The kids have arrived!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

There is a significant difference between the regular season and the playoffs - the pace, the physicality, the intensity of the play and the crowd, the pressure of having every single possession count (because it could be the end of your season). Because of this, rookies often find it difficult to adjust to the playoffs, at least for the first few games.

And so it was this year with both George and Grizzly, who disappeared in Dallas. They looked spooked and out of their depth, although George did have his offensive moments late in game 2, and played solid defence throughout. In game 3 Grizz still looked like a baby bear in a den of growlers, while George had an inefficient 17pts but seemed to have settled into the playoff rhythm. Tonight was their arrival party.

Given Grizzly's incredible season, and his calm and measured demeanor, I figured it was inevitable that he would catch up to the pace and intensity of playoff basketball sooner rather than later, and tonight in that late-3rd quarter spurt when the team really needed a spark to get it over the hump after coming back from 15 down, but unable to take the lead after 4 straight misses, Grizzly came in for an oddly out-of-sorts Timmy and dbestpro, renowned for his perverse proclamations and jinxes, said "Blair is out of his depth" at the same time as I posted something like "Time for Grizzly to shine".

To end the quarter he had a broken play layup - to put us up 59-57 - followed by a steal, then an offensive board and FT, and another offensive board. George had 8 points during the comeback run and 29pts on the game from 16 shots, not to mention his always stellar D. And they both did this in the biggest game of the Spurs' season so far, in the face of adversity.

Nothing more need be said except... the kids have arrived!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I will add that, along with Malik's development this year, and given that we should be able to add Pondexter/George over the offseason, and hopefully Splitter, it looks like we'll be able to keep the Big 3 together whilst having already re-tooled the roster with 5 athletic youngsters, 6 if Ian sticks around.

Whatever happens from here, the future prospects of the franchise are bright indeed.

[Man In Black]

It's funny, I'm watching G Hill his press conference. He is an amazing young man. I'm laughing though because he said being around the Big 3 has raised his game up a "TITTY BIT"! :lol

[Libri]

I will add that, along with Malik's development this year, and given that we should be able to add Pondexter/George over the offseason, and hopefully Splitter, it looks like we'll be able to keep the Big 3 together whilst having already re-tooled the roster with 5 athletic youngsters, 6 if Ian sticks around.

Whatever happens from here, the future prospects of the franchise are bright indeed.

For a long time it felt like the Spurs had nobody young to develop. Now it's refreshing to see that there is some young blood waiting to make their mark. I'm look forward to the draft, it's going to be exciting. :toast

[Capt Bringdown]

Agreed, good on ya, mate. And what an dramatic arrival.

After Pop went with Bogans and Bonner in the 2nd (with predictably deadly results) I felt like jumping off a bridge.

And then the big turnaround -that 3rd quarter was something special - I wanna watch it again!
Hill leading us back with supreme confidence and poise, and Blair all over the court with energy and hustle plays.
All the while, Duncan's cheering them on from the bench.

For me, one of the most exciting quarters of Spursball I've seen in years.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

In a way, tonight might be the first signs of a changing of the guard for the Spurs. The Big 3 will still lead the team on most nights for a few years to come, but tonight showed Pop and everyone else that the youngsters are ready to step up when needed.

That doesn't mean there won't be growing pains and mistakes in the future, but it does mean that we now have some legitimately NBA-competitive youth that will form the future of the franchise. When was the last time we could say that? 2003, I'd say.

Great stuff from every angle! :D

[NewJerSpur]

Nice post. Blair gave us what Marion stopped giving Dallas in the 2nd half a little before he got benched in a player you shouldn't be accounting for offensively but someone you've got to pay attention to when the balls goes up....usually by the time you track them it's too late. Difference is, Blair actually does more outside of that in terms of hustling. When he fought for that loose ball at halfcourt againt TWO Mavs and punched it out it was incredible.

[Capt Bringdown]

The puzzling thing is why we couldn't have made a greater effort to work these guys into the fold during the regular season...

[Libri]

To bad Ian is not going to be part of it.

[HarlemHeat37]

It's definitely refreshing to have some young, lively bodies in the lineup as opposed to the old scrubs we've been accustomed to the past few years..

Next season should be even younger for the Spurs..with the potential acquisition of Splitter + potential guys like Hairston/Temple/Gee/Jerrells/De Colo and possibly a 1st round pick..it should give the big 3 another run next year, barring injuries..

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

The puzzling thing is why we couldn't have made a greater effort to work these guys into the fold during the regular season...

I think it took Pop until very late in the season to decide who his best 8 players are, and thus to settle on his rotation. Although injuries screwed things up, he also tinkered with lineups virtually all season before settling on this playof rotation.


To bad Ian is not going to be part of it.

He could still be.

[admiralsnackbar]

rmowtt9vhLY

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Big test for Grizzly in Dallas - if he can put up a good game there, he will have truly arrived as performing on the road in the playoffs is yet another hill to climb.

[NewJerSpur]

It's definitely refreshing to have some young, lively bodies in the lineup as opposed to the old scrubs we've been accustomed to the past few years..

Next season should be even younger for the Spurs..with the potential acquisition of Splitter + potential guys like Hairston/Temple/Gee/Jerrells/De Colo and possibly a 1st round pick..it should give the big 3 another run next year, barring injuries..

Anyone have any news on the Splitter situation?

[Fabbs]

In a way, tonight might be the first signs of a changing of the guard for the Spurs. The Big 3 will still lead the team on most nights for a few years to come, but tonight showed Pop and everyone else that the youngsters are ready to step up when needed.

That doesn't mean there won't be growing pains and mistakes in the future, but it does mean that we now have some legitimately NBA-competitive youth that will form the future of the franchise. When was the last time we could say that? 2003, I'd say.

Great stuff from every angle! :D
Ruff,
I agree with you on all point except how much they could be used now. Obviously Hill showed what he can and did do fulltime tonight.
I also think Blair is ready -now. Saw no reason to limit him to 12 minutes tonight given Duncans mental funk. What an awesome 12 minutes it was. One of his best plays was shoveling along a loose ball. He was not in position to pick it up but by swooping his hand down and tapping it along, he made Mav guy not be able to pick it up and the ball skirted over to Parker (i think Parker).

Result. He gave possession to Spurs and kept possession from going to Mavs. I also think we scored on that possession!

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Anyone have any news on the Splitter situation?

I read something the other day that suggested we're closer to signing him than we were. I guess it was from a thread on here. I'm pretty confident he'll make his way over - it's now or never, really. if he wants to play in the NBA, this is the time.


Ruff,
I agree with you on all point except how much they could be used now. Obviously Hill showed what he can and did do fulltime tonight.
I also think Blair is ready -now. Saw no reason to limit him to 12 minutes tonight given Duncans mental funk. What an awesome 12 minutes it was. One of his best plays was shoveling along a loose ball. He was not in position to pick it up but by swooping his hand down and tapping it along, he made Mav guy not be able to pick it up and the ball skirted over to Parker (i think Parker).

Result. He gave possession to Spurs and kept possession from going to Mavs. I also think we scored on that possession!

I think you might have misunderstood me. I'm not suggesting they be limited at all. I think you play them as much as their performance deserves, and yeah, Blair could definitely have played more tonight, especially in the early 4th when he was yanked for Duncan who was having a down night. I think Pop pulled Grizz because of the flagrant - he didn't want to risk the youngster getting too over-excited! :lol

[NewJerSpur]

I read something the other day that suggested we're closer to signing him than we were. I guess it was from a thread on here. I'm pretty confident he'll make his way over - it's now or never, really. if he wants to play in the NBA, this is the time.


Hopefully something comes of this and we can see what we finally might have.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Hopefully something comes of this and we can see what we finally might have.

I could see:

TP/Temple/?
Manu/Hill/Hairston
RJ/Pondexter/?
Dice/Blair/? (stretch 4)
Duncan/Splitter/Mahinmi

and it looks pretty enticing to me! :)

[honestfool84]

good take. my only comment is on George's "insignificant" 17 points in game 3... we needed those. we only won by 4.

[honestfool84]

I could see:

TP/Temple/?
Manu/Hill/Hairston
RJ/Pondexter/?
Dice/Blair/? (stretch 4)
Duncan/Splitter/Mahinmi

and it looks pretty enticing to me! :)

with all due respect.. let's finish this season out first. :lol


THIS season looked AMAZING on paper, too. haha.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

with all due respect.. let's finish this season out first. :lol

THIS season looked AMAZING on paper, too. haha.

Totally true.

I was just answering a post and pointing out how young we've become all of a sudden. ;)

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

One last bzump for the antipodeans... ;)

[hsxvvd]

It will be interesting to see how they now play in Dallas. I'm still expecting some inconsistency, and on those nights it'd be nice to be able to get something from Jefferson or Bonner.

I'm just concerned that our supporting casts doesn't have the 'balls' to step up on the road. They certainly are not at the Horry/Barry/ (Good) Finley level when it comes to playoff clutchness.

I'm certainly hoping though, that they prove me wrong, Hill has already taken huge steps towards that today... now do it again in Dallas.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

It will be interesting to see how they now play in Dallas. I'm still expecting some inconsistency, and on those nights it'd be nice to be able to get something from Jefferson or Bonner.

I'm just concerned that our supporting casts doesn't have the 'balls' to step up on the road. They certainly are not at the Horry/Barry/ (Good) Finley level when it comes to playoff clutchness.

I'm certainly hoping though, that they prove me wrong, Hill has already taken huge steps towards that today... now do it again in Dallas.

True, but I think for clutchness it's about reps in big games and composure more than 'balls' (although all three are important and often arise together). Sure, some players have it from day one and revel in big game pressure, but they are few and far between. That's why I was so happy to see both Grizz and George step up today - it's the first step towards being reliably clutch. Give them a few more good performances in big playoff games and suddenly they believe in themselves to do it.

Also, it has been great to see RJ perform with poise and confidence for a large part of this series. He is showing us the playoff reps he has from his career in this series, and he finally looks pretty comfortable out there in our schemes. I've been a big critic of his all season, but he's finally come to play, so props to him. :toast

[will_spurs]

I'm certainly happy that the kids are arrived, or rather that Hill looks like yet another draft day steal.

However talking about kids... Hill is exactly the age Parker was in the 06 playoffs. You read that right. That's a good example of Parker being one of the most underrated players in Spurs history.

Hill will be a great shooting guard for the Spurs in the coming years--looks like Manu's and Tony's mentoring works.

[Manufan909]

I read something the other day that suggested we're closer to signing him than we were. I guess it was from a thread on here. I'm pretty confident he'll make his way over - it's now or never, really. if he wants to play in the NBA, this is the time.



I think you might have misunderstood me. I'm not suggesting they be limited at all. I think you play them as much as their performance deserves, and yeah, Blair could definitely have played more tonight, especially in the early 4th when he was yanked for Duncan who was having a down night. I think Pop pulled Grizz because of the flagrant - he didn't want to risk the youngster getting too over-excited! :lol

Fuck that shit Ruff, I think he wanted Tim back in, but probably regretted not giving Blair time earlier. Blair was scoring in the post, playing decent D (I don't remember him really giving up points), grabbing every board possible, out-manning all of the Mavs bigs combined, getting Dirk to shit his pants AND receive a tech, the list goes on. And I'd rather see hard playoff fouls and/or flagrants 1s than Tims patented I don't want a foul so I won't do anything. It's not like he was really in foul trouble, he ended with only one, for fucks sake. Blair had 2 fouls in a third of the time, but besides Dice, he was the best Spurs big last night.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Fuck that shit Ruff, I think he wanted Tim back in, but probably regretted not giving Blair time earlier. Blair was scoring in the post, playing decent D (I don't remember him really giving up points), grabbing every board possible, out-manning all of the Mavs bigs combined, getting Dirk to shit his pants AND receive a tech, the list goes on. And I'd rather see hard playoff fouls and/or flagrants 1s than Tims patented I don't want a foul so I won't do anything. It's not like he was really in foul trouble, he ended with only one, for fucks sake. Blair had 2 fouls in a third of the time, but besides Dice, he was the best Spurs big last night.

Personally, I would have left Blair in for another few minutes before subbing Tim back in. He was a one-man wrecking ball for 6 minutes bridging the 3rd-4th quarters.

I like the way Pop is using him as a quick-hitting game-changer though. Long minutes is not the way to use him right now - short bursts of 4-6 minutes going flat out is the real deal for Grizzly.

[HarlemHeat37]

Blair is not nearly reliable enough to be given big minutes..like Ruff said, he's best used as a quick game-changer..he's still way too green to leave on for too long..he was subbed off after the flagrant IIRC, and they obviously needed to get Tim in at some point, so Pop played it well IMO..

[L.I.T]

My hope is that Blair can be a consistent 12-15 minute sparkplug off the bench for the remainder of the playoffs.

[TD 21]

It's definitely refreshing to have some young, lively bodies in the lineup as opposed to the old scrubs we've been accustomed to the past few years..

Next season should be even younger for the Spurs..with the potential acquisition of Splitter + potential guys like Hairston/Temple/Gee/Jerrells/De Colo and possibly a 1st round pick..it should give the big 3 another run next year, barring injuries..

Not only should the big three have another run in them, but they should have a better one. Next year's team figures to have instant cohesion. Splitter and maybe one more wing player figure to be the extent of the additions to the rotation. This could be the first round pick, but if it's not, expect that and one more big man to be the extent of the additions.

Next season, the Spurs should be able to hit the ground running. No waiting for the team to come together, figuring out a rotation, having their two best players work their way into shape/rhythm (though Duncan was dominant in the first half of the season despite this), having a cadre of rotation players learn the system, none of that. Everyone should know their roles from day one, they'll be no pouting veterans who expected to have a bigger role sitting on the bench.

On top of that, Hill figures to improve marginally, Blair could potentially improve substantially and Splitter would just so happen to fill the most glaring hole on the roster. Next year's team could potentially be scary.

[Manufan909]

Not only should the big three have another run in them, but they should have a better one. Next year's team figures to have instant cohesion. Splitter and maybe one more wing player figure to be the extent of the additions to the rotation. This could be the first round pick, but if it's not, expect that and one more big man to be the extent of the additions.

Next season, the Spurs should be able to hit the ground running. No waiting for the team to come together, figuring out a rotation, having their two best players work their way into shape/rhythm (though Duncan was dominant in the first half of the season despite this), having a cadre of rotation players learn the system, none of that. Everyone should know their roles from day one, they'll be no pouting veterans who expected to have a bigger role sitting on the bench.

On top of that, Hill figures to improve marginally, Blair could potentially improve substantially and Splitter would just so happen to fill the most glaring hole on the roster. Next year's team could potentially be scary.

Gee/Temple/Hairston would all have to be worked in. Maybe not all 3, but I doubt there are less then 4 new players next year, or players that have never really gotten solid minutes over a long period of time (Ian, Hairston, Temple).

I know my point isn't a great counter to yours, just pointing out there will be new guys learning the system. Most of this playoff rotation will be back though, and I doubt anyone will come in with Dice/RJ-size expectations (except Splitter). TD, MG, TP, GH, RJ, DB, and AM are reasonably sure bets (idk about Bogans), and hopefully Pop dumps Bonner and changes his mind about Ian, regardless of what Splitter does.

The possible outcome of the offseason:

+Ian(wishful thinking)
+2 of Hairston/Gee/Temple (must get decent minutes for them to gel)
+Splitter (makes the third minus much easier for Pop to accept)
-Mason
-Bogans
-Bonner

If half this shit happens, or at least two of minuses come true, I will be more pumped for 10-11 than I was for 08-09 when I thought Ian and Splitter would be getting major PT.
:king:hat:depressed

[TD 21]

Gee/Temple/Hairston would all have to be worked in. Maybe not all 3, but I doubt there are less then 4 new players next year, or players that have never really gotten solid minutes over a long period of time (Ian, Hairston, Temple).

I know my point isn't a great counter to yours, just pointing out there will be new guys learning the system. Most of this playoff rotation will be back though, and I doubt anyone will come in with Dice/RJ-size expectations (except Splitter). TD, MG, TP, GH, RJ, DB, and AM are reasonably sure bets (idk about Bogans), and hopefully Pop dumps Bonner and changes his mind about Ian, regardless of what Splitter does.

The possible outcome of the offseason:

+Ian(wishful thinking)
+2 of Hairston/Gee/Temple (must get decent minutes for them to gel)
+Splitter (makes the third minus much easier for Pop to accept)
-Mason
-Bogans
-Bonner

If half this shit happens, or at least two of minuses come true, I will be more pumped for 10-11 than I was for 08-09 when I thought Ian and Splitter would be getting major PT.
:king:hat:depressed

Gee might not be on the roster and Temple probably will be, but don't expect either to be in the rotation. Ideal (realistic) additions: Splitter, Bell, George/Pondexter, Cook. Hairston is probably the only one of the D-League guys with a realistic shot at being in the rotation. I suspect he'll be the tenth man in what will primarily be a nine man rotation (at least against good opposition/in the playoffs). Regular season, Pop will be managing minutes, so Hairston could see semi-regular minutes.

I know there will be new guys learning the system, but rotation-wise Splitter and possibly a wing (for arguments sake I use Bell, because I know the Spurs have like him and he figures to be affordable, plus he'd essentially combine Bogans and Mason into one player, which is what the Spurs need). In both cases neither would be a big part of the offense and in general, the other seven-eight rotation players would already have chemistry and cohesion, because they'll have played together for a season. That should make it easier for two guys to fit in if everyone else is in sync.

The Spurs probably want Mahinmi back, but why would he stay? He couldn't get consistent minutes this season, so how will he next season? Splitter will probably be on the team and Blair figures to improve. Why would him and his agent want him to spend another season on the bench? Because Bonner is likely going to be the odd big out and the Spurs are obsessed with having a stretch four, Cook is a possible (probable? Considering the dearth of minimum salary stretch four's) fifth big.

Starters: PF - Duncan, SF- Jefferson, C- Splitter, SG- Hill, PG- Parker

Bench: SG- Ginobili, PF- McDyess, SG- Bell, PF- Blair, SG/SF- Hairston, SF- George/Pondexter, PF- Cook

Inactive: SG/PG- Temple

If the Spurs decide to exceed thirteen, I presume either Gee or the 2nd round pick would most likely be the player kept and they'd spend the vast majority of the season in the D-League.

[Manufan909]

Gee might not be on the roster and Temple probably will be, but don't expect either to be in the rotation. Ideal (realistic) additions: Splitter, Bell, George/Pondexter, Cook. Hairston is probably the only one of the D-League guys with a realistic shot at being in the rotation. I suspect he'll be the tenth man in what will primarily be a nine man rotation (at least against good opposition/in the playoffs). Regular season, Pop will be managing minutes, so Hairston could see semi-regular minutes.


Would the luxury tax not allow the Spurs to sign more than 2 of those guys? I know a S&T could happen, but with Splitter taking all of the MLE, I don't see how the Spurs wouldn't have to put themselves in further debt to sweeten a deal, unless the other team wants expirings. And someone would have to hypnotize Pop into believing Dice is the stretch big man he always wanted.

Also, have the Spurs shown recent interest in Bell/Cook, and will they come cheaply? Factoring in current contract length, expiring or not, said player not all about the benjamins.

Getting back to the new kids, how would everyone grade Blair's D in the last two games? I've been so pumped that I haven't focused on anyone's weaknesses, except TPs inability to stay on his man in crunch time, and TD/Manu not switching from throwing bricks to play making fast enough. From what I can remember, Blair did well at ending Mavs possessions for the most part, getting a block here, a steal or two there. I know Haywood went over him for a putback, but he did that to Timmy, so you can't fault him there... too much. Oh, and I loved the hard foul on Kidd. It sickens me when Bonner only "plays smart". And by "play smart", I mean "gives his opponent the path of least resistance". He needs to take it from Blair, both are pretty expendable. It makes sense when Timmy sometimes gives up points in order to stay in the game.
:wakeup

I don't expect guys like Gee or Temple to be rotation players, more like guys who get a chance to shine on b2bs, blowouts, and when an injury causes their window of opportunity to widen. Heck, even Hairston might stay in that group, but I'm going to assume he'll be the first SG/SF off the bench, at least to start. Idk how he wouldn't be in the 10-man rotation, unless Pop resigns RMJ. Which is highly doubtful. And I hope I'm not making a fool of myself and he isn't an expiring contract this year.

[TD 21]

Would the luxury tax not allow the Spurs to sign more than 2 of those guys? I know a S&T could happen, but with Splitter taking all of the MLE, I don't see how the Spurs wouldn't have to put themselves in further debt to sweeten a deal, unless the other team wants expirings. And someone would have to hypnotize Pop into believing Dice is the stretch big man he always wanted.

Also, have the Spurs shown recent interest in Bell/Cook, and will they come cheaply? Factoring in current contract length, expiring or not, said player not all about the benjamins.

Getting back to the new kids, how would everyone grade Blair's D in the last two games? I've been so pumped that I haven't focused on anyone's weaknesses, except TPs inability to stay on his man in crunch time, and TD/Manu not switching from throwing bricks to play making fast enough. From what I can remember, Blair did well at ending Mavs possessions for the most part, getting a block here, a steal or two there. I know Haywood went over him for a putback, but he did that to Timmy, so you can't fault him there... too much. Oh, and I loved the hard foul on Kidd. It sickens me when Bonner only "plays smart". And by "play smart", I mean "gives his opponent the path of least resistance". He needs to take it from Blair, both are pretty expendable. It makes sense when Timmy sometimes gives up points in order to stay in the game.
:wakeup

I don't expect guys like Gee or Temple to be rotation players, more like guys who get a chance to shine on b2bs, blowouts, and when an injury causes their window of opportunity to widen. Heck, even Hairston might stay in that group, but I'm going to assume he'll be the first SG/SF off the bench, at least to start. Idk how he wouldn't be in the 10-man rotation, unless Pop resigns RMJ. Which is highly doubtful. And I hope I'm not making a fool of myself and he isn't an expiring contract this year.

Splitter would be signed using the mid-level exception, Pondexter/George would be the 1st round pick (predetermined salary), Bell would be signed using the bi-annual exception and Cook would be signed for the veteran's minimum. It's all doable and realistic (though I suppose Bell could get more than that). The four I mentioned would likely make $9-10 million in salary, but the Spurs would be shedding roughly $9 million in salary with outgoing players.

Pop will just have to accept not having a stretch four in the rotation. If this team has designs on winning another championship, adding Splitter but getting rid of McDyess (to facilitate re-signing Bonner) is not going to get it done. If Splitter is added in addition to the three bigs under contract and makes the impact he's thought to, now you're looking at a viable front court for a team with championship aspirations. Bell would add a guy who's over 40% career on threes to the rotation, so losing Bonner's three point shooting in the rotation wouldn't be a serious problem, if one at all.

Yes, the Spurs were interested in Bell earlier this season, but declined a Mason for Bell swap. At least this is what was reported. Cook, I'm not a fan of. But he's a cheap stretch four who could be Bonner's replacement and the fifth big.

That's how I see Temple and Gee's role as well. Hairston, I'd be shocked if he's the first wing off the bench. The Spurs need a guy ahead of him who's a proven defender and a 40% three point shooter, which is why Bell would be a nice fit. I figure Hairston would be the tenth man, which means seeing semi-regular minutes until the playoffs when the Spurs inevitably go down to probably nine guys.

[marini martini]

OMG!!! I read the thread title and thought "oh shit, Kori sent her babies off to Ruff, so he could babysit while her & LJ could go to the game!!!"
:lmao