All aboard the Theo Ratliff bandwagon

[ElNono]

Dude still has gas in the tank.

He was a pimp tonight... :king

[easy7]

This might be too early but he did play good tonight. :toast

[ducks]

4 blocks
one monster motherfucker

[z0sa]

The end of the playoffs are a long, long ways away.

He is off to a good start. That was a monster block!

[DAF86]

He's exactly what we're missing: a shot blocker. Too bad he isn't able to play more than 20 minutes per game.

[VivaPopovich]

I'm not really sure about it being a bandwagon

Unless you have a very narrow following of basketball, Theo has been a shotblocker and rebounder for several years now, even at his old age. It was when he got traded to Detroit a few years back that he slipped under the radar

[VivaPopovich]

DA is that girl on the right of legal age?

[Muser]

He's exactly what we're missing: a shot blocker. Too bad he isn't able to play more than 20 minutes per game.

20 Minutes will do nicely, cut Bonners tim down and give those minutes to theo.

[Agloco]

This might be too early but he did play good tonight. :toast

Most people around here aren't familiar with his body of work. He's actually one of the best shot-blockers the league has ever seen.

But you also saw some of the problems that pop up when he helps.

[mVp]

That last block at the end of the game was awesome.

[DAF86]

DA is that girl on the right of legal age?

I don't know and I don't care. :D

[loveforthegame]

He's looked great so far. His shot blocking will be huge. If he can stay healthy and play limited minutes during the season he's going to be an asset for the Spurs.

[Bender]

video of the monster block...? I had to go pick up my kid from a halloween party, and when I came back you all were raving about his monster block...

[TIMMYD!]

it was badass

[silverblackfan]

Theo was pretty good at protecting the basket, but he also caused a few turnovers with moving screens. Hopefully that will get better. He also had a goal tending play, but that and the other blocks will effect how other teams take it to the basket.
Nice option to have on the bench.

[Danny.Zhu]

Just one game fella.

[cherylsteele]

I've said it before

I think Theo Ratliff is the new version of Kevin Willis....not a bad thing either.

[Interrohater]

I've said it before

I think Theo Ratliff is the new version of Kevin Willis....not a bad thing either.

:lol Kevin Willis had Elbands! Elbow to hands, no forearms to speak of.

[duncan228]

Look at the arms. :wow

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/13/fullj.17e94fa9eb1ad7f4cefa0983371c14e4/17e94fa9eb1ad7f4cefa0983371c14e4-getty-90040715ce001_kings_spurs.jpg

[Capt Bringdown]

I think he's a good pickup, but to be fair garbage-time minutes against a scrub team. Let's see what he's got left against a good team, that's a better indication IMO.

[cherylsteele]

:lol Kevin Willis had Elbands! Elbow to hands, no forearms to speak of.
I was referring ti his cintribution, not his physique.

[HarlemHeat37]

I'm expecting good things from Ratliff, he's still got plenty left in the tank, he just has to have the right situation..Pop will know how to control his minutes to save him for later on in the season..we have enough depth to ensure that Ratliff doesn't have to play too much when it's unnecessary..

I'd like to see him play some minutes with the main rotation players at times though, it always helps to have a shot blocker when we need some D or a spark..

[bugoy]

He's exactly what we're missing: a shot blocker. Too bad he isn't able to play more than 20 minutes per game.
id be suprised to see him play more than 15 consistently

[Cant_Be_Faded]

LOL @ spurfan making thread about theo being good at blocks

[ceperez]

id be suprised to see him play more than 15 consistently

Agree. Likely he should be save for the playoffs just like we did for Horry.

[Bruno]

It's all about the playoffs and Spurs have two options with Ratliff:

First option is to have him as en emergency player. Aside of garbage time, he woudl get minutes only in case of foul troubles, injury or if a post player start to dominate the game.

Second option is as Duncan's backup. Duncan should play about 36mpg in the playoffs. Ratliff could play the remaining 12mpg. It will give Spurs a shotblocking presence for the whole game.

Right now, I rather see Spurs taking the second option.

[TIMMYD!]

Is his block on youtube?

[EmptyMan]

Better pair him with a post who can score.

[Baseline]

It's all about the playoffs and Spurs have two options with Ratliff:

First option is to have him as en emergency player. Aside of garbage time, he woudl get minutes only in case of foul troubles, injury or if a post player start to dominate the game.

Second option is as Duncan's backup. Duncan should play about 36mpg in the playoffs. Ratliff could play the remaining 12mpg. It will give Spurs a shotblocking presence for the whole game.

Right now, I rather see Spurs taking the second option.

Totally agree.

We didn't want to admit it the last 2-3 years, but when Tim is not in the game, no team in the league thought twice about taking it to the rim against us. Guys like Oberto and Kurt Thomas were decent-to-good post defenders, but no big other than Tim could block a shot. Ratliff is exactly what we needed.

[SA210]

Throw him in the starting lineup and see what happens damnit!

[picnroll]

Nice game but I'd rather see the Spurs feeding Blair in the post than Ratliff when their on the floor together.

[symple19]

Glad to see Theo start making a contribution. Love the deep bench!

[thOOdee]

why the hell is bonner starting when we have dice and theo.......i know it was against scrubs... but can the spurs get back to being defensive minded. Is bonner that important in the offense?

[Stringer_Bell]

I'm liking what I've seen some Ratliff, he's not nearly as slow as I thought he would be. Still early, but I'm liking the idea of him going in to protect the rim and play good ALERT minutes while Tim is on the bench. Good work Ratliff!

We have a lot of good options, we just need to stop "living and dying by the 3" and we'll keep every game winnable.

[SenorSpur]

I've always appreciated Ratliff for his shotblocking abilities. Many probably think of him as a 7-footer, but he's not. He's closer to 6'10", which makes his career exploits even more impressive.

He was a good pickup for the Spurs and that close-out block was big-time. However, I'll be more impressed when he plays a full season in the same contributing role, and gives the same type of playoff production for the Spurs.

[Spursfan092120]

Look at the arms. :wow

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/13/fullj.17e94fa9eb1ad7f4cefa0983371c14e4/17e94fa9eb1ad7f4cefa0983371c14e4-getty-90040715ce001_kings_spurs.jpg
I'm going to go on record and say ahead of time that I'm NOT comparing the two..but the only guy I've seen in the league with arms like that was this guy...
http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/David-Robinson-Photograph-C12551808.jpeg

[Dex]

Kevin Willis 2003 = Theo Ratliff 2010? :stirpot:

[Mavs<Spurs]

why the hell is bonner starting when we have dice and theo.......i know it was against scrubs... but can the spurs get back to being defensive minded. Is bonner that important in the offense?

I totally agree with you.

The only argument that I have heard is that Bonner opens up the paint for Tim and Tony and Manu because he must be guarded from 3.

However, his defensive liabilities and lack of rebounding are far too costly for that benefit, imo.

[ElNono]

It's all about the playoffs and Spurs have two options with Ratliff:

First option is to have him as en emergency player. Aside of garbage time, he woudl get minutes only in case of foul troubles, injury or if a post player start to dominate the game.

Second option is as Duncan's backup. Duncan should play about 36mpg in the playoffs. Ratliff could play the remaining 12mpg. It will give Spurs a shotblocking presence for the whole game.

Right now, I rather see Spurs taking the second option.

I disagree. I'd like to see him paired up with Duncan for stretches basically locking down the paint. Especially against teams like the Lakers who have 2 or 3 bigs that all can score in the paint.
That's old school Spurs defense, and something I'd love to see coming back progressively. We have enough firepower with TP, Manu, RJ and TD to make up for his lack of offense.

[kace]

It's all about the playoffs and Spurs have two options with Ratliff:

First option is to have him as en emergency player. Aside of garbage time, he woudl get minutes only in case of foul troubles, injury or if a post player start to dominate the game.

Second option is as Duncan's backup. Duncan should play about 36mpg in the playoffs. Ratliff could play the remaining 12mpg. It will give Spurs a shotblocking presence for the whole game.

Right now, I rather see Spurs taking the second option.


that would let Dice, Blair and Bonner sharing the 48 others minutes for a big, maybe even less if we do a little of smallball. so, an average of 15-16 minutes for each one. not a lot.

Unless one of the five big is let only for garbage time in the PO.

but we could very well have 4 bigs sharing the minutes remaining beside Tim's 36 mpg. not a very usual big rotation though.

with tim at 36 mpg and dice at 30 mpg, not a lot of minutes either for the three others (average of 10 mpg). a lot of possibilities here.

[Bruno]

that would let Dice, Blair and Bonner sharing the 48 others minutes for a big, maybe even less if we do a little of smallball. so, an average of 15-16 minutes for each one. not a lot.


McDyess would play 28-30mpg and the better between Bonner and Blair would get 18-20mpg.

[kace]

McDyess would play 28-30mpg and the better between Bonner and Blair would get 18-20mpg.

the difficulty is that every player has his own ability.

Blair can rebound, Ratliff can block, Bonner can shoot the 3. i can imagine the PT being supplied according the matchup.

[Livedraz]

Still looking at the 4th block of the night ?

Ckeck it out :

SQhXa_69jMU
(Way better quality on youtube ;) )

[quentin_compson]

Nice, Theo. :tu

[SamoanTD]

Dats wat u call gettin the.............BUISNESS!!!

[Flux451]

why the hell is bonner starting when we have dice and theo.......i know it was against scrubs... but can the spurs get back to being defensive minded. Is bonner that important in the offense?

Bonner knows the system.

[Flux451]

So sick! I came back from treating with kids and that was the last thing I saw. Whoooowhat!

[Cant_Be_Faded]

What is with the Kevin Willis comparisons? They are nothing alike except maybe just that role of "enforcer" which is just a label, really. Willis was a black hole, never blocked a shot in his career, had limbs for arms, and Theo is a shotblocking big.

[LOL@MavsFan]

:nopeDude still has gas in the tank.

He was a pimp tonight... :king


If I hear that sport's cliche one more time I'll scream Judas Priest style

[cherylsteele]

Kevin Willis 2003 = Theo Ratliff 2010? :stirpot:I elided to that on page one but was told no because of Willis' shorter arm, Sean used to call him T-Rex.

But the roles are similar.

[raspsa]

Blocking shots requires timing so Theo has to get his minutes.. If he's having a good game, keep him in as long as he can keep up and isn't becoming a liability.. this really lessens the load on Timmy and Dice.

[Manufan909]

Ha, after the block, does Blair get credited for a rebound? :downspin:

[FkLA]

He's a former DPOY and had one of the highest blocks per 48 minutes last year. I dont see why anyone is surprised, if given minutes the man can produce. You dont want to give him too many too early though cause his body will break down and he wont be there when it matters.

[Livedraz]

Ha, after the block, does Blair get credited for a rebound? :downspin:

No rebound for Blair.
G. Hill get credited for this rebound :

Hawes Dunk Shot: Missed Block: Ratliff (4 BLK) 00:07.9
Hill Rebound (Off:3 Def:2) 00:05.7

[Manufan909]

No rebound for Blair.
G. Hill get credited for this rebound :

Hawes Dunk Shot: Missed Block: Ratliff (4 BLK) 00:07.9
Hill Rebound (Off:3 Def:2) 00:05.7

Cool, thanks.

And if Pop is supposedly going to make sure Theo is going to be available for the POs, why is he playing Theo 24 minutes in a blowout? Give Blair and RJ more time at the 4/5. Or activate Ian is Dyess is feeling sick. But I guess he felt sick too late.:depressed

[Dingle Barry]

Willis ... had limbs for arms:wow

[Mel_13]

Ratliff's performance was encouraging. While it is unrealistic to count on him for rotation minutes for the long regular season, the playoffs are another matter. Pop will try to limit minutes for TD, Dice, and Ratliff so that they are healthy and fresh in April. Destroying inferior teams is a big part of that. It wasn't too long ago that Tim, Tony, and Manu routinely were watching 4th quarters from the bench. Last year, too many games against inferior opponents required maximum effort until the end of the game.

So if the key players are in good shape come April, the playoff schedule with no B2Bs, more off days and less travel, allows Ratliff to become the 4th big as the minutes for the top 3 in the rotation increase. A playoff rotation of Duncan, Dice, Blair, and Ratliff can work. Bonner then becomes the 5th big and is only used in special situations or in case of foul trouble.

Barring a trade for a better big, Ratliff as the 4th big for the playoffs is probably the best possible solution.

[ElNono]

Barring a trade for a better big, Ratliff as the 4th big for the playoffs is probably the best possible solution.

What would your ideal bigs rotation for the playoffs be?

[Mel_13]

What would your ideal bigs rotation for the playoffs be?

In terms of minutes, something like:

Duncan 38
Dice 30
Blair 18
Ratliff 10

I'd start and finish with Duncan and Dice. I wouldn't expect to see Tim and Theo on the court together very much, although against LA they might have to if Blair can't guard any of the Laker bigs. Same could be said about Denver and Portland. Outside of health, Blair's level of development into a reliable defender is a critical variable.

[ElNono]

In terms of minutes, something like:

Duncan 38
Dice 30
Blair 18
Ratliff 10

I'd start and finish with Duncan and Dice. I wouldn't expect to see Tim and Theo on the court together very much, although against LA they might have to if Blair can't guard any of the Laker bigs. Same could be said about Denver and Portland. Outside of health, Blair's level of development into a reliable defender is a critical variable.

Well, we do agree on that rotation... :toast

[Agloco]

Cool, thanks.

And if Pop is supposedly going to make sure Theo is going to be available for the POs, why is he playing Theo 24 minutes in a blowout? Give Blair and RJ more time at the 4/5. Or activate Ian is Dyess is feeling sick. But I guess he felt sick too late.:depressed

It's a good time to get Theo some touches. It's not like hes going to be out there anywhere near that long once McDyess gets back.

[Agloco]

Ratliff's performance was encouraging. While it is unrealistic to count on him for rotation minutes for the long regular season, the playoffs are another matter. Pop will try to limit minutes for TD, Dice, and Ratliff so that they are healthy and fresh in April. Destroying inferior teams is a big part of that. It wasn't too long ago that Tim, Tony, and Manu routinely were watching 4th quarters from the bench. Last year, too many games against inferior opponents required maximum effort until the end of the game.

So if the key players are in good shape come April, the playoff schedule with no B2Bs, more off days and less travel, allows Ratliff to become the 4th big as the minutes for the top 3 in the rotation increase. A playoff rotation of Duncan, Dice, Blair, and Ratliff can work. Bonner then becomes the 5th big and is only used in special situations or in case of foul trouble.

Barring a trade for a better big, Ratliff as the 4th big for the playoffs is probably the best possible solution.

Good observation. I was telling a few of my friends the exact same thing right before the playoffs last year. It's also another reason why point diff is king among statistical indicators of success in the post season.

[ElNono]

And if Pop is supposedly going to make sure Theo is going to be available for the POs, why is he playing Theo 24 minutes in a blowout?

You have to balance 'keeping fresh' with getting to know the system and teammates. Players do need minutes to get acquainted with one another.
I wouldn't mind making Theo a 15 minute rotation guy off the bench really.
I think he could do that, sit B2B games and still be pretty fresh for the PO.

[sananspursfan21]

i'm on. 15 points from a guy who's not supposed to have any kind of offensive game, i did a quadruple take when i saw the stats.

[Mel_13]

i'm on. 15 points from a guy who's not supposed to have any kind of offensive game, i did a quadruple take when i saw the stats.

Theo scored 3 points.

[Manufan909]

i'm on. 15 points from a guy who's not supposed to have any kind of offensive game, i did a quadruple take when i saw the stats.

He was 1-5, the person who wrote that shit must've been high to get 15 from 1-5. No Spur even scored 15, did they?

And I know Theo needs to get to know the system, but more than 20 minutes is too much imo, especially hearing what everyone here has said of his past health-wise.

[quentin_compson]

They probably confused him with Hill, who actually did score 15:

http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=291031024

[SouthTexasRancher]

Theo is a keeper!!!