How Did Duncan Look To You Guys?

[vednam]

Jeff Van Gundy kept talking about how Duncan could barely jump and wondered if the knee brace was preventative or not. He said he doesn't think the Spurs can beat the Lakers if Duncan can't dominate.

I must admit that though Duncan looked good as far as being skinny, I share Van Gundy's concern. The lost jump ball, lack of blocked shots, and overall lack of hops was worrisome.


What do you guys think?

[hater]

he's fine.

[Spurs Brazil]

I think he's just a little out of shape. He'll be fine in a month or so

[AussieFanKurt]

He hardly needed to put any effort in at all but i think he was fine

Van Gundy over-exaggerates a lot

[Kori Ellis]

He had 12 boards in 22 minutes. I wouldn't worry about Tim.

[duncan228]

I think he's far from game shape. He started his summer training a month later than he normally does. It's going to take some time for him to get in his form.

Duncan will be fine. Starting slow and not having to carry as big a load is going to help him stay healthy for the Playoffs.

The brace is preventative. Don't be alarmed if his right knee ends up sleeved or braced as well as the season goes on. Better to be proactive and not risk any more stress on his knees.

Oh, and Duncan never really jumped. :lol

[vednam]

I missed the first half of the game...


did Duncan dunk at all?

[ezau]

He was perfectly fine. He just didn't need to do any effort. What for? We're kicking NO's team so hard it's not going to be funny if Duncan had to turn on the next gear

[peskypesky]

he was fine.

[HarlemHeat37]

-Lost jump ball is completely irrelevant..

-Duncan didn't have many opportunities to block shots..New Orleans wasn't moving the ball well, and they didn't have many plays at the rim with Tim in the game..he did alter a few shots though, and I thought he possibly did block Julian Wright on a layup that was an airball..

-Duncan didn't look any different than he usually does from a physical standpoint..

He looked great physically, he's just rusty, as you can see by his lack of attempted moves..he tried the same move about 4 times on Okafor, where he just drives into his body and throws one up..

He moved very well though, rebounded very well, and played good defense when he was giving a strong effort..he really didn't look like he was putting too much effort in on either side though, it'll take a while..

[Das Texan]

Duncan had hops at some point?


News to me.

[MaNu4Tres]

It's November. Come back and ask in late April on forward.

[Brazil]

9 12 3 and 1 steal for 0 TO in 22 min shooting 50% he is just fine

[Quiet Strength]

I'd rather not seem him jumping everywhere just to land on someones foot and get injured. It's a long season and the spurs will need timmy to stay healthy for them to have any chance to compete for a championship. As long as other guys on the team can play well throughout the season.. duncan could just cruise til the second half of the season and the playoffs.

[callo1]

How Did Duncan Look To You Guys?

Like a guy who :

a) Didn't do as much offseason workouts, as stated by Pop. It will take Timmy longer to get in stride, and get used to the brace.

b) Like a guy who knows he doesn't have to carry near as much load and his team can still win going away.

Life is good:)

[SpurNation]

I heard a good question as the game was being played. Is it expected that Duncan wears the brace all season long because it looks as though he can't move as freely with it on.

[mexicanjunior]

He looked solid to me...

[duncan228]

I heard a good question as the game was being played. Is it expected that Duncan wears the brace all season long because it looks as though he can't move as freely with it on.

He will wear it all season. He siad he's used to it now and he doesn't really feel it. He went through several over the summer before he settled on this one. He said it was bulky when he first started wearing it but now it's okay.

[vednam]

of course he put up a good statline, but I'm more wondering how you guys think he looked as far as mobility, athleticism, etc.

Basically, does it look like his troubles from last spring have gone away?



Thanks for all the feedback so far.

[TDMVPDPOY]

any game pics of his body atm?

[dynamodr3w]

How long is the season ? I'm talking, including the playoffs counting the finals. Can his knees handle a whole season? They look pretty limp to me. People tend to forget he can rebound because hes tall and long. Currently, his knees look frail. He wears a knee brace because its a safe guard against dislocation and rupture/tear. He wears that brace also because he has arthritis and weakening of connective tissue, so its a long shot he will make it through the next 2-3years. Call me negative nancy.

[duncan228]

any game pics of his body atm?

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/2009-2010/10-28-095.jpg

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/2009-2010/10-28-094.jpg

[superjames1992]

He looked a little slow out there to me and seemed to lack explosiveness, but it's just the first game, so I'll have to see more games to make a true assessment. Plus, he didn't need to give any effort considering how big the Spurs were up by.

[CubanMustGo]

How long is the season ? I'm talking, including the playoffs counting the finals. Can his knees handle a whole season? They look pretty limp to me. People tend to forget he can rebound because hes tall and long. Currently, his knees look frail. He wears a knee brace because its a safe guard against dislocation and rupture/tear. He wears that brace also because he has arthritis and weakening of connective tissue, so its a long shot he will make it through the next 2-3years. Call me negative nancy.

Thanks, doctor killjoy.

[EricB]

12 boards in 22 minutes aint enough anymore.

Sigh.

[SpurNation]

He will wear it all season. He siad he's used to it now and he doesn't really feel it. He went through several over the summer before he settled on this one. He said it was bulky when he first started wearing it but now it's okay.

Thanks.

I think it slows his spin move penetration. But maybe that is something he'll achieve again when he gets better aclimated to the brace. It's hard to imagine him having the same immediate burst speed while wearing the brace compared to not wearing one though.

But he looked really good for not playing basketball all summer and limited play during pre-season.

[exstatic]

I think he's just a little out of shape. He'll be fine in a month or so

That. He and Manu will both just have to play their way into shape. I think Pop will play 10 regularly until that happens.

[EricB]

How long is the season ? I'm talking, including the playoffs counting the finals. Can his knees handle a whole season? They look pretty limp to me. People tend to forget he can rebound because hes tall and long. Currently, his knees look frail. He wears a knee brace because its a safe guard against dislocation and rupture/tear. He wears that brace also because he has arthritis and weakening of connective tissue, so its a long shot he will make it through the next 2-3years. Call me negative nancy.


If being tall and long is all you need to rebound why the fuck didn't shawn bradley win any rebounding titles?


Good god.

[AussieFanKurt]

I dont think theres too much wrong with him

[BillMc]

We do have to be realistic about Tim's knees. That said, he'll get more rest this year. Tim will always be tall and always be smart, so he can be pretty effective on bad knees, I think.

[tp2021]

I think Tim is fucking ecstatic with how little he had to do tonight, and is definitely looking forward to his quest for ring 5.

[Man In Black]

Duncan had hops back in the day, they went away the day that gnome commercial came on. He's cursed to jump no higher than a toast but still dominate the low block.

[Hemotivo]

Re: How Did Duncan Look To You Guys?

old


but great

[HarlemHeat37]

I have no idea what anybody being negative saw..he looked great to me..he didn't miss any rotations, he wasn't beaten on any face-up drives, he didn't get outrebounded by anybody on any particular plays, he wasn't challenged at the rim much..

Just because Jeff Van Gundy makes an inaccurate observation that was solely based on Duncan wearing a knee brace and that "jump ball/travel" incident, it doesn't mean it's true..

This isn't 2003 anymore, you have to adjust your expectations to his age..if this was his prime, the title would be guaranteed, but it isn't..he's obviously not the same MVP winner..he looks fine..

Also, as Pop and Duncan have both said, he's going to take it easy for a while, same with Manu(although that's impossible)..you won't see top-tier Duncan until February IMO..

[easjer]

He looked rusty. So did Parker. I'm so very unconcerned. I liked his rebounding stats and the rest comes via gameplay. He looked to be moving fine to me, and his shot was a little off. He looked comfortable enough with the brace and I expect added exposure to it in real game situations will be good.

[pjjrfan]

He looked slow at times other times he looked like he had his usual quickness, and other times he seemed to avoid contact on the defensive end, and he didn't play a lot of minutes. If anything I thought Duncan was pacing himself, and so was Manu for about 5 minutes then it was the old Manu and the hell with it.

I would say Tim is still getting in game shape, if he is still playng like this by X-Mas I'll worry.

[bigfan]

Van Gundy jabber-jawed about Tim, how much to tip mariachis, the snow in Denver ect...... Not a bad coach or commentator but sometimes he's just full of crapola.

[TIMMYD!]

He's fine, he was just taking it easy and remember he started a month later than usual so by december he should be aight.

[TDMVPDPOY]

is duncan goin to bring back the low post face up spin move towards the basket for AND1? :D:D

[Samr]

The decade's greatest power forward is going to piggy-back to his fifth ring. (kidding)

He put in absolutely no effort whatsoever, because he's taking it slow. Good news, there's about five or six other guys that can make up for his contributions until he gets adjusted. He'll be fine, and better in the long run.

[daslicer]

Watching the game he looked good and like one poster said he didn't really have to try on offense because the scoring was spread out. The game was over pretty much after the first 3 minutes of the third quarter and he really didn't have to do anything. Naturally Mark Jackson and JVG got bored and went to doing what did do best which is sucking the lakers dick by saying "Oh Tim doesn't look to good out there I wonder if he will be able to hold up against the Lakers"

[Horse]

How bout waiting a few games to judge his play.

[coyotes_geek]

Duncan looked like he was coasting to me. And until March we should all be 100% okay with that. Duncan has never had this much talent around him and he's going to be perfectly content to let others do some of the work he had been doing.

[silverblackfan]

He looked a bit rusty and not too worried about it. He also looked pretty stoked to see his team kicking the hell out of another athletic team that used to give them trouble.

[Agloco]

Jeff Van Gundy kept talking about how Duncan could barely jump and wondered if the knee brace was preventative or not. He said he doesn't think the Spurs can beat the Lakers if Duncan can't dominate.

I must admit that though Duncan looked good as far as being skinny, I share Van Gundy's concern. The lost jump ball, lack of blocked shots, and overall lack of hops was worrisome.


What do you guys think?

It's been said numerous times: Popovich knows that Duncan is out of shape. It's by design.

non-issue, move along.......

[Trimble87]

Duncans lack of mobility/hops wasnt the issue for me. He has never been athletic and he has never jumped more then 3 inches off the ground. The issue was he wasnt able to beat Okafor in the post. I didn't see one good post move from Duncan all game. However he is admittedly out of basketball shape and I wont be worried until january +...

But Van Gundy made a very good point: If both teams are healthy, even with all of the new additions to our roster, for us to beat the lakers Duncan has to be the best big man on the court. And with his knee I'm not sure he will be able to dominate against the likes of Gasol and Bynum.

But come on guys its October. Manu just looked great, Blair just looked great and we just beat down the Hornets. Lets enjoy the amazing team we have this year and worry about the health issues when/if they come up. :toast

[ElNono]

He's out of shape if you ask me... But unlike last year, I think it's ok this year...
He'll get better as the season goes on...

[afireinside20]

He'll be alright. He didn't really have to do as much because basically everyone on the team contributed. This one game shows you what the Spurs were lacking all season, and they even practically kept the large lead throughout the game.

[Spursmania]

He looked fine guys. Holt's money put some depth on this team. Timmy will be just fine.

[Rapper]

Duncan never really jumped. :lol


:rolleyes

[dbreiden83080]

He's gonna pace himself as much as he can all year long, looking to stay as healthy as possible for the playoffs. Tim's been doubted in years past during the season only to turn it on like a mad-man for the playoffs. He'll be okay..

[dbreiden83080]

This isn't 2003 anymore, you have to adjust your expectations to his age..if this was his prime, the title would be guaranteed.


Kind of depressing and 100% true. With the off-season additions a 2003 Timmy would be hoisting that title in June no doubt..

[Sean Cagney]

Kind of depressing and 100% true. With the off-season additions a 2003 Timmy would be hoisting that title in June no doubt..

Who the hell would ever question that, hell if this team was around him in 03 they might make a run at the Bulls record and possibly go 15-2 in the playoffs again, that Tim is gone now though and we have a great team to give him some cushion no matter how he does.

[symple19]

Definitely looked slow and rusty, but IMO it will all be worked out as these first few months progress and Timmy gets in better shape.

I wouldn't completely discount Van Gundys observations because he had to watch Tim abuse his front line for years.

[DJB]

Duncan hasn't been able to to jump for like 4 years.

[SenorSpur]

Duncan was obviously rusty and looked a bit out of shape. He's never been a player who's relied on athleticism. However, it's clear that he's dropped some weight, so he should be quicker. He did rebound very well and really didn't need to score much at all. He'll be fine.

[jdev82]

Rule number 1 as an nba fan:
NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER listen to what anyone whos last name is VAN GUNDY has to say. frankly, it could be either one. i dont know which one is dumber. the one who put jameer nelson in in the finals or the one who thought it was a good idea

[TinTin]

But Van Gundy made a very good point: If both teams are healthy, even with all of the new additions to our roster, for us to beat the lakers Duncan has to be the best big man on the court. And with his knee I'm not sure he will be able to dominate against the likes of Gasol and Bynum.

+1 I am also slightly concerned about this. Hope ron ron goes psycho or blair turns into megatron

[newacc]

I agree with Van Gundy. Duncan looked like Zydrunas as far as movement goes. He refused to jump at any point in time and looked very stiff. I can't remember what point in the game but there was a play where he fell down as if he was in Patrick Ewing's Seattle SuperSonics body. It was as if he couldn't avoid falling down because he wasn't agile enough anymore to stop.

The Spurs still looked great, but if teams actually start figuring out to let Duncan try and score 1-1, the Spurs will be in trouble. The Spurs offensive philosophy revolves around that double team coming and smarter coaches like VG and PJ will see they're way better off letting Duncan labor to draw fouls and toss up shots at difficult angles than giving the Spurs an open perimeter player.

Duncan has gotten to the point where his go to move is a runner in the lane that he throws from low behind his head. It's close to a hook shot but isn't because he has to put more space between himself and the defender so it doesn't get blocked.

[HarlemHeat37]

Are some of you guys serious?..

Duncan wasn't even trying on either side of the floor, it was pretty clear, and he still had a nice game..he didn't even try ONE pump fake or counter move on Okafor..he did the same move like 4-5 times, and that was the only attempted offense we saw from him..I don't see where he looked slow, I really disagree with that..I didn't see him getting beat or getting outrebounded, or being too slow offensively..are you sure you guys weren't watching 1997-2003 Duncan videos during the off-season and comparing them?..

Duncan looks the same as he looked pre-injury last year, where he was averaging 25-12 until Parker and Manu returned..the difference? he had to, now he doesn't..

BTW, Okafor is definitely a better defender than both Gasol and Bynum by a decent margin IMO..not too many guys defend better than him, that's pretty much the only thing he does at a high level..

You guys are getting brainwashed a little too much by JVG here..if Tim Duncan is the supposed key to beating the Lakers(I don't believe it is), then I wouldn't worry at all, since you can never doubt a healthy Duncan..never..

[peskypesky]

yeah yeah yeah Duncan is over the hill, he sucks, he can't dunk, he's too old, blah blah blah.

[EricB]

Duncan wasn't allowed to touch a basketball all summer, and he also has been held back in training camp.

Your seeing probably what he'd look like in a pick up game in August.

12 rebounds still impressive against Okafor and West.

[SenorSpur]

I must admit that I yelled at him for allowing that soaring, down-the-lane, dunk by Julian Wright. I didn't like how he moved out of the way and just let the guy score. However, I then realized it's only Game 1 and the Spurs were well on their way to a blowout.

[EricB]

I must admit that I yelled at him for allowing that soaring, down-the-lane, dunk by Julian Wright. I didn't like how he moved out of the way and just let the guy score. However, I then realized it's only Game 1 and the Spurs were well on their way to a blowout.

Eh, tryin to block dunks isn't a huge concern with me. JMSO however.

I can see why you'd feel that way howeveah.

[Solid D]

Timmy got packed by the bottom of the backboard. It wasn't one of his better games but bigmen don't typically start fast out of the blocks. He clearly had very little lift tonight but his rebounding was great.

[HarlemHeat37]

That play annoyed me at first as well, but I also ended my thoughts like you did..Duncan really was giving minimal effort out there compared to what we'll get from a healthy Timmy later on..

preseason was Duncan's training camp, and the first few months of the regular season is going to be his preseason..

[newacc]

Duncan wasn't allowed to touch a basketball all summer, and he also has been held back in training camp.

Your seeing probably what he'd look like in a pick up game in August.

12 rebounds still impressive against Okafor and West.

I can agree that it's possible he might just need a few weeks to become more fluid in games that count.

12 rebounds is fantastic but I don't think it's a good measuring stick as far as how he looked in general tonight.

If possible, I think he needs to become more assertive in the offense as the season progresses. If the Spurs use him as a rebounder and decoy for the entire season and then he tries to turn his offensive game on vs. the Lakers in the playoffs, it won't work. JVG is right, he has to be able to consistently score on Pau/Bynum/Odom. If those guys can relegate him to working hard for his points/sending him to the line and then neutralizing him, the Spurs have no shot. Duncan needs to have a clear advantage.

[SenorSpur]

That play annoyed me at first as well, but I also ended my thoughts like you did..Duncan really was giving minimal effort out there compared to what we'll get from a healthy Timmy later on..

preseason was Duncan's training camp, and the first few months of the regular season is going to be his preseason..

Exactly. I just don't want the guy getting hurt while he's rounding into shape.

The knee brace, while preventive, does look heavy and distracting. Sometimes, those things can be a psychological block. I wonder if it bothers him or limits him in any way? I also wonder if Tim, being the analytical type, will eventually move to something lighter and smaller?

[lennyalderette]

no way to me he looked alot quicker just really out of bball shpe, did you see how many times he kept that ball alive? he almost went out of bounds getting a loose ball. i think hes just playing smart and remember pop said he was going to start out of shape as far as bball. his body is in shape but hes not in basketball rythm

[duncan228]

I wonder if it bothers him or limits him in any way?

For what it's worth, Duncan said it doesn't bother him. He tried several over the summer and settled on this one. He said it was bulky at first but now he doesn't really feel it.

[lennyalderette]

i think duncan is playing to his competition right now to be honest. i think once he steps up to gasol or dirk its on. by the way mcdyess and the rest of the guys are talking it seems like timmy is saving his explosiveness until he actually needs it. i think its awesome he doesnt have to try so damn hard out there against crappy teams, we let the beast devour them until its time to bring out the timmy for the more experienced players

[SenorSpur]

For what it's worth, Duncan said it doesn't bother him. He tried several over the summer and settled on this one. He said it was bulky at first but now he doesn't really feel it.

Good to know. Thanks for sharing.

For what it's worth, that brace looks like something that should be attached to an automobile. :lol

[EricB]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing.

For what it's worth, that brace looks like something that should be attached to an automobile. :lol

You think thats bulky, check out the knee braces Sean Elliott had in his first year in the NBA.

Dude looked like he had prosthetic legs.

[SenorSpur]

You think thats bulky, check out the knee braces Sean Elliott had in his first year in the NBA.

Dude looked like he had prosthetic legs.

:lol

I remember those. Perhaps this is the 2009 model of that version.

[EricB]

FWIW, Duncan looked like this many times last year. In the playoffs how did he look, kick ass, especially in the elimination game.

No worries.

[OrEmuN]

FWIW, Duncan looked like this many times last year. In the playoffs how did he look, kick ass, especially in the elimination game.

No worries.

+1

I am thinking of the same. No matter how old/slow he looks with the brace during the regular reason, he will always perform when the playoffs come. By the playoffs, if the brace still bothers him, he will rip it off and win us the :lobt2: