why that's so difficult for some to realize/admit. It's not going to sting or cause you pain, nor to Tim.

[kace]

TP is the best payer of the Spurs right now and hopefully he'll lead us to 5... but this is Tim Duncan's team...

what i said. totally true.

[duncan228]

There's a poll with the article on which of the Big Three is the Spurs best player, Duncan has a slight edge on Parker at the moment.

Spurs may be aging, but Parker's in his prime (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9383756/Spurs-may-be-aging,-but-Parker%60s-in-his-prime)

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Let me ask you this: Who would you rather have for the playoffs? Duncan or Parker?

Duncan, because he affects both sidesof the ball.
If Tony's jumper isn't falling and the lane is closed then he's gonna have a real tough night.


Come playoff time, if we're down one I want the ball in Ginobili's hands since he's got th ebest combination of an an inside/outside game.

[DAF86]

it seems really hard for you to accept Tony's predominance in Spurs offensive game as you always come with this kind of comments about him.

not straight hate, but surely some irritation about tony.

i don't know how many times you heard it before, i think not so much, but anyway, it hasn't ever seem so true that's it could be tony's team. so, the argument could be valid.

in just in case you didn't notice, Tony was our 2007 finals MVP ans was arguably our best PO player last year. the RS argument doesn't work.


Anyway, i still think it's Tim's team for diefferent reasons as i wrote in my previous post, but i noticed your quickness to be the party poppers in Tony's prasing threads.

Let me answer my question: Last season when Manu lead this team in scoring in the regular season and I was one of the first saying that it was ridiculous to say any other thing that: "the Spurs are Tim's team"

Now if you ask me who is the MVP of the Spurs this season: there's no denying that is Tony (like I said in many other threads this year, so I don't know where you get this Parker irritation)

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I agree with DAF86.

[mookie2001]

Manu lead this team in scoring in the regular season
i agree with that

[Amuseddaysleeper]

i agree with that

Manu in the playoffs >>> Tony in the playoffs

Gimme a break

[DAF86]

Both.

But the fact is, Tony is the best player on this team now. I don't understand why that's so difficult for some to realize/admit. It's not going to sting or cause you pain, nor to Tim.

What you aren't seeing is that I'm not taking a shot at Parker I'm beign respectful with the greastest PF to ever play the game. Of course I would love to have both, but I asked you who would rather have if you could only pick one, I think the answer to this question responds the question: Who's team is this? And I still think is Tims.

P/D: Please try to ignore my Argie flag. I'm not a Parker hater.

[mookie2001]

im trying to think back to the last time i saw manu in the playoffs

let me google it

[Amuseddaysleeper]

im trying to think back to the last time i saw manu in the playoffs

let me google it

Try the 2008 playoffs.

He hit the game winner against the Suns before the buzzer in game 1 that changed the entire series. (Obviously Duncan's 3 was huge, but Manu sealed the deal).

Tony will be greatly limited should the Spurs face the Lakers as Phil knows how to keep him out of th elane better than anyone and expose his weaknesses.

If your'e gonna blame Manu for not being healthy in the Laker series then why didn't Tony put us over the top?

[kace]

Let me answer my question: Last season when Manu lead this team in scoring in the regular season and I was one of the first saying that it was ridiculous to say any other thing that: "the Spurs are Tim's team"

Now if you ask me who is the MVP of the Spurs this season: there's no denying that is Tony (like I said in many other threads this year, so I don't know where you get this Parker irritation)

you cant' compare manu's situation with tony's one. (hope it won't become a manu vs tp thread).

manu is about the same age as Tim, and there's no clue he will maintain his level later than Tim. it's rather the contrary. so, i guess it's hard to argue that manu could be our MVP since his best years coincide with Tim's ones.

in the same reasoning, i couldn't think of tony's being considered the best spurs if Tim was in his prime. Tim was just too good to not be the best player. but with tony going into his best years, and increasing his level year after year, and Tim having his best years behind him, the question of tony being our best player makes sense.

anyway, i still think that Tim and even manu can reach a very high level in any given games.

but it's still Tim's team for others reasons. Tim has more leadership outside the court. and he's a big man. he can dominate in offense and in defense, on the boards, etc etc. so, i agree it's Tim's team and will be for more years.

but the question of another leader has never been so accurate considering tony's level this year. and that's a good thing for the spurs that the question could even be asked.

[DAF86]

im trying to think back to the last time i saw manu in the playoffs

let me google it

Look for the leading scorer and assister of the team in the last playoffs series we won.

[mookie2001]

sorry the last time i remember manu in the playoffs he was shaming his country, destroying his legacy and making true spurs fans around the world want to cut their balls off to take the pain way

[DAF86]

you cant' compare manu's situation with tony's one. (hope it won't become a manu vs tp thread).

manu is about the same age as Tim, and there's no clue he will maintain his level later than Tim. it's rather the contrary. so, i guess it's hard to argue that manu could be our MVP since his best years coincide with Tim's ones.

in the same reasoning, i couldn't think of tony's being considered the best spurs if Tim was in his prime. Tim was just too good to not be the best player. but with tony going into his best years, and increasing his level year after year, and Tim having his best years behing him, the question of tony being our best player makes sense.

anyway, i stuill think that Tim and even manu can reach a very high level in any given games.

but it's still Tim's team for others reasons. Tim has more leadership outside the court. and he's a big man. he can dominate in offense and in defense, on the boards, etc etc. so, i agree it's Tim's team and will be for more years.

but the question of another leader has never been so accurate considering tony's level this year. and that's a good thing for the spurs that the question could even be asked.

That's all I'm saying.

[DPG21920]

sorry the last time i remember manu in the playoffs he was shaming his country, destroying his legacy and making true spurs fans around the world want to cut their balls off to take the pain way

Shhhhhhh.

[lefty]

it seems really hard for you to accept Tony's predominance in Spurs offensive game as you always come with this kind of comments about him.

not straight hate, but surely some irritation about tony.

i don't know how many times you heard it before, i think not so much, but anyway, it hasn't ever seemed so true that's it could be tony's team. so, the argument could be valid.

and just in case you didn't notice, Tony was our 2007 finals MVP and was arguably our best PO player last year. the RS argument doesn't work.


Anyway, i still think it's Tim's team for different reasons as i wrote in my previous post, but i noticed your quickness to be the party poppers in Tony's praising threads.



Are you overreacting or what ?


TP is great, he has carried us so far, but he will never be THE MAN in the playoffs.

Especially since Phil Jackson has been toying with him.

Parker = All star

Duncan = Legend

[kace]

sorry the last time i remember manu in the playoffs he was shaming his country, destroying his legacy and making true spurs fans around the world want to cut their balls off to take the pain way

i can remember manu making me crazy with some dumb plays (TO or fouls), disappointing me being not able to perform at a high level (often because of health issue), but i really can't ever remember him shaming any of his fans (argentine or spurs). there's a lot of times where he made us proud though.

but why are you turning it into a "bashing manu" thing ? even if some posters seem so annoyed with tony's accolades.

[Buddy Holly]

What you aren't seeing is that I'm not taking a shot at Parker I'm beign respectful with the greastest PF to ever play the game. Of course I would love to have both, but I asked you who would rather have if you could only pick one, I think the answer to this question responds the question: Who's team is this? And I still think is Tims.

Let's be honest with ourselves, Tim now isn't the Tim of a few years ago, he's barely the Tim of of last year. Injuries and age are taking their toll on the big man and yes, he's still effective and yes he's still one of the best but Parker has stepped his play up to another level this season, a level that has him carrying this team in many many games. For all that, imo, it's more his team now than it is Tim's. Can that change? Yes.

[rayray2k8]

In the regular season it's Parkers team, but in the playoffs
it's gonna be Duncan's team.

[Bruno]

The main reason why Spurs have been successful in 05 and 07 was because the big 3, especially Tim, have been smart enough to realize that their best shot to win rings was to share the ball.

I find it ridiculous to see that Spurs fans are still in the "this is X's team" mode.

[DPG21920]

Lets not ruin what a good season TP has had by doing this. I made the mistake earlier. You do not have to knock someone down in order to elevate someone else. Tony has had a spectacular year and TD has been fantastic; his current injuries are recent, so that is what is on people's minds.

Spurs need them both, they need Ginobili. Together, they run this team.


The main reason why Spurs have been successful in 05 and 07 was because the big 3, especially Tim, have been smart enough to realize that their best shot to win rings was to share the ball.

I find it ridiculous to see that Spurs fans are still in the "this is X's team" mode.

[spursfan09]

Let me ask you this: Who would you rather have for the playoffs? Duncan or Parker?

Duncan because he's a hall of famer.

Thank god we don't have to choose though right? They are both Spurs.

And to be honest, we are not going anywhere without Parker either.

[Lady M]

Manu in the playoffs >>> Tony in the playoffs

Gimme a break
since 2005 PO
after Tony made better PO

[Brutalis]

April Fools Day is still 2 days away. You made this thread a bit early, brah.

[NFGIII]

The argument to me is really immaterial. Frankly I don't think either one cares who's team people think this is. We need both for what they bring to the table. Ditto Manu. This season TP has been our best player but without TD on the floor his opportunities would be much less. That is one of the intangibles that TD brings - the double teams that can be taken advantage of and the spacing it brings. TP needs the space in order to set up his man and then blow by him. I think TP understands this and appreciates that or at least I would hope so.

TD is the heart of this team and without his 20/10 this team isn't going anywhere regardless of how many points TP scores. Both understand this and feed off one another. Ain't no I in team.

:flag:

[jackseven]

Parker is the superstar/MVP of the team now. You can call it Duncan's team out of respect, his legendary status, his hall of fame career, but Parker is carrying this team. If the Spurs advance to the Western finals, it will be on Parker's shoulders.

[kace]

This season TP has been our best player but without TD on the floor his opportunities would be much less. That is one of the intangibles that TD brings - the double teams that can be taken advantage of and the spacing it brings. TP needs the space in order to set up his man and then blow by him. I think TP understands this and appreciates that or at least I would hope so.


i definitely don't agree.

i heard a lot of people trying to say that tony's, or manu's, greatness could come from Tim's presence. i say it's false.

and i guess the last games without tim on the court (and without manu), have shown that TP is even more impressive when he's the only star.

what Tim brings to this team is a chance to win it all. that's for sure. he made TP and Manu winning stars. but he didn't make them good players. i never bought that.

[DAF86]

Let's be honest with ourselves, Tim now isn't the Tim of a few years ago, he's barely the Tim of of last year. Injuries and age are taking their toll on the big man and yes, he's still effective and yes he's still one of the best but Parker has stepped his play up to another level this season, a level that has him carrying this team in many many games. For all that, imo, it's more his team now than it is Tim's. Can that change? Yes.

And I respect your opinion I just dissagree with it. I think this is still Tim's team for the simple fact that I'd feel a lot more confident with him in the middle guarding the paint at one end and getting high % shots for him and others at the other. Specially in the playoffs where the tempo of games slow down.

[DAF86]

i definitely don't agree.

i heard a lot of people trying to say that tony's, or manu's, greatness could come from Tim's presence. i say it's false.

and i guess the last games without tim on the court (and without manu), have shown that TP is even more impressive when he's the only star.

what Tim brings to this team is a chance to win it all. that's for sure. he made TP and Manu winning stars. but he didn't make them good players. i never bought that.

I agree with that.

[kace]

I agree with that.

i guess it's even easier to argue for manu, considering all that he has accomplished as the main man in Italy or with his national team.

well, anyway:


5PucM5ArF0I

[DAF86]

Parker is the superstar/MVP of the team now. You can call it Duncan's team out of respect, his legendary status, his hall of fame career, but Parker is carrying this team. If the Spurs advance to the Western finals, it will be on Parker's shoulders.

We are not getting anywhere with either of the two out (neither if Manu's out) but in an encounter of the "Spurs with Tony" against the "Spurs with Tim" I'd bet all my money on Tim's team.

[Spurs Brazil]

It will always be TD team but Parker is the Spurs MVP so far

[DAF86]

i guess it's even easier to argue for manu, considering all that he has accomplished as the main man in Italy or with his national team.

well, anyway:


5PucM5ArF0I

You don't need to look anyfurther than Manu and Tony's numbers when Duncan is out. They're all better.

[Avitus1]

Wouldn't you know it FOX is full of crap once again.

[duncan228]

Damn. In that video Duncan is rubbing his right knee. We didn't know anything official about his right knee then, just his left. :(

[kace]

Damn. In that video Duncan is rubbing his right knee. We didn't know anything official about his right knee then, just his left. :(

well, let's hope he'll be able to perform at the same level he did that game. i guess we could content ourselves with that Tim :hat

[jdev82]

thats rediculous. tim is still the best player in the nba. he makes more impact on the game than anyone besides maybe kobe. tony is a pure scorer, and has always penetrated. so he gets a jumpshot and we say its his team? preposterous. the team is built around tim. you ask the guys in the locker room whose team this is. theyll tell you.

[vander]

Let me ask you this: Who would you rather have for the playoffs? Duncan or Parker?

a healthy duncan, but with his current knee tendon problem, I'd take parker for sure.

[Agloco]

Manu in the playoffs >>> Tony in the playoffs

Gimme a break

If that's true, and, assuming Tony's play doesn't drop off a precipice during the playoffs, the Spurs will win number 5......

I can't imagine Manu playing anywhere near the level Tony is right now.

[Duncan2177]

Fox sports can go eat a dick.

[stéphane]

Who cares whose team it is.
We won't win number 5 without any member of the big 3.

On a side note, the only thing that really changed is that Tim can take a step back on offense by letting Tony be the main weapon and save more energy for the other side of the court. Tim can be an A+ type of player on offense as well as on defense but don't have imo the legs to be both in the same game in the regular season. Now, Tony can carry the load on offense and also be that A+ offensive weapon that allow Tim to save energy to be that A+ presence in the post no other player in the team can be.

For me the spurs are now like that : Tim is the man, shares the load on offense and is the ultimate pic'n roll (or pop) player. Tony is the most constant offensive player of the team and run the show to the perfection. And Manu is the final piece, the guy that puts this team over the top.

[lefty]

FOX sports love the Lakers

They are afraid of the Spurs, so they are trying to start an internal war @ San Antonio

[Brazil]

How transforming a simple press stuff in "so he gets a jumpshot and we say its his team? preposterous" "nan its Tim team", "manu PO>TP PO" gna gna just fucking ridiculous.

[ulosturedge]

I can't imagine Manu playing anywhere near the level Tony is right now.

You betting against Manu Ginobili? I think we all no better then to do that. He's fearless. He does intangable things on the court. He knows how to win. I wouldn't be suprised in the least if he turns into super Manu by the time the playoffs start. The dude plays by his own set of rules. I'd never count him out.

On the note of this Tim and Tony deal. I don't see how you guys can try and compare the two positions. One plays forward/center and the other plays point. In this past era its obvious that the bigman has always prevailed as the most important position. So its not fair to try and compare the two in those regards.

If you're asking me who's carrying the team right now I will tell you Tony Parker is. If you're asking me what would be more detremental to the team; a missing Parker or a missing Duncan. I will tell you a missing Duncan.

[peskypesky]

That it's no longer Tim's team?

Well, for the first time in 12 years, it's finally true.

Maybe for the past stretch of games....but we'll see in the playoffs. I say it's still Tim's team.

[Brazil]

Fortunately the players don't give a fuck of what dude team is...

[ulosturedge]

Fortunately the players don't give a fuck of what dude team is...

haha this post wins the thread. :toast

[timvp]

How do Spurs fans always get suckered into pitting their players against each other? The last time I checked, Duncan, Ginobili and Parker are all on the same team. An intrateam rank is meaningless.

The article doesn't state anything new. Since about 2003, Parker has been the player the opposition has to first gameplan to stop - even more so than Duncan. If you don't plan how to slow Parker, you aren't going to beat the Spurs because he can score the easiest of anyone on the team and his penetration will then open up room for shooters. After a team figures that out, then they move on to Duncan and Ginobili gameplans.

But the fact that TP is the first player other teams worry about doesn't make him the best player on the team. He held that status even when he was clearly the third best player on the team.

Obviously Parker has gotten better but to win a championship, the Spurs will have to use their usual formula. There hasn't been any torch passing. Duncan is the chassis, Parker is the engine and Ginobili is the fuel.

[crc21209]

How do Spurs fans always get suckered into pitting their players against each other? The last time I checked, Duncan, Ginobili and Parker are all on the same team. An intrateam rank is meaningless.

GREAT point timvp. I've always wondered the same thing around here. I never understood the TP vs. Manu argument at all. They are BOTH on our team, and are lucky to have all 3 of TD, TP, and Manu on our team. Without one of them, the Spurs just aren't the Spurs. They are our BIG 3 guys, no need to argue in favor of one or the other when they have ALL been responsible for bringing the 3 LOB's in 03', 05', and 07'. And hopefully....2009 now. :flag:

[xtremesteven33]

How do Spurs fans always get suckered into pitting their players against each other? The last time I checked, Duncan, Ginobili and Parker are all on the same team. An intrateam rank is meaningless.

The article doesn't state anything new. Since about 2003, Parker has been the player the opposition has to first gameplan to stop - even more so than Duncan. If you don't plan how to slow Parker, you aren't going to beat the Spurs because he can score the easiest of anyone on the team and his penetration will then open up room for shooters. After a team figures that out, then they move on to Duncan and Ginobili gameplans.

But the fact that TP is the first player other teams worry about doesn't make him the best player on the team. He held that status even when he was clearly the third best player on the team.

Obviously Parker has gotten better but to win a championship, the Spurs will have to use their usual formula. There hasn't been any torch passing. Duncan is the chassis, Parker is the engine and Ginobili is the fuel.



Its just for fun man....last time i checked this was Spurs Talk....we are just discussing "Whos team is this now?"

No one should get offended or upset its a great topic of discussion that i have had debates with friends already.

[WalterBenitez]

How many times have I heard this before?

I don't have any problem since you keep your signature

[Buddy Holly]

How do Spurs fans always get suckered into pitting their players against each other? The last time I checked, Duncan, Ginobili and Parker are all on the same team. An intrateam rank is meaningless.

The article doesn't state anything new. Since about 2003, Parker has been the player the opposition has to first gameplan to stop - even more so than Duncan. If you don't plan how to slow Parker, you aren't going to beat the Spurs because he can score the easiest of anyone on the team and his penetration will then open up room for shooters. After a team figures that out, then they move on to Duncan and Ginobili gameplans.

But the fact that TP is the first player other teams worry about doesn't make him the best player on the team. He held that status even when he was clearly the third best player on the team.

Obviously Parker has gotten better but to win a championship, the Spurs will have to use their usual formula. There hasn't been any torch passing. Duncan is the chassis, Parker is the engine and Ginobili is the fuel.

I don't think grading them and ranking them means you don't believe what you just posted. I think you can have it both ways.

[galvatron3000]

How is Manu streaky when he can do more with 7 attempts than anyone in the league and I mean anyone.

[urunobili]

Obviously Parker has gotten better but to win a championship, the Spurs will have to use their usual formula. There hasn't been any torch passing. Duncan is the chassis, Parker is the engine and Ginobili is the fuel.
Bruce is the breaks :smokin

[Mugen]

Bruce is the breaks :smokin

does that make vaughn the cup holder?

[DPG21920]

does that make vaughn the cup holder?

Don't be mean mugen

[Bruno]

Duncan is the earth, Parker is the wind and Ginobili is the fire.

[DPG21920]

Duncan is the earth, Parker is the wind and Ginobili is the fire.

Pop = http://thepointofitall.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/captainplanet.jpg

[DPG21920]

Duncan is Snoop, TP is Daz and Manu is Kurupt

[spurspokesman]

spurs-Duncan= Lottery. Hurt or not he is the man. He'll once again reaffirm this in the playoffs:ihit

[pjjrfan]

Tony has been the best player for the Spurs and has really done well in holding the team together on the floor. OUr recent slump has really hi-lighted just how important Tony's offense has been to the team. Hopefully with Manu back and if he can get it rolling in the next few weeks, Tony may be able to relax a little and not have to carry the team, especially in the last 5 min. where Tony has struggled, I think it's mostly fatigue, now if Tim can get back to the way he was when he was carrying the burden I reallylike our chances. As for Tony's team, this team has been and always will be Tim's and Pop's.

[Bruno]

Pop = http://thepointofitall.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/captainplanet.jpg

:nope
There is no place for Pop in my analogy.
iknEJf9cPeY

[DPG21920]

:nope
There is no place for Pop in my analogy.
iknEJf9cPeY

I know what you meant, but I took creative liberty to interpret it my own way.

[thiste]

Chill out y'all, I think the fox guy's just pointing out Tony's been the most consistent this year and has been carrying the load for most of the season. He's just saying that as of right now, the team revolves more around Tony. I don't think for a second that it means "Tim's era" is over yet, far from it.

And seriously, a few years from now we'll look back and be fucking grateful we've had the opportunity to have all three of them in the same team. We shouldn't be having childish arguments about who's got the bigger one right now, just be happy we not only have one star, but three.

[E20]

As the NBA regular season grinds down the home-court stretch, it's easy to find ourselves walking a ledge that separates reality and sacrilege as both pertain to the San Antonio Spurs.

For example, just when they seem capable of dropping to the third seed (or lower) in the Western Conference standings, the Spurs rip off wins on successive nights. This surge of seed-sowing life arrived immediately after a home loss to the relentlessly challenging Houston Rockets, and compromises the opinions of those who were preparing to write off the allegedly descending powerhouse.

And it leads to another fit of sacrilege, one that inspires many of us to embrace the notion of Tony Parker becoming the team's go-to employee. Before proceeding under the seemingly shaky banner of this premise, please note that the Spurs' much-debated window of championship opportunity will remain propped open as long as Hall-of-Fame-bound post man Tim Duncan is supplying about 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

But with that caveat firmly in place, we also should realize Parker — who will turn 27 in May — has massaged his preternatural speed into a variable few (if any) teams can deal with.

While we've detected no public chest-pounding in regard to assuming the defining offensive role in the Spurs' attack, Parker has made considerable on-court noise. In Wednesday's Duncan-free (resting the knees) triumph at Atlanta, Parker bagged an eye-popping 42 points — on 18-of-25 shooting from the field — and handed out 10 assists.

The night before, he dropped 30 and 10 in a victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Similar Parker salvos have been occurring more often during a season in which he is providing the Spurs with career highs in points (21.9) and assists (6.9) per game, while knocking in a career-best 79.4 percent of his free-throw attempts.

The spin through Atlanta became Parker's 11th game of 30 or more points; those games have been defined by exquisite marksmanship (an almost-stupid 60 percent from the field) and no loss of altruism (8 dimes per). They include a combined 76 points on a back-to-back last month.

OK, so even though Eva Longoria's hubby long has demonstrated he's much more than a marital novelty act (the seventh-year pro from France was Most Valuable Player of the 2007 NBA Finals, not Duncan), he still seems overlooked when popular chatter zeros in on the league's premier point guards.

With that topic on the table, the names usually streaming from the mouths of experts are the properly saluted Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Steve Nash and a small bundle of fine playmakers. Out of habit, the sharpies may even float the name Jason Kidd, whose alleged mutual flirtation with the Spurs several years ago predated Parker's upgrade in decision-making and shooting accuracy.

The franchise's move to stay the course with Parker has been rewarded with more Larry O'Brien hardware. But even winning at the highest level hasn't afforded Parker the hosannas associated with perceived superstardom.

"Playing in the shadow of Duncan — one of the sport's all-time greats, no doubt — has made Parker a bit less appreciated than he might be somewhere else," said a league scout who works for a Western Conference franchise. "To be fair, playing with Duncan creates opportunities for Parker and everyone else and has led to championships."

Yeah, the trade-off is pretty reasonable.

"But the main reason the so-called purists may not anoint Parker among the great point guards is the way he plays," the scout continued. "'That's not to say he's selfish; but his strength is blowing past guys and finishing.

"When we rate point guards, we like to go with the pass-first types. And that's fine. Most teams need someone to make the game easier for teammates. Parker has improved on that, but he's always done it in different ways. Having what we define as a pass-first point guard doesn't really matter if you can defend the position and are efficient, as a team, on offense. It never bothered Phil Jackson's teams."

Amen, but it never hurts to suit up non-point guards named Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

Anyway, with that blazing speed to the rim and a floater he unloads with uncanny accuracy, Parker generates more spot-up freedom for perimeter teammates while pulling attention away from Duncan in screen-roll situations.

"Exactly," the scout said. "He's gotten better at knowing where his teammates will be and when, but his bread and butter is that crazy speed and quickness. Along with that, he's improved his shooting."

Most of the improvement occurred after Parker learned to recognize what a good shot (for him) is. Great assistance in this education was provided by Spurs shooting coach Chip Engelland, who convinced the team's floor leader that the two-point shots you hit are more valuable than the threes you miss.

"His ability to take the ball anywhere on the court he wants at any time makes him one of the biggest threats we face," the scout said. "And the less Duncan is able to take over a game and just dominate as he ages, the more important Parker becomes."

With two-guard Manu Ginobili returning and professing more pop in his wheels than he's felt in a while, an emerging cast of younger snipers than in recent years and the big constant in the middle, the experienced Spurs still seem like a playoff team to avoid.

"Duncan gives San Antonio that presence on the block, potential foul situations and Ginobili is streaky and dangerous," said an assistant coach who also works in the Western Conference. "But Parker has turned into the guy who really scares you. You can send a double at Duncan and rotate out. It doesn't always work, but it can be effective.

"But you can't prepare for speed like Parker has."

And as the go-to-Point-B-from-Point-A guy in San Antonio, Tony Parker is reminding us that Hollywood doesn't hold the patent on fast lanes.

I haven't seen Ducks write such a well written article ever.

[benefactor]

DPG, timvp and Bruno have said everything that needs to be said. It matters little who is better because this team can't be the San Antonio Spurs without all three of the Big 3.

[duncan228]

Poll update: 10,700 + votes.

Duncan: 43%

Parker: 42%

:stirpot:

[DPG21920]

This is like asking what is more important: your left ball, right ball or middle ball, you need them all

SxdF5ZP4rJw

[kace]

Tony may be able to relax a little and not have to carry the team, especially in the last 5 min. where Tony has struggled,

:lmao

no need to read anything more from your post to say you're biased.

go check 82games.com, the clutch stats, if you dare to talk with facts. you could learn something about the spurs. you could choose to just watch games too.

[urunobili]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090318/capt.218de2f8da1b4219927a4dcd783d1e9d.timberwolves _spurs_basketball_txeg112.jpg

[sonic21]

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090318/capt.218de2f8da1b4219927a4dcd783d1e9d.timberwolves _spurs_basketball_txeg112.jpg

tony's in front, so you think it's his team :stirpot:

[SpursFanFirst]

tony's in front, so you think it's his team :stirpot:

:lol

[HarlemHeat37]

nothing has really changed..

Tony is just our clear #1 option on offense now..he's our best offensive player..

I wouldn't call him the best player though, definitely not..Duncan's by far our best defensive player, rebounder, arguably the best passer on the team, the leader of the team..

Tony SHOULD be our #1 option though, because he's our best scorer at this point..obviously this had to happen at some point with Duncan's age, and Tony entering his prime..

he's emerged as a top 15 player in the NBA this season..

it really doesn't make a difference to me, I just wanna see the Spurs win #5 this year..I could care less if Jacque Vaughn got the finals MVP..

[Manufan909]

How do Spurs fans always get suckered into pitting their players against each other? The last time I checked, Duncan, Ginobili and Parker are all on the same team. An intrateam rank is meaningless.

The article doesn't state anything new. Since about 2003, Parker has been the player the opposition has to first gameplan to stop - even more so than Duncan. If you don't plan how to slow Parker, you aren't going to beat the Spurs because he can score the easiest of anyone on the team and his penetration will then open up room for shooters. After a team figures that out, then they move on to Duncan and Ginobili gameplans.

But the fact that TP is the first player other teams worry about doesn't make him the best player on the team. He held that status even when he was clearly the third best player on the team.

Obviously Parker has gotten better but to win a championship, the Spurs will have to use their usual formula. There hasn't been any torch passing. Duncan is the chassis, Parker is the engine and Ginobili is the fuel.

Hope ducks doesn't see this, he'll probably think Parker should be the fuel.:lol
And so what is Bonner, the leather upholstery? I know Mason is the eight balls hanging from the rearview mirror.:hat

[ducks]

the point guard is the engine
the engine is the most important part in basketball

the point guard is like the quarterback in the nfl

[ducks]

"His ability to take the ball anywhere on the court he wants at any time makes him one of the biggest threats we face," the scout said. "And the less Duncan is able to take over a game and just dominate as he ages, the more important Parker becomes."

[dbreiden83080]

Timmy is the heart and soul of everything, they are still nowhere without him. Tony has emerged as a great PG, plus Timmy has been banged up this year, but when healthy he is still their best player..

[Josepatches_]

When The Spurs aren't Duncan's team the championship years will be over.

And C'mon before the all star break TD was the leading of the team in scoring,rebounds and blocks.He was the MVP of the team.

He had the problem with his knees before the all star weekend since he is averaging 15ppg or less.

It's fucking stupid talk about "no longer Duncan's team" when TD is nearly 60-75%.

Of course TD can't be the best when he is injured

[Bukefal]

"Playing in the shadow of Duncan — one of the sport's all-time greats, no doubt — has made Parker a bit less appreciated than he might be somewhere else," said a league scout who works for a Western Conference franchise..

So true!!!!!

[mystargtr34]

The Spurs will be Duncan's team until he hangs up his kicks, just as they were David's team until he did. I still remember Pop curtailing practice any time David would put on his watch. The Spurs don't push their franchise under the bus when he's no longer the first option. I also think Tim looked better than he had in a couple of years before the tendonosis set in. I hope the Spurs are pro-active in treating it this summer, instead of hoping that rest cures it in 4 months. Supposedly, you can inject an irritant that will stimulate new normal tendon growth over the raggedy shit. That puts you out of action for a while, but if done over the summer, he should be right as rain next year.

Depends how you look at it. It was pretty obvious Duncan was the best player on that team in about his second season - or part way through his rookie year. I think Parker is making a real case that he is in fact the best player on the team. He certaintly doesnt provide what Timmy does on Defense, but offensively Tony is the main option - and rightly so.

[Cry Havoc]

I simply can't believe how Spurs fans argue about who's better like this.

Tony Parker is my favorite player. I have his jersey. But he does not impact the game on both sides of the ball like Duncan. Few players in the NBA do.

Parker is by far the most devastating offensive weapon we have right now, but that's partly because he's evolved into the role and partly because Manu and Duncan are hurt.

I thought our fanbase was generally smarter than to confuse "scoring a lot" with "best player". Parker's amazing, but he doesn't hold our defense together.

[greyforest]

why do people love arguing semantics?

what defines "leader"? everyone has a different opinion, ergo, there is no way to define it.

[poeticism707]

Greetings everyone.

I've been reading this site for many months now, and would have been content to never post, until I saw this thread. As a Tim Duncan fan and Spurs fan for long years (Lakers, Lakers, More Lakers, Pistons, Suns, Cavs, and even more regular season and playoff battles), I am well equipped to respond to this article.

But I don't have to go far back in the decade to answer this groundless position: it's unbelievable what short term memory fans, or maybe people, have. Does anyone know which of the big three as missed the fewest games by far this season, and had to carry the load without his other 2 stars for about 25% of the season? Tim Duncan. Who has had to carry the team ALL SEASON LONG, having inarguably one of his 3 best years as a a professional? Tim Duncan. Who also carried the Spurs when Tony Parker was going through a near two month offensive AND defensive slump? Tim Duncan.

And that's without even bringing up the four championships he's led the team to, 2 of them through the Shaq-Kobe Lakers. If there is one man on the Spurs who has NOTHING to prove in a basketball sense, it's Duncan. Certainly not Parker or Ginobili, great players though they be. Tm isn't superhuman, and will decline physically like any other human being, but jumping ship after a week or two of knee pain is disloyalty at it's worst.

In closing people, please do not listen to liars in the media, who's only function is to lead people astray, just as they themselves are astray.

Farewell.

[Manu-of-steel]

i'm a manu fan, obviously. but i do know that without tim and tony, this team is going nowhere.. i'm happy to have all of them in our team, and they are all selfless, they don't care who get the points or the highlight plays. they only care about winning as a team, and that's what makes our team a three-headed monster-which is great for us but scary for the opposing teams.

[Thomas82]

i agree with daf86.

+1

[mystargtr34]

Why are there so many bleeding vaginas in regards to comparing the big 3. Im sure they wont read it or have their feelings hurt either way.

Theres nothing wrong with making comparisons.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Duncan, because he affects both sidesof the ball.
If Tony's jumper isn't falling and the lane is closed then he's gonna have a real tough night.


Come playoff time, if we're down one I want the ball in Ginobili's hands since he's got th ebest combination of an an inside/outside game.

Exactly. We get to a matchup with LA and we'll see how good Tony is when Phyllis has the lane packed in and makes us beat them from outside.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Exactly. We get to a matchup with LA and we'll see how good Tony is when Phyllis has the lane packed in and makes us beat them from outside.

I'm still waiting for Tony to have a good complete series against LA. Its been all downhill for him after game 2 of the 2004 series.

[DAF86]

I'm still waiting for Tony to have a good complete series against LA. Its been all downhill for him after game 2 of the 2004 series.

He will have a great series against LA book it.

[Thomas82]

One thing that this article failed to mention was that Tony and Manu wouldn't be the players they are today if Tim wasn't so unselfish and willing to sacrifice some stats for their development.