duncan228
04-11-2009, 08:33 PM
Spurs' three to get ready (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_three_to_get_ready.html)
Jeff McDonald
The Spurs are set to begin the playoffs without Manu Ginobili, who is out for the season with a stress fracture in his right leg. Here are three players Express-News beat writer Jeff McDonald says the team is hoping can help pick up the slack:
Drew Gooden
Specs: 6-foot-10, forward
How he can help: Acquired in early March after being bought out in Sacramento, Gooden affords the Spurs a post-up presence they've rarely had on their second unit. At his best, he provides what Ginobili once did — the possibility of 20 points off the bench on any given night — in a slightly different package.
Roger Mason Jr.
Specs: 6-foot-5, guard
How he can help: With Ginobili sidelined to start the season, Mason emerged as one of the early surprises in the NBA. Though he's fallen out of the top 15 in 3-point shooting, the Spurs are hopeful Mason can heat up again. One good sign: He has scored 13, 18 and 16 in three games since Ginobili was lost for the season.
Matt Bonner
Specs: 6-foot-10, center
How he can help: Bonner is a sharpshooting big man, Robert Horry without the postseason pedigree. After flirting with the league's best 3-point percentage for much of the season, Bonner has cooled off. If he can regain his stroke, Bonner is the type of player who could turn a playoff game or two.
Jeff McDonald
The Spurs are set to begin the playoffs without Manu Ginobili, who is out for the season with a stress fracture in his right leg. Here are three players Express-News beat writer Jeff McDonald says the team is hoping can help pick up the slack:
Drew Gooden
Specs: 6-foot-10, forward
How he can help: Acquired in early March after being bought out in Sacramento, Gooden affords the Spurs a post-up presence they've rarely had on their second unit. At his best, he provides what Ginobili once did — the possibility of 20 points off the bench on any given night — in a slightly different package.
Roger Mason Jr.
Specs: 6-foot-5, guard
How he can help: With Ginobili sidelined to start the season, Mason emerged as one of the early surprises in the NBA. Though he's fallen out of the top 15 in 3-point shooting, the Spurs are hopeful Mason can heat up again. One good sign: He has scored 13, 18 and 16 in three games since Ginobili was lost for the season.
Matt Bonner
Specs: 6-foot-10, center
How he can help: Bonner is a sharpshooting big man, Robert Horry without the postseason pedigree. After flirting with the league's best 3-point percentage for much of the season, Bonner has cooled off. If he can regain his stroke, Bonner is the type of player who could turn a playoff game or two.