Hairston

[Biggems]

IMO, against energy teams like the Bulls, Hairston is a valuable asset. If anything, he brings energy and hustle.....and for a guard, he bangs down low quite well.

Pop should have had him activated and given him minutes last night.

[Solid D]

Possibly, so. Especially if Hairston played with some aggression and took it strong to draw some fouls. The problem the Spurs had with the Bulls wing players was their length. Salmons and Deng are so quick and long that they were able to collapse to the lane edges and still have time to close-out on the perimeter shooters to contest. Likewise with Thomas on Bonner.

For some reason, the Spurs weren't very aggressive like the Bulls were. Chicago went to the line quite a bit in the 3rd to build their lead just by drawing contact.

Hairston is an aggressive player who will chase rebounds, so in retrospect, maybe he could have given the Spurs a lift.

[intlspurshk]

All for it. Nowadays, you need an energetic swingman to disrupt opposing team offense by sticking him to their key SG/SF player. You can't rely on your PF / Centre to stand in the middle to box out or block shot only

[Johnny RIngo]

Hairston won't ever get any playing time while the pariah(Finley) is still on the team.

[HarlemHeat37]

I'm obviously all for it, same with the majority of the people that post here..

We don't have another player like him on the roster right now..he's slightly undersized at the 3, but he's strong and deceptively athletic, so it shouldn't be a problem at all..he already knows the system and has chemistry with our rotation players..

At least put him on the active roster in case we need an energy spark or need to give younger players PT during a blowout..

[HarlemHeat37]

look at Shannon Brown for the Lakers btw..this is a guy that has his flaws, but he's pure energy with some good role player skills, and he's been a very significant player for the Lakers in their current run..nobody projected him to be a significant contributor for the champs when they acquired him..

guys like this compliment veteran stars very well..

[CGD]

There were a lot of factors that contributed to our poor play last night: Bulls energy on their opening night, Pop still tinkering with new players, and the Spurs playing a back to back. Not to mention hindsight is always 20-20.

With that said I think Malik will push Bogans for the active roster spot on any given night. Depending on match ups, I won't be surprised if Bogans goes on IR while Malik is activated.

[SamoanTD]

we need a guy like dat a scrapper on the court kinda player kinda like a garbage man nice nickname yea? lol

[CubanSucks]

DAMN Michael Finley and his good 3 point shooting! I'm with yall, I want a guy who's completely unproven to get playing time.

And before everyone goes off about "how can you tell he's unproven, he hasn't even gotten in the game" do you not think Pop can make an educated decision based on how everyone does in practice?

[JustinJDW]

Relax guys. Hairston will get serious minutes next year when Finley is gone and Bogans is probably gone too. I don't understand why everyone is in such a rush to fill our entire team with 21-25 year old players. lol.

Finley > Hairston.

[ulosturedge]

Unfortunately it will take some time for Malik to get PT. Finley isn't getting deactivated. The only other two scenarios: Someone goes down with an injury or Pop eventually puts Bogans on the IR to give Malik a chance. Either scenario seems a bit far off. Though Pop has suprised with some of his early moves this year.

[Chomag]

Relax guys. Hairston will get serious minutes next year when Finley is gone and Bogans is probably gone too. I don't understand why everyone is in such a rush to fill our entire team with 21-25 year old players. lol.

Finley > Hairston.

Pop, is that you? j/k

The Spurs FO whent all out of their way to bring in much needed youth this offseason. IT wont do any good if they dont see any court time though. We just get the same thing Old breaing down players allready burnt out before the playoffs even start.

[TJastal]

LMFAO @ the pop-pole smokers in this thread.

I gaurantee if Bowen was still around and Pop was starting him and Finley together at the wings they'd be praising it as another great decision by Pop.

:lol

[Rebounds]

IMO, against energy teams like the Bulls, Hairston is a valuable asset. If anything, he brings energy and hustle.....and for a guard, he bangs down low quite well.

Pop should have had him activated and given him minutes last night.

Yep...same feeling here, Hairston also has good chemistry with Young Blair, those 2 together against the Bulls that night= more rebounding but sigh, now it's onto Sac with hopefully no more small ball, more mix and match please.

[ceperez]

Eh... I had thought that Keith Bogans would be our defensive stopper in the wings?!

[exstatic]

Unfortunately it will take some time for Malik to get PT. Finley isn't getting deactivated. The only other two scenarios: Someone goes down with an injury or Pop eventually puts Bogans on the IR to give Malik a chance. Either scenario seems a bit far off. Though Pop has suprised with some of his early moves this year.

Actually, there's another scenario: the Spurs cut Malik on or shortly after November 3rd when the guaranteed protion of his contract is up.

[Mel_13]

Eh... I had thought that Keith Bogans would be our defensive stopper in the wings?!

Still a better chance than Haislip being our backup SF.

[Bruno]

Pop has in his hands arguably the deepest team he ever had. It will take him a lot of time before find the right combination.

And before giving some playing time to Hairston, Pop will first give a try to Bogans who is also in the doghouse for the moment.

[wildbill2u]

The first priority is to get starters and rotation veterans like Manu, McDyess and Mason some minutes to get them into game shape. You can't do that if you start pullling them for youngsters like Hairston and Ian.

In case nobody noticed, the Lakers, with the best player roster in the league, got crushed last night at home. And they were still playing Kobe late in the 4th.

Game conditioning is simply a necessity at the start of the season.

[J Mack]

"The Spurs FO whent all out of their way to bring in much needed youth this offseason. IT wont do any good if they dont see any court time though. We just get the same thing Old breaing down players allready burnt out before the playoffs even start." Chomag i agree with you a 100%. we will see if any of the new guys get any significant playing time. if they dont , what a waste! :nope

[Biggems]

IMO, the NBA should let you dress everyone for every game, maxing out at 15, with 9 being the mininum number of eligible players (affording each team 6 spots for injured players if need be)

I am not impressed with Jefferson at all. IMO, he should be coming off the bench. Bogans has shown me nothing. Hairston should get his spot.

Starters
- Bonner
- Duncan
- Finley
- Mason
- Parker

2nd Unit
- McDyess
- Blair
- Jefferson
- Manu
- Hill

11 - Hairston
12 - Ratliff

benched - Ian, Bogans, Haislip

[ceperez]

Still a better chance than Haislip being our backup SF.

Season still early.

Oh, btw, Bogans fanboy... care to comment on that airball shot Bogans took against the Hornets?


I don't think it was short, just more like a line drive that was directed to the right of the ring. I don't seem to recall anyone in the vicinity looking to alley hoop dunk the ball.

[Mel_13]

Season still early.

Oh, btw, Bogans fanboy... care to comment on that airball shot Bogans took against the Hornets?


I don't think it was short, just more like a line drive that was directed to the right of the ring. I don't seem to recall anyone in the vicinity looking to alley hoop dunk the ball.

:lol at the fanboy comment.

You're the one with the multiple threads started to hype and promote Haislip. Shall I post the links?

Try to find one post where I hype Bogans or advocate his advancement in the rotation. You won't have any success.

In case you haven't figured it out yet. I bring up Haislip every time you take a shot at Bogans to highlight your hypocrisy. If you want to label the Bogans signing a mistake, then include the Haislip signing as one as well. If you say it's early for Haislip, then it's also early for Bogans. Pick one or the other.

[NFGIII]

Pop has in his hands arguably the deepest team he ever had. It will take him a lot of time before find the right combination.

My thoughts exactly. There is so much depth on this team that he is going to tinker with the line up to see what effect it has. So we could possibly see him doing this through December. Pop will do what Pop wants to do. I gave up a long time ago trying to figure him out. Funny how the headaches went away once I did that.


I am not impressed with Jefferson at all. IMO, he should be coming off the bench. Bogans has shown me nothing. Hairston should get his spot.

Starters
- Bonner
- Duncan
- Finley
- Mason
- Parker

2nd Unit
- McDyess
- Blair
- Jefferson
- Manu
- Hill

11 - Hairston
12 - Ratliff

benched - Ian, Bogans, Haislip

I think it is too early to put RJ in the 2nd unit. As Timvp stated in his game thoughts RJ's D is better than expected but is struggling on the offensive end. I think once he gets more comfortable this will change. You don't score almost 20 ppg over your career and shoot this poorly for long.

Work in progress. Too early - let 'em play and we'll see what's up in about 15 - 20 games. It's all about SPAM.

Believe

:flag:

[Interrohater]

Put RJ on the bench huh? 2nd game of the season.

Why are some people arguing about Finley vs. Hairston?
It's pretty obvious that switch will never happen.

Once Pop plays Bogans a few times and says "Yup, it wasn't a fluke, that guy sucks." Then we can expect to see Hairston. I do hope that's sooner rather than later. He'll never be an all-star, but he looks like he can be an active cog in our championship machine.

[Chomag]

Put RJ on the bench huh? 2nd game of the season.

Why are some people arguing about Finley vs. Hairston?
It's pretty obvious that switch will never happen.

Once Pop plays Bogans a few times and says "Yup, it wasn't a fluke, that guy sucks." Then we can expect to see Hairston. I do hope that's sooner rather than later. He'll never be an all-star, but he looks like he can be an active cog in our championship machine.

I agree although some here do seem to think that to be worthy enough to be on this team and on the active roster spot he must be of an All-Star caliber. Roster positions spots 1-12 baby! It's funny tha it seems to apply to apply only certain players though...

[Quiet Strength]

I agree Hairston should get playing time. This whole bonner and finley in the starting lineup didn't work last season and after last season I was sure that pop would not go back to that lineup again and yup I was wrong. I'm not saying Hairston should be a starter because obviously he hasn't earned it but neither has Finley. What I'm trying to say is that pop should give up in counting on these old guys to bring the hustle and energy to the team. He needs younger players for that so why not give hairston a chance?

[Biggems]

Well RJ is new to the team. So far only 3 players have earned the right to be guaranteed starters....Duncan, Parker, Manu. Everyone else simply gets the opportunity to start when Pop sees fit. Since Manu has accepted the bench role, that opens the door for another starting spot.

Just because RJ has been a starter on other teams, we traded 3 players for him, and he is making like 14 million this season, doesn't mean he should be handed a starting spot.

He has struggled during the preseason and now in the first two games. Let him come off the bench with Manu's unit and see if that helps him settle in.

[ceperez]

:lol at the fanboy comment.

You're the one with the multiple threads started to hype and promote Haislip. Shall I post the links?

Try to find one post where I hype Bogans or advocate his advancement in the rotation. You won't have any success.

In case you haven't figured it out yet. I bring up Haislip every time you take a shot at Bogans to highlight your hypocrisy. If you want to label the Bogans signing a mistake, then include the Haislip signing as one as well. If you say it's early for Haislip, then it's also early for Bogans. Pick one or the other.

As expected, a typical non committal comment by you. Always a safe answer to sit on the fence.

I don't think Bogans based on his attributes and position (not necessarily his lack of output) should be in the roster.

I believe Haislip based on his attributes and position (not necessarily his lack of output) should be in the roster.

That simple. So if I highlight Bogans flaws, then that's because I don't think he should be playing.

I also think Hairston is more valuable to the Spurs as compared to Bogans.

Unfortunately, just as long as Bogans is in uniform, we aren't going to see any action from these two more athletic players.

[EricB]

Well RJ is new to the team. So far only 3 players have earned the right to be guaranteed starters....Duncan, Parker, Manu. Everyone else simply gets the opportunity to start when Pop sees fit. Since Manu has accepted the bench role, that opens the door for another starting spot.

Just because RJ has been a starter on other teams, we traded 3 players for him, and he is making like 14 million this season, doesn't mean he should be handed a starting spot.

He has struggled during the preseason and now in the first two games. Let him come off the bench with Manu's unit and see if that helps him settle in.

So disrupt his routine, demote a guy you brought in to be the third option of offense during the start of games.

Good thing your not the coach.

[Interrohater]

Well RJ is new to the team. So far only 3 players have earned the right to be guaranteed starters....Duncan, Parker, Manu. Everyone else simply gets the opportunity to start when Pop sees fit. Since Manu has accepted the bench role, that opens the door for another starting spot.

Just because RJ has been a starter on other teams, we traded 3 players for him, and he is making like 14 million this season, doesn't mean he should be handed a starting spot.

He has struggled during the preseason and now in the first two games. Let him come off the bench with Manu's unit and see if that helps him settle in.

Come on man, I see your point, but seriously. RJ has proven himself to be a starter. Maybe not inside this Spurs system, but we ALL know that it's only a matter of time. I'm a big supporter of Malik, but to expect him to outplay Richard Jefferson is just silly. Yes, in the short run he may, but once RJ gets adjusted, it'll be a completely different story.

Then, you bring RJ off the bench, and now you're not giving him enough playing time with the starters in order to become more comfortable with the system, so you're substituting wins now, for wins later.

I want Malik in the game too, but let's be a little more optimistic about RJ's progression. Malik's role should be coming off the bench.

[Mel_13]

As expected, a typical non committal comment by you. Always a safe answer to sit on the fence.

I don't think Bogans based on his attributes and position (not necessarily his lack of output) should be in the roster.

I believe Haislip based on his attributes and position (not necessarily his lack of output) should be in the roster.

That simple. So if I highlight Bogans flaws, then that's because I don't think he should be playing.

I also think Hairston is more valuable to the Spurs as compared to Bogans.

Unfortunately, just as long as Bogans is in uniform, we aren't going to see any action from these two more athletic players.

:lol

I'll make it as simple as possible for you.

My opinions on the two players in question:

Haislip has never exhibited an NBA skill set. He's been a pro for seven years and he has zero record to support the notion that he will develop those skills at age 28. His signing represents a longshot bet that is unlikely to pay off.

Bogans has an NBA resume as a rotation player on some very good defensive teams. That accounts for the decision to sign him. As boring as a decision to buy insurance.

In my perfect world, the Spurs would have never signed either player, Haislip is completely useless and Bogans blocks Malik's path.

They are, however, both on the roster. I hope Bogans joins Haislip in a suit behind the bench.

[jjktkk]

LMFAO @ the pop-pole smokers in this thread.

I gaurantee if Bowen was still around and Pop was starting him and Finley together at the wings they'd be praising it as another great decision by Pop.

:lol

:rolleyesYea that stupid, future hall of fame coach, doesn't have a clue when it comes to putting a team together. I mean its 2 games into the season already and he still doesn't have the right rotation down. Why isn't Hairston, Haslip, and Mahimni starting? Man Pop is stupid.

[Biggems]

Come on man, I see your point, but seriously. RJ has proven himself to be a starter. Maybe not inside this Spurs system, but we ALL know that it's only a matter of time. I'm a big supporter of Malik, but to expect him to outplay Richard Jefferson is just silly. Yes, in the short run he may, but once RJ gets adjusted, it'll be a completely different story.

Then, you bring RJ off the bench, and now you're not giving him enough playing time with the starters in order to become more comfortable with the system, so you're substituting wins now, for wins later.

I want Malik in the game too, but let's be a little more optimistic about RJ's progression. Malik's role should be coming off the bench.

I never said to put Malik over RJ. Where did you get that in any of my posts. I put Malik over Bogans on the active Roster. I put Malik at #11 on the roster. I am merely benching RJ and putting him on the same unit with Manu, Hill, Blair, and McDyess.

My starters are Bonner, Duncan, Finley, Mason, and Parker

[Spursfan 87]

Just becuase Bogans is a "good" defensive player does not means he fits in the spurs system, activate Hairston he is a better fit and a better player.

Also this team should be running a lot more, the personnel is for a running team, RJ,TP. Hill, manu, Mason, Blair. That's why RJ is struggling he's used to have a lot of easy buckets in transition.

[DPG21920]

Pop has in his hands arguably the deepest team he ever had. It will take him a lot of time before find the right combination.

And before giving some playing time to Hairston, Pop will first give a try to Bogans who is also in the doghouse for the moment.

Bruno is right here. Bogans is still getting the benefit of the doubt here because of his resume. He is new to the team and the Spurs probably want to give him some time to learn the system, then they will see how he does in it.

If he continues to play poorly, then I can see Malik being activated and he will get his shot. But for now, it is easy to see why it is Bogans over Malik.

[The Truth #6]

We all know Pop is a legendary coach, however criticizing his over-indulgence with Finley is accurate. He would be an even better coach if he didn't continue to experiment with Finley in a way that has proven to be unsuccessful.

Small ball with Finley at the 4 will almost always fail. The advantage of going small is that you put a smaller, more athletic team on the court. Going small with an aging, slower player is the worst of both worlds as you become both slower and smaller.

I had always joked that smallball was just an intellectual concept to get more minutes to Finley. After watching the second of the Bulls game, I began to wonder if this was actually the case.

It was only one game so the team as a whole will respond much better with more rest. As the new guys improve I would hope that they take a greater share of the minutes and responsibilities. Besides, assuming Finley is an asset for the playoffs for crunchtime moments where his maturity does become valuable, there's no reason to overplay him throughout the season. That isn't logical either. We'll see how this all plays out.

[Muser]

"Put RJ on the bench"


...:lmao

[Interrohater]

I never said to put Malik over RJ. Where did you get that in any of my posts. I put Malik over Bogans on the active Roster. I put Malik at #11 on the roster. I am merely benching RJ and putting him on the same unit with Manu, Hill, Blair, and McDyess.

My starters are Bonner, Duncan, Finley, Mason, and Parker

:toast misunderstanding on my part then. While I don't agree we should bench RJ, that's a decent lineup to start the game.

[ceperez]

Bruno is right here. Bogans is still getting the benefit of the doubt here because of his resume. He is new to the team and the Spurs probably want to give him some time to learn the system, then they will see how he does in it.

If he continues to play poorly, then I can see Malik being activated and he will get his shot. But for now, it is easy to see why it is Bogans over Malik.

That's a bum deal for Hairston.

So it's no all up to Bogans to show that he can defend and shoot. Doesn't matter what Hairston does because he's sitting behind the bench in a suit.

I mean, if Hairston performed as badly as Bogans in the Hornets game he would have been summarily waived. Did you see that airball or that missed assignment that gave Peja a wide open shot. The guy couldn't even stay in the court for a full minute before being pulled by Pop.

[HarlemHeat37]

The OP makes no sense here..

If you want Hairston to play, that means you're in favor of defense, rebounding, and athleticism..so the OP's idea is to bench Jefferson, our best perimeter defender so far this season, in favor of playing both Finley AND Mason at the same time, 2 guys that don't fit that bill in any way..

[FvckMavs]

Now that Hairston isn't cut before 11/3, does that mean Spurs will not likely cut him before the end of the year?

[DPG21920]

He might have been cut, but we might not have heard about it yet.

[benefactor]

I doubt it. Keeping him after the preseason and then putting him behind the bench for a couple of games then cutting him doesn't make much sense.

[HarlemHeat37]

I've been worried about this day, let's see what happens..

If he survives it, I'd be surprised if he doesn't get some minutes to show what he's got at some point..

[Blackjack]

I doubt it. Keeping him after the preseason and then putting him behind the bench for a couple of games then cutting him doesn't make much sense.

That's pretty much the way I felt when learning about the Nov. 3rd date.

If you're unsure about him, you play him up until the 3rd to make your decision; the fact that he was behind the bench leads me to believe they've already made up their mind about him and that Bogans is getting the opportunity to fail or succeed before Pop and the Spurs decide to go with the lesser experienced Hairston.

Keith's veteran-ness has to be the only thing preventing Pop from going with Malik right from the jump..

[HarlemHeat37]

I gotta pull out the dictionary to look up veteran-ness LOL..

[Blackjack]

I've found that the -ness is a rather useful tool when you're a southern sonbitch.:hat