Is it time to bring Blair off the Bench???

[sa_butta]

Over the summer, DeJuan Blair dedicated time to improve his game and physical conditioning. He worked on his mid-range jump-shot and learned some back-to-the-basket moves. His offseason regimen seemed to pay some dividends, playing great basketball during the preseason games, to earn a starting spot in the San Antonio Spurs' lineup.
However, six games into the young season, Blair has struggled with his starting role.

He is averaging 4.5 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting just 27% from the field in 23 minutes of action. The glaring setback in Blair's game is field goal shooting and he seems to be a better fit off the bench.
In 82 game last season, Blair averaged 7.8 points and 6.4 rebounds on 55.6% field goal shooting in just 18.2 minutes per ball game. This means Blair was more effective coming from the bench last year compared to being a starter this season. But it's still early, for all we know, he might still be finding his way through the starting lineup, and could get out of his early shooting slump in the coming games.

Nonetheless, it's an interesting point of discussion. The Spurs could benefit more by making some lineup changes. For instance, Antonio McDyess has played well early and appears to be in prime condition despite being 35 years old. In six games this season, McDyess has averaged 7.2 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 48% from the field in 24.5 minutes per game.

http://projectspurs.com/2010-articles/november/is-it-time-to-bring-blair-off-the-bench.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+projectspurs+%28Project+Spurs %29

[alchemist]

give him 20 games if by then he's still producing these setback numbers Pop should start Dice or Splitter.

[Russ]

I always assumed the plan was to start Splitter once healthy.

Hopefully, Blair was never viewed as a long-term starter. He's an energy guy, a perfect bench player ala Malik Rose.

[TJastal]

I always assumed the plan was to start Splitter once healthy.

Hopefully, Blair was never viewed as a long-term starter. He's an energy guy, a perfect bench player ala Malik Rose.

Same with McDyess. Guy has even said he prefers coming off the bench. He makes a great tandem with Blair off the bench IMO, because he can still move his feet out on the perimeter and also play good post defense (Blair can't do either well) Both are voracious rebounders and hustle players who feed off those types of plays.

That said, I know Pop'n'Bonner will get his "situational" minutes, so most likely we won't get to see McDyess and Blair together. :nutkick:

[Manufan909]

I wonder what Blair's averages were last year when he started? It might be selective memory, but I do believe he was way more efficient than he is now.

[hater]

don't fix what's not broken. Until we lose 3 in a row, I would not change the lineups.

[MaNu4Tres]

don't fix what's not broken. Until we lose 3 in a row, I would not change the lineups.

The margin of victory is only a shade above 3 points, and the winning percentage of the opponents is just above .400. That indicates Spurs' 5-1 record is partially fools gold, due to the fact that they are barely beating lottery teams.

There's several things they can improve on. (Being more cautious on long outlet attempts that have lead to multiple turnovers, pick and roll defense, rebounding, defending the 3 point line, just to name a few.)

I also think Pop should reduce Blair's minutes and increase Splitter's minutes. Especially if Blair's production and defense continues to be the worst of the players in the front-court.

[Lizard]

We need more Splitter playing with Timmy. Its the lenght. More Twin Towers.

[hater]

The margin of victory is only a shade above 3 points, and the winning percentage of the opponents is just above .400. That indicates Spurs' 5-1 record is partially fools gold, due to the fact that they are barely beating lottery teams.

There's several things they can improve on. (Being more cautious on long outlet attempts that have lead to multiple turnovers, pick and roll defense, rebounding, defending the 3 point line, just to name a few.)

I also think Pop should reduce Blair's minutes and increase Splitter's minutes. Especially if Blair's production and defense continues to be the worst of the players in the front-court.

while that may be true. We really don't have a true starting qualilty center. McDice is quality about 2/3 of the time. He seems to play better off the bench too. So that is why Pop won't change anything yet.

I could see Bonner starting soon though. book this.

[TJastal]

while that may be true. We really don't have a true starting qualilty center. McDice is quality about 2/3 of the time. He seems to play better off the bench too. So that is why Pop won't change anything yet.

I could see Bonner starting soon though. book this.

:lol :rollin :lol :rollin

Wouldn't surprise me at all, actually.

[Pauleta14]

The margin of victory is only a shade above 3 points, and the winning percentage of the opponents is just above .400. That indicates Spurs' 5-1 record is partially fools gold, due to the fact that they are barely beating lottery teams.

There's several things they can improve on. (Being more cautious on long outlet attempts that have lead to multiple turnovers, pick and roll defense, rebounding, defending the 3 point line, just to name a few.)

I also think Pop should reduce Blair's minutes and increase Splitter's minutes. Especially if Blair's production and defense continues to be the worst of the players in the front-court.


The Spurs historicaly take more time than a random team to adjust and be in cruise mode.
(We used to benefit from the "rodeo road trip" to do that)

I agree with you that the begining of this season can be scary on a defensive POV, but compared to last year, even if we are not good/great AT LEAST WE WIN THOSE GAMES (against lottery teams).

So yes, we have a lot of work to do, but it's only 6 games into the season and there are a lot of positive/optimistic things so far (Neal, Andrerson and Splitter are not playing like rookies, the big 3 is healthy for the 1st time since 07, Hill and Blair can only be better...)

I don't see many teams that can (potentialy) be as complete (starting 5+ bench) as our.
Except the Lakers (two 7 footers+Kobe!!) I don't see any team that can really worry us...

[hater]

:lol :rollin :lol :rollin

Wouldn't surprise me at all, actually.

well Pop doesn't really have a choice. If Blair experiment fails miserably, Dice is a true bench guy(from Detroit days), Splitter is too green. Process of elimination. :bang

[Obstructed_View]

Short answer to the thread title: No, it's not time. Yet.

[barbacoataco]

From what I have seen Blair has struggled to get his shot off over taller defenders. He seems to do OK when he is playing against someone who isn't 6" taller than he is. He has some pretty decent moves but they don't work with the better defensive players.
I don't think the Spurs will start Splitter next to Duncan but I could be wrong. I haven't seen Splitter play enough to know whether he could play next to Duncan and not get in each other's way.
I agree that Bonner might be back in the starting lineup by process of elimination.

[DesignatedT]

Not yet. Problem with making the change now is you might have the urge to go back to it later in the year if things aren't working out. We need to know for sure that he can't adjust and play in the starting lineup before we make a change.

[kaji157]

I think Splitter should never start, as in my perfect scenario he would play the same kind of minutes Manu did last year, thus offering us the chance to have either him or TD on the floor at all times. Combining both at the end of the second quarter and at the end of the fourth.

[MoSpur]

I think Blair is a great guy to have off the bench. His energy is great for a bench player. I would like to see Splitter start alongside Tim with Hill, Jefferson, and Tony. I would love our bench to consist of Manu, Neal, Anderson, Blair, and Dice.

[duncan228]

Pop on Blair.


Board play, defense give Blair a reason to smile (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/10/board-play-defense-give-blair-a-reason-to-smile/)
by Mike Monroe

...“I just want him to work on his defense, understanding the game, play a solid game and contributing in ways that don’t have anything to do with shooting,” Popovich said. “That’s changing shots, rebounding, running the floor, keeping things crowded, playing good individual defense, understanding the team defense.

“All those things are very important, because those are things you can do with focus and effort. Shooting’s going to take time.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/10/board-play-defense-give-blair-a-reason-to-smile/

[MoSpur]

If he sticks to hustling then it'll be all good. Forget the offense. Especially in the starting lineup. Go after the loose balls and fight on the offensive glass.

[Barfunk]

You start your best players, so I think Splitter should be starting eventually. Your final answer should be: Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson, Splitter, and Duncan. :ihit

[Leonard Curse]

yes he needs to come off the bench thats obvious until he sharpens his post shooting/post moves/defense pretty much everything at this point (slump) pop needs to get the ugly part over with and start splitter you cant expect a guy who hadnt played all preseason to go in there for ten minutes and expect great things out of him thats ludicrous and just down right STUPID. lets break him in stubborn old man

[Prodigal]

Blair is too small to play center in the NBA. As soon as Splitter feels comfortable filling the role, he needs to be the start.

[DesignatedT]

yes he needs to come off the bench thats obvious until he sharpens his post shooting/post moves/defense pretty much everything at this point (slump) pop needs to get the ugly part over with and start splitter you cant expect a guy who hadnt played all preseason to go in there for ten minutes and expect great things out of him thats ludicrous and just down right STUPID. lets break him in stubborn old man

You can't just throw him out into the fire either. He isn't even in game shape... there is a reason hes playing 10 - 15 minutes a night... that's all he can physically handle right now.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

If he sticks to hustling then it'll be all good. Forget the offense. Especially in the starting lineup. Go after the loose balls and fight on the offensive glass.

This. 7-8 garbage points that wouldn't have come the Spurs way otherwise is preferable to taking touches away from guys who are playing well right now.

[FailureNotAnOption]

I like what Pop is doing here. From a scouting standpoint, Blair has not yet shown his entire potential against starting caliber players. Additionally, Blair will (probably) never be a franchise player, so this time fitting in with - and playing off - the big dogs will help him immensely in the future.

Can't forget all the fat he lost, as well. His body no doubt feels a bit "different" now compared with the majority of his basketball career, throwing him off a little.

[Cessation]

He looked slimmer during preseason, it seems he might have picked up some of that weight he lost. Looks kind of slow now.

[superbigtime]

I would like to see Blair continue to start, playing him 15-20 minutes depending on matchups. He may have long arms and some hops, but he is clearly outsized most of the time. I don't think it's time to bring him off the bench yet.

[yavozerb]

Honestly, I really do not care who starts..I agree with the notion that Blair is a 15-20 minute a night player depending matchups and the energy he is bringing on that night. Tiago I believe is a 25-30 minute a night player once he rounds into shape. Bonner (like Blair) is a situational player and should get minnutes if Pop feels like he can take advantage of his shooting. Mcdyess at this point in his career should be playing no more than 25 minutes a night.

[superbigtime]

Also, a plus of Blair starting is that he is paired with Manu. George Hill isn't going to help DB find the bucket.

[phxspurfan]

Splitter's not getting enough minutes where I think Pop is confident in starting him yet. He has to ramp up to full minutes for a few games still. Dice shouldn't be a starter b/c then he will be overplayed and be gassed by the playoffs.

Blair is young with young legs and should be given more time to grow into the possible starter role, or at least to get his confidence back. Also, his success last year was with a largely different unit. Playing with Hill and Bonner for the most part is different than playing with Duncan, Parker and Ginobili who dominate the ball. He has to learn their styles. Plus, his rebounding doesn't hurt the team, so why mess with a good thing we have going?