Eff Pop

[SuperManu!!!]

Benching manu with 6 minutes to go.....:bang

[8FOR!3]

Manu was tired, he sat him a minute. He's not gonna be much help if he's gassed.

[mavsfan1000]

Should've played Manu 48 minutes. :lol Can't wait to play you guys in first round.

[SuperManu!!!]

And 2 minutes is going to make that difference?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Pop is an idiot for not playing Hairston and not playing McDyess nearly enough.

A crunch time game and we get Bonner and Mason out there.

Fuck Pop

[DJ Mbenga]

And 2 minutes is going to make that difference?

have you played basketball before?

[Spurs Brazil]

Pop is an idiot for not playing Hairston and not playing McDyess nearly enough.

A crunch time game and we get Bonner and Mason out there.

Fuck Pop

Agree with Malik but Dice is DONE

Bonner>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Dice

[timtonymanu]

Pop's rotations have been shit since LA beat the Spurs in 08.

[anakha]

And 2 minutes is going to make that difference?

:bang

[SuperManu!!!]

I do, and 2 minutes are nothing if you really put your heart in the game. And oh coincidence, manu goes out and lakers got a 10-2 run

[leemajors]

pop didn't shoot under 40%

[SuperManu!!!]

Mason and Bonner on final minutes.....it's all said

[HarlemHeat37]

His strategy of doubling Kobe was bad IMO, but the Spurs always fear Kobe and the rest of the Lakers..

[8FOR!3]

Fuck Rap

[underdawg]

Pop is an idiot for not playing Hairston and not playing McDyess nearly enough.

A crunch time game and we get Bonner and Mason out there.

Fuck Pop

no, we get Bonner, Mason and Bogans - it's the Bowel Movement Bonanza special served up by the infallible Popovich. At what point does it dawn on Pop that he has other options - really? Manu's is keeping this team in games almost by himself (G. Hill) and Pop is wasting that effort every time we play a good team.

[itzsoweezee]

Bonner>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Dice

nope

[Kool Bob Love]

http://i40.tinypic.com/34y3gcn.jpg

[DesignatedT]

:lol

pop put this team in every position to win, just like he has many times already this season

[underdawg]

and I'm tired of people defending Bonner. Ask yourself this - what contending team would Bonner get this many minutes with? Bogans and Mason fall into the same category just as easily, but there are less that defend those two.

[Man In Black]

That vid was the reaction to the missed 3 by Mason on a set play off time-out run perfectly by Manu. Everything but the make.

I could tell that RMJ was mad at the end of the game, but being mad ain't enough. You have to make something of it.

[underdawg]

:lol

pop put this team in every position to win, just like he has many times already this season

and what did he do to acomplish that? give the ball to Manu and say please win the game for me because I've lost the capacity to run this team.

[lcroock]

The Rockets, after winning 2 titles with Rudy T, knew it was time for him to go when they did. Holt & Co must get their heads out of the sand and realize that Pop is not making logical decisions and hasn't been the last 2 years. Playing Blair and Bonner together, especially vs LA, is waiving the white flag. I would personally not stand for that if I was Holt and I was paying Pop $5M+ annually. We're no longer a contender and for Ian to not even get a chance when our frontcourt sucks ass is sad. Taking out your best player when the game is on the line is suicide. Pop has no f..in clue about rotations. Period.

[DesignatedT]

and what did he do to acomplish that? give the ball to Manu and say please win the game for me because I've lost the capacity to run this team.

what would you do?

[Baseline]

Think we could've used Ratliff tonight, Pop? What a total idiot.

The Lakers are the reason we signed Ratliff. He would match up very well against Gasol. Why do you think Timmy was gassed? Because he had to guard the best center in the league all night - by himself - plus get every rebound - by himself - plus be the only rim protector - by himself.

Pop traded away the only real help Timmy was going to have.

[Stringer_Bell]

My favorite scene from tonight's comedy was when Pop took a timeout and left Mason/Bonner in after we had a 5 minute scoring drought. Way to manage your team and not handicap them, Pop! But it's cool, I totally get not paying "unproven" players like Hairston...it's better to play proven suckers than a proven nothing!

It's not the Spurs fault, I still believe this is a good team it's just been managed into the ground. It's like Pop handicaps the team to see how much bullshit they can take and still get a win, then come playoffs he'll do the right thing every time and everything will be easier without the handicaps. YES? :downspin:

[CFH]

http://i40.tinypic.com/34y3gcn.jpg

:lol Thanks, wanted a gif of this.

[Shastafarian]

He played Mason and Centerpiece a combined 39 minutes :lmao

[CFH]

Honestly, what does it take for Hairston to get minutes?!?!

[slayermin]

It's not Pop's fault that Mason and Bonner missed open looks all night. Manu and Georgie burned up everything they had in the tank the first 28 minutes or so of the game. RJ with two huge turnovers to start the 2nd half. Pau knows what TD is gonna do before TD does. I mean, damn. Pau has owned TD the last two games.

[it's me]

He played Mason and Centerpiece a combined 41 minutes :lmao

so ... we've got the Centerpiece and we put Manu, Mason and Hill (I won't count RJ since he didn't try) on Kobe?????? where's Bruce :depressed

[Shastafarian]

It's not Pop's fault that Mason and Bonner missed open looks all night.

It is his fault he continues to play them. Bonner I'm ok with 10-15 minutes a night. Mason should be getting less than 5. Bogans should be in a suit.

[underdawg]

what would you do?

are you asking me that question because you believe I think I'm as qualified as a professional coach or you don't have the ability to see the error of Pop's coaching?

I'll humor you though -

-maybe you don't wait until 1:30 in the first half to get Manu in
-maybe you don't give as much time to players such as Bonner, Mason and Bogans that continue to struggle. Where was McDyess, where was Blair, where was Hairston?
-maybe we don't take so many 3's; Jefferson wasn't playing great, but he wasn't playing bad - we could have used more of him driving to the basket

[Shastafarian]

so ... we've got the Centerpiece and we put Manu, Mason and Hill (I won't count RJ since he didn't try) on Kobe?????? where's Bruce :depressed

It was actually *only* 39 minutes. I was looking at Bonner's boxscore. But to answer your question, he put centerpiece on Kobe as well. Didn't do any good. Hairston has shown he guards Kobe as well as one can hope. But Pop will never play him.

[etbluffer]

I have supported Pop, through thick and thin. Never would i ever disagree with the HC. But now? It's time to bring in Avery!

[underdawg]

Honestly, what does it take for Hairston to get minutes?!?!

he needs a situation like Hill's in the playoffs - needs an injury or two

Pop was right about Hill in the playoffs last year and he was vindicated tonight; Hill disappeared in the 2nd half because of his youth and inexperience. If Pop didn't play him tonight, he would have had to deal with that.

[ace3g]

this is what I hate about most coaches, especially Pop, it shouldn't be hard to notice when a player or players isn't hitting their shots only takes about a sample size of 3-4 shots to know after that you bench that player for another on the rotation.

Hairston would have made a big difference tonight because he knows his limitations and attacks the basket and rebounds.

You can't play BMB together at the same time for more then 2 minutes or you're screwed.

My only hope is that in the playoffs Pop will play a 8 man rotation of Parker, Manu, Hill, RJ, Tim, Dice, Blair , Bonner and then Mason, Bogans, Hairston if the game is out of reach or a blowout in your favor

[Spursox]

Its not Pop's fault. Manu was tired, he had just clanked two shots. It's our sorry ass bench players who can't make a damn shot, while letting our main guy get some rest..

[SenorSpur]

I feel bad for Duncan. He deserves better than what he's getting.

[Shastafarian]

Its not Pop's fault. Manu was tired, he had just clanked two shots. It's our sorry ass bench players who can't make a damn shot, while letting our main guy get some rest..

Who do you think makes the rotations with the bench players who suck? I'm not saying Hairston or Ian would be "saviors" but they sure as shit couldn't be worse. At least they hustle.

[underdawg]

I feel bad for Duncan. He deserves better than what he's getting.

you should feel bad for Manu - his effort is being completely wasted by incompetence (players and coach)

laker fans always reject the notion that a healthy Manu in 08 would have probably changed the outcome of that series, but I think that debate has legs now with the way Manu's been playing recently.

[santymrc]

Its not Pop's fault. Manu was tired, he had just clanked two shots. It's our sorry ass bench players who can't make a damn shot, while letting our main guy get some rest..

What do you think that Coaches do? Coaching.
If Manu's out, he has to find the propper guys to do the job without him, ITS HIS JOB TO DO THAT. But, he chooses to put the wrong guys, THE ENTIRE F... SEASON. Mason and Bogans can't do SHIT without Manu (or with). Hairston and Mahinmi deserves A F... CHANCE TO PROVE HIM WRONG.

This game was lost when Manu sits for less than 2 min. and we get blown away 10-2. He re-enters the game 12 points behind and immediately makes a 3 point play. WTTTTTTTTFFFFFFFFFFF is Pop thinking!?!?!?

[underdawg]

Who do you think makes the rotations with the bench players who suck? I'm not saying Hairston or Ian would be "saviors" but they sure as shit couldn't be worse. At least they hustle.

more than hustle, they would bring defense - that's what is so frustrating about the Bowel Movement Bonanza that we get to see thrown out there in these close games. There's little offense to go with an alarming lack of defense. I could have sworn the Spurs used to focus on defense, but I guess that's not as important any more because we can shoot the 3 to spread the floor for Timmy.

[ffadicted]

have you played basketball before?

this

[Shastafarian]

I could have sworn the Spurs used to focus on defense, but I guess that's not as important any more because we can shoot the 3 to spread the floor for Timmy.

Gotta spread the floor!!!! Shooting 29% from three just proves it!

[santymrc]

you should feel bad for Manu - his effort is being completely wasted by incompetence (players and coach)

laker fans always reject the notion that a healthy Manu in 08 would have probably changed the outcome of that series, but I think that debate has legs now with the way Manu's been playing recently.

"IFS" dont get it done. Its ancient history, let it go.

Manu looked MAD at all his team when he was leaving the court. I wish i could hear what he have to say to his teammates in the locker room.

[ElNono]

Look at Phil Jackson... After Fish was getting torched by Hill in the first half, he rolled out Farmar in the second and it worked great. He didn't care that Fish is the vet and Farmar the kiddo. Sometimes you have to recognize players being in a slump or having a bad night and try something else. Pop was actually playing Hairston in front of Mason but one mistake in one offensive possesion and Malik is in the doghouse. Ridiculous.

[Rito3d30]

Hope he has given up Roger
and give his mins to Malik

[CFH]

he needs a situation like Hill's in the playoffs - needs an injury or two

Pop was right about Hill in the playoffs last year and he was vindicated tonight; Hill disappeared in the 2nd half because of his youth and inexperience. If Pop didn't play him tonight, he would have had to deal with that.

It just doesn't make sense to me. Mason bricked 3 after 3 tonight and I don't think his defense made much of a difference either. I don't understand Pop but I guess none of us really do. You'd think Hairston would get a few minutes after all; he works his ass off out there and it shows. I guess Pop leaves Mason out there hoping he'll get hot eventually. Unfortunately, it rarely happens. :depressed

[underdawg]

"IFS" dont get it done. Its ancient history, let it go.

Manu looked MAD at all his team when he was leaving the court. I wish i could hear what he have to say to his teammates in the locker room.

No, I agree with you the past is past but I see Manu's recent effort and success and lament that it wasn't available in 08 when the lakers were much weaker than they are now.

At the beginning of the season, we thought a healthy big 3 and the added firepower of Jefferson would make us contenders and it should have on paper. But, that's not where we're at right now and the added bonus of Pop giving playing time to players that don't deserve it just makes it that more depressing.

[Manu-of-steel]

Look at Phil Jackson... After Fish was getting torched by Hill in the first half, he rolled out Farmar in the second and it worked great. He didn't care that Fish is the vet and Farmar the kiddo. Sometimes you have to recognize players being in a slump or having a bad night and try something else. Pop was actually playing Hairston in front of Mason but one mistake in one offensive possesion and Malik is in the doghouse. Ridiculous.

Agree. Hairston may have contributed more with his hustle in defense and rebounding. Although i hate the lakers, i respect phil jackson as a coach because he trusts and gives a chance to his players to contribute.

[santymrc]

Pop simply FAILED this season, as a coach and more (imho) as a GM.
Theo should be in a SA uniform.
Bogans shouldn't.
Mason shouldn't.
Bonner shouldn't (Scola should be around...)
Dice "maybe".
Ian never gets a break to show us if he's an NBA player.
Hairston Idem but not exactly, he's proven NBA material way over Bogans.
Manu didnt' got a contract extension two months ago (when he was a lock) and probably will never sign again with the Spurs if we don't show him we can contend in the near future.

He's failing hard.

[J_Paco]

Look at Phil Jackson... After Fish was getting torched by Hill in the first half, he rolled out Farmar in the second and it worked great. He didn't care that Fish is the vet and Farmar the kiddo. Sometimes you have to recognize players being in a slump or having a bad night and try something else. Pop was actually playing Hairston in front of Mason but one mistake in one offensive possesion and Malik is in the doghouse. Ridiculous.

This is the thing that separates Phil from Gregg. Shit, I'd even place Jerry Sloan in that category. Their (Phil and Jerry) both coaches that aren't afraid to give young players opportunities to perform without fear of being yanked. Maybe it's because they both played in the league? I just wish our head coach was as open to giving young players realistic chances to perform.

[Baseline]

Pop simply FAILED this season, as a coach and more (imho) as a GM.
Theo should be in a SA uniform.
Bogans shouldn't.
Mason shouldn't.
Bonner shouldn't (Scola should be around...)
Dice "maybe".
Ian never gets a break to show us if he's an NBA player.
Hairston Idem but not exactly, he's proven NBA material way over Bogans.
Manu didnt' got a contract extension two months ago (when he was a lock) and probably will never sign again with the Spurs if we don't show him we can contend in the near future.

He's failing hard.

Exactly. And most importantly, he's failing Tim and Manu - those two are our entire franchise. Parker is a nice piece, but he's nowhere near as important as Tim and Manu.

Tim hasn't had any help all year, and then Pop trades Ratliff, who is making a difference in Charlotte - And why? Because he's getting minutes that he couldn't get in San Antonio. All the more frustrating because all Tim needs is a dude next to him with a big body who can rebound and protect the rim. Folks, that's exaclty who Theo is. Yet Pop traded him.

It's all on Popovich.

And Manu is no idiot. I'm telling you, if Manu played with LeBron James, they would go 82-0 and sweep the playoffs for the next three years. I have no doubt in my mind about that. People don't realize it, but Manu ginobili has a much greater killer instinct that freaking K. Bryant will ever have. Manu can - and does - kill you in a thousand ways, on both ends of the court.

But if Manu stays with San Antonio...guess who the coach will be? The same guy who leaves Tim stranded on an island to fend for himself. The same guy who tells Tim, "And by the way, Tim, while you're manning the ship all by yourself, please don't get in foul trouble either, because then we're really dead."

[Manudo Flopo]

Suck ass spurts

[Manudo Flopo]

exactly. And most importantly, he's failing tim and manu - those two are our entire franchise. Parker is a nice piece, but he's nowhere near as important as tim and manu.

Tim hasn't had any help all year, and then pop trades ratliff, who is making a difference in charlotte - and why? Because he's getting minutes that he couldn't get in san antonio. All the more frustrating because all tim needs is a dude next to him with a big body who can rebound and protect the rim. Folks, that's exaclty who theo is. Yet pop traded him.

It's all on popovich.

And manu is no idiot. I'm telling you, if manu played with lebron james, they would go 82-0 and sweep the playoffs for the next three years. I have no doubt in my mind about that. People don't realize it, but manu ginobili has a much greater killer instinct that freaking k. Bryant will ever have. Manu can - and does - kill you in a thousand ways, on both ends of the court.

But if manu stays with san antonio...guess who the coach will be? The same guy who leaves tim stranded on an island to fend for himself. The same guy who tells tim, "and by the way, tim, while you're manning the ship all by yourself, please don't get in foul trouble either, because then we're really dead."
stfu you idiot

[santymrc]

Exactly. And most importantly, he's failing Tim and Manu - those two are our entire franchise. Parker is a nice piece, but he's nowhere near as important as Tim and Manu.

Tim hasn't had any help all year, and then Pop trades Ratliff, who is making a difference in Charlotte - And why? Because he's getting minutes that he couldn't get in San Antonio. All the more frustrating because all Tim needs is a dude next to him with a big body who can rebound and protect the rim. Folks, that's exaclty who Theo is. Yet Pop traded him.

It's all on Popovich.

And Manu is no idiot. I'm telling you, if Manu played with LeBron James, they would go 82-0 and sweep the playoffs for the next three years. I have no doubt in my mind about that. People don't realize it, but Manu ginobili has a much greater killer instinct that freaking K. Bryant will ever have. Manu can - and does - kill you in a thousand ways, on both ends of the court.

But if Manu stays with San Antonio...guess who the coach will be? The same guy who leaves Tim stranded on an island to fend for himself. The same guy who tells Tim, "And by the way, Tim, while you're manning the ship all by yourself, please don't get in foul trouble either, because then we're really dead."

Even when you were exaggerating a little bit I get your point and I agree.
I don't know what's gonna happen, but re-signing Manu is getting more and more unlikely. If i were him, right now, I wouldn't.

[Obstructed_View]

Keep running plays out of timeouts to get your team a shot 23-25 feet from the basket and you'll manage to lose no matter how much talent you've got. How many threes did they take? Was Dick Motta guest coaching tonight?

[santymrc]

Keep running plays out of timeouts to get your team a shot 23-25 feet from the basket and you'll manage to lose no matter how much talent you've got. How many threes did they take? Was Dick Motta guest coaching tonight?

In my world, it's called Matt Bonner's in da court. His BB IQ example:
I like turtle kid >>>> Forrest Gump >>>>>>>> Matt Bonner >>>> Bogans >>> Mason

[carina_gino20]

My question is, why did he put Manu on Kobe? I knew they wanted to play team defense on Kobe, but I just don't think it's smart to have your main playmaker guard Kobe Bryant. Gotta keep save his energy a bit, no? After all, the guy has been playing insane minutes lately.

It's times like these that I miss Bruce.

[picc84]

Look at Phil Jackson... After Fish was getting torched by Hill in the first half, he rolled out Farmar in the second and it worked great. He didn't care that Fish is the vet and Farmar the kiddo. Sometimes you have to recognize players being in a slump or having a bad night and try something else. Pop was actually playing Hairston in front of Mason but one mistake in one offensive possesion and Malik is in the doghouse. Ridiculous.

Thats the first time he's done that in 2 years though. Normally Fisher plays big minutes no matter how bad he plays or gets torched, and Farmar gets yanked the moment he does anything wrong, no matter how well he's playing. That has literally been the entire past 2 seasons.

There really isn't that much difference between the two coaches. Just personnel. They're both stubborn and illogically loyal to players.


This is the thing that separates Phil from Gregg. Shit, I'd even place Jerry Sloan in that category. Their (Phil and Jerry) both coaches that aren't afraid to give young players opportunities to perform without fear of being yanked. Maybe it's because they both played in the league? I just wish our head coach was as open to giving young players realistic chances to perform.

Not true at all.

Grass is always greener, fellas. Everything you complain about with Pop we complain about with Phil.

[Man In Black]

If Farmar was as awesome as some as you Spurs fans say he is than riddle me this...Why wasn't his contract picked up in the off-season? See, it's only because you follow just 1 team, you suffer from 1 game blindness. Since I live out here in Southern California, I'm forced to hear LAL radio and I see lots of LAL and LAC games as well.

In this game, Pop & Phil both asked the same out of their players and you know how Pop says that this game is about minimizing mistakes? Well, when it got down to it, The Spurs did not and they paid the price. Open 3 pointers to Shannon Brown off Keith Bogans, no hands up, and Kobe getting a very easy 3 off a RJ complete brain fart rotation which resulted in a teaching/yell at RJ timeout, started the Lakers momentum.

[HarlemHeat37]

Come on Man In Black..no hands up?..he's THE CENTERPIECE!!..he can play defense however the fuck he chooses to do so..

[santymrc]

I hate Bogans.
In fact, I'll post it in his loving parade thread wich resulted in a hate parade of course, right now.

[Man In Black]

Fuck the centerpiece, just because you're called that doesn't mean that that alone is going to scare the opposition into bad play. When Bruce was put out on an island, he relished the chance to play as physical a defense as possible. See, Bogans doesn't do that. He doesn't relish the chance, he says he does, but there is no way in hell, that a scrub like Brown gets off a 2nd 3 pointer uncontested with Bowen. So again, Pop is trying to put players in the right place...but they just don't execute with any reliable precision. While that might get a W against a short-handed GSW, against the LAL, you need to do it every-time, like it's the tide coming in. But you would think that this late in the game, that Bogans would know that. Perchance, that's why he's been on so many teams?

[ElNono]

If Farmar was as awesome as some as you Spurs fans say he is than riddle me this...Why wasn't his contract picked up in the off-season? See, it's only because you follow just 1 team, you suffer from 1 game blindness. Since I live out here in Southern California, I'm forced to hear LAL radio and I see lots of LAL and LAC games as well.

What's your point though? Manu is far out our best player right now and we still haven't offered an extension. And BTW, I'm not saying Farmar is awesome, he's just a better matchup against a quick guy like Hill than a washed up Fisher who was also having a bad game (getting frustrated and in foul trouble). Now, you riddle me this: How many more games you need to see that Mason and Bogans are complete and utter garbage? How many more minutes we need to give them to show you something they haven't shown in two seasons in one case, and a season in the other?

[ElNono]

Thats the first time he's done that in 2 years though. Normally Fisher plays big minutes no matter how bad he plays or gets torched, and Farmar gets yanked the moment he does anything wrong, no matter how well he's playing. That has literally been the entire past 2 seasons.

There really isn't that much difference between the two coaches. Just personnel. They're both stubborn and illogically loyal to players.

But he's not afraid to play them. I've watched my good share of Laker games this season, and I've seen enough minutes handed to Powell, Mbenga, Farmar, Vujacich, Brown... all young kids that had a chance to fight for a spot or two on the rotation. Morrison is the only human victory cigar. Everybody else, due to injuries to other players or otherwise, were handed a good dose of minutes here and there throughout the season, and now Jackson knows what he has on each.

[Whisky Dog]

pop didn't shoot under 40%

No, but he put guys who knowingly choke on command the minute a big game comes on the court and allowed them to jack up brick after brick. The world knows what Bonner and Mason will do when it's a tough battle and the chips are all in. Let's find out what the young guys like Hairston, Ian, and even Blair will do in these situations.

[KuntryDude]

Yeah, Pop has been quite the bitch coach these days. However, I have to lay a lot of the blame on our franchise player in Timmy D. I bet if he'd put a little fire under Pop's ass then we'd see positive changes. C'mon, he's the leader of this team and has to be the voice. Who else? Do you honestly think that Kobe, Lebron, KG, etc. would stand for these bullshit rotations? Lack of effort by these scrub teammates?

Put Kobe in a Spurs uniform....he'd bench Bonner, Bogans, & Mason himself. Trust.

[jermaine]

:lol

pop put this team in every position to win, just like he has many times already this season

By playin 6'7 Blair on Gasul when you got a young healthy Ian that we waited yrs 2 see sittin on da dam bench! STFU. He aint did shit but kill us all year!

[picc84]

But he's not afraid to play them. I've watched my good share of Laker games this season, and I've seen enough minutes handed to Powell, Mbenga, Farmar, Vujacich, Brown... all young kids that had a chance to fight for a spot or two on the rotation. Morrison is the only human victory cigar. Everybody else, due to injuries to other players or otherwise, were handed a good dose of minutes here and there throughout the season, and now Jackson knows what he has on each.

Well, Powell and Mbenga barely play at all when Bynum is healthy. A couple spot minutes at best. But thats because they suck, not because Phil won't give them a chance. :lol

Sasha and Farmar have both been on the team for going 4 years now, they aren't kids. And they've both gotten benched for long periods of time as soon as their play started to slip even a little bit. Sasha plays so tentatively as soon as he gets in the game now, he's so afraid to do anything wrong because of how quickly Jackson relegates him to the doghouse.

Brown has a pretty long leash with PJ, yes.

But Farmar for some reason is Jackson's whipping boy. Phil has no choice but to give him minutes because he's the backup 1 and Fisher can't play 48 every night, no matter how much Phil wants him to. But he gets yanked and yelled at almost immediately for making the same mistake Fisher will make with no consequence.

All i'm saying is these statements:


He didn't care that Fish is the vet and Farmar the kiddo. Sometimes you have to recognize players being in a slump or having a bad night and try something else.

(Phil and Jerry) both coaches that aren't afraid to give young players opportunities to perform without fear of being yanked

Just arent applicable to the Lakers under Phil, on a general basis. He is as quick with the yank as anyone in the league. Its not just Greg Popovic who won't give players a chance to screw up and redeem themselves.

[lefty]

Fuck Pop


But also fuck:

- poor decision making in the 2nd half; too many jacked up 3's
- horrible rotation defense

[Dex]

Spurs lived by the three in the first half.

Spurs died by the three in the second.

[ElNono]

Well, Powell and Mbenga barely play at all when Bynum is healthy. A couple spot minutes at best. But thats because they suck, not because Phil won't give them a chance. :lol


I get you, that's why I said 'because of injuries or otherwise'. We had Bonner injured with a broken hand this season and neither Mahinmi (save for a single game against NJ) or Ratliff received any meaningful playing time.
Parker went down, and Mason picked up the bulk of the minutes for really no reason, since he's been sucking up a storm for a long time now. Meanwhile, athletic guys like Hairston watch from the sidelines.


Sasha and Farmar have both been on the team for going 4 years now, they aren't kids. And they've both gotten benched for long periods of time as soon as their play started to slip even a little bit. Sasha plays so tentatively as soon as he gets in the game now, he's so afraid to do anything wrong because of how quickly Jackson relegates him to the doghouse.

I equate Sasha to Mason, in that they've been in the league for 3 or 4 years and they're relatively young. And as you point out, Phil is not hesitant to glue Sasha's ass to the bench when he starts sucking and plays somebody else instead. Mason instead has seen a resurgence since Tony went down and he asked to be traded. And he hasn't earned any of those minutes with his play.


Brown has a pretty long leash with PJ, yes.

Here they're the same. The 'favorite role player' guy. Much like Pop and Hill.


But Farmar for some reason is Jackson's whipping boy. Phil has no choice but to give him minutes because he's the backup 1 and Fisher can't play 48 every night, no matter how much Phil wants him to. But he gets yanked and yelled at almost immediately for making the same mistake Fisher will make with no consequence.

At least Phil plays Farmar who is a point guard. Even if we were to argue that Mason plays out of necessity, he's being set up to fail because he's not a PG. His handles flat out suck.


Just arent applicable to the Lakers under Phil, on a general basis. He is as quick with the yank as anyone in the league. Its not just Greg Popovic who won't give players a chance to screw up and redeem themselves.

I agree there are similarities. I'm not saying everything is flat out different. However, when it comes to adjusting because a player is sucking up a storm, Phil is much more willing to give one of his kids a shot.

[Man In Black]

Now, you riddle me this: How many more games you need to see that Mason and Bogans are complete and utter garbage? How many more minutes we need to give them to show you something they haven't shown in two seasons in one case, and a season in the other?
They both have clearly defined roles and they both aren't playing those roles well. Mason OK City game was the last game he played good in about 2 months. Bogans has a tendency to play defense complacent. I'm with you there. I like Hairston's athleticism so in the respect, I think Pop should give him some early minutes.

[SenorSpur]

Fuck the centerpiece, just because you're called that doesn't mean that that alone is going to scare the opposition into bad play. When Bruce was put out on an island, he relished the chance to play as physical a defense as possible. See, Bogans doesn't do that. He doesn't relish the chance, he says he does, but there is no way in hell, that a scrub like Brown gets off a 2nd 3 pointer uncontested with Bowen. So again, Pop is trying to put players in the right place...but they just don't execute with any reliable precision. While that might get a W against a short-handed GSW, against the LAL, you need to do it every-time, like it's the tide coming in. But you would think that this late in the game, that Bogans would know that. Perchance, that's why he's been on so many teams?

I know I missed this, but where did this term, "centerpiece" originate, in reference to Bogans?

[urunobili]

I know I missed this, but where did this term, "centerpiece" originate, in reference to Bogans?

Pop called him that way after a game on a press conference... :wakeup I believe it was like 2, 3 weeks ago...

[DAF86]

Pop simply FAILED this season, as a coach and more (imho) as a GM.
Theo should be in a SA uniform.
Bogans shouldn't.
Mason shouldn't.
Bonner shouldn't (Scola should be around...)
Dice "maybe".
Ian never gets a break to show us if he's an NBA player.
Hairston Idem but not exactly, he's proven NBA material way over Bogans.
Manu didnt' got a contract extension two months ago (when he was a lock) and probably will never sign again with the Spurs if we don't show him we can contend in the near future.

He's failing hard.

I've been very critical of Pop's coaching this year, but I think he did a good job as a GM, I'm pretty sure you and 99% of Spurs fans were happy with the teams' moves this offseason. You can't throw him under the bus just because they didn't work out like everyone expected.

[SenorSpur]

Personally, I applaud the FO for taking in initiative and the aggressive approach to make the moves this summer. It was the right thing to do. They simply chose the wrong players. When a mistake is made, usually the best approach is to evaluate, assess and correct the mistake.

[mingus]

My question is, why did he put Manu on Kobe? I knew they wanted to play team defense on Kobe, but I just don't think it's smart to have your main playmaker guard Kobe Bryant. Gotta keep save his energy a bit, no? After all, the guy has been playing insane minutes lately.

It's times like these that I miss Bruce.

one of his many strategic blunders. why not put RJ on him (seriously, he's going to score pretty much at the same rate against both of them) and leave Manu on Artest? that way you save his energy. it just doesn't make sense. Manu was working his ass off on the defensive end. he was tired as hell you could see it.

Popovich has just failed this team this year.

[nkdlunch]

well I was thinking Pop better leave Manu in for the full 4th quarter. Even a tired Manu >>> the crap that replaced him

[mingus]

well I was thinking Pop better leave Manu in for the full 4th quarter. Even a tired Manu >>> the crap that replaced him

Pop overextended him defensively, and it's not worth risking an injury to him. his mistake was prior to taking him out and it's just not worth the risk of losig him to an injury.

[Chomag]

one of his many strategic blunders. why not put RJ on him (seriously, he's going to score pretty much at the same rate against both of them) and leave Manu on Artest? that way you save his energy. it just doesn't make sense. Manu was working his ass off on the defensive end. he was tired as hell you could see it.

Popovich has just failed this team this year.

Yep, I noticed that when Bogans aka Centerpiece was on the floor Kobe was guarding him. To conserve his energy no doubt.

[Borosai]

Pop has failed the team this year in the same way he failed them last year: player evaluation.

[Obstructed_View]

I've been very critical of Pop's coaching this year, but I think he did a good job as a GM, I'm pretty sure you and 99% of Spurs fans were happy with the teams' moves this offseason. You can't throw him under the bus just because they didn't work out like everyone expected.

I can't argue with the talent he's brought in or the moves he's made. If only Pop the GM could get Pop the coach to play the right fucking players. It was only logical that Pop the GM would trade the guys that Pop the coach wasn't playing to free up cap space.

[Obstructed_View]

Personally, I applaud the FO for taking in initiative and the aggressive approach to make the moves this summer. It was the right thing to do. They simply chose the wrong players. When a mistake is made, usually the best approach is to evaluate, assess and correct the mistake.

I disagree. I still think this team can make a push with the talent they've got, with only some relatively small adjustments. If Timmy is really as worn down as he's looked lately, this team was doomed no matter how much talent they acquired in the offseason. That said, the contention that Duncan is worn down due to so much smallball earlier in the season certainly has some merit.