James Anderson out at least 8 weeks

[SpursDynasty85]

He was injured 2.5 weeks ago and had surgery about 2 weeks ago. That leaves about 6 weeks which would make it about mid January.

[HarlemHeat37]

Such a blow..

[NASpurs]

lol Ime Udoka

[Manufan909]

I hope he's a fast healer, and can come back between in the first week of January.

[DPG21920]

It would be nice to hear some updates, but I have literally found nothing. Even if James doesn't play that well, he is 10x better than Ime and he can soak up minutes at a valuable position.

[Bruno]

A reason to be optimistic is that Anderson broke his fifth metatarsal in his other foot when he was in high school. He also got a pin to fix it. Anderson has a certain experience with this injury and still has been able to come back from it one time.

[Darkwaters]

A reason to be optimistic is that Anderson broke his fifth metatarsal in his other foot when he was in high school. He also got a pin to fix it. Anderson has a certain experience with this injury and still has been able to come back from it one time.

Any idea how long he was out back in his high school days?

[Russ]

A reason to be optimistic is that Anderson broke his fifth metatarsal in his other foot when he was in high school. He also got a pin to fix it. Anderson has a certain experience with this injury and still has been able to come back from it one time.

That is great news. Do you have a source for it?

The history of his recovery time would be interesting, but could be misleading in either direction because (1) he may have had a better surgeon this time (hopefully), (2), on the other hand, he is older and may take longer to heal, and (3) the break may be simply be different this time (although on a similar bone).

Was it also a stress fracture in HS?

[weebo]

It's starting to look like JA won't be much of a factor this year.

[E-RockWill]

I do know that JA is no longer using crutches, but is still wearing a walking boot. Seems to be in good spirits.

[Bruno]

That is great news. Do you have a source for it?

The history of his recovery time would be interesting, but could be misleading in either direction because (1) he may have had a better surgeon this time (hopefully), (2), on the other hand, he is older and may take longer to heal, and (3) the break may be simply be different this time (although on a similar bone).

Was it also a stress fracture in HS?

I agree that knowing how much it took him to recover would be interesting but I don't know it.

The source was a E-N article:
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/11/22/parker%E2%80%99s-play-key-in-spurs%E2%80%99-fast-start/

[ChumpDumper]

It's starting to look like JA won't be much of a factor this year.What makes you say that?

[Seventyniner]

Just like with Splitter not getting much playing time, maybe this injury is a blessing in disguise; it will allow Anderson to avoid the rookie wall (usually hit by the 30-40 game mark, when a college season would be over). Perhaps it will backfire, though, and he'll hit that wall just in time for the playoffs.

[SenorSpur]

I'll tell you what, the one other person that probably misses JA more than us is Ginobili. Even with the addition of Udoka, who hasn't provided very much contribution at all, Manu is still looking dead-legged. JA can't get back fast enough.

[BanditHiro]

What makes you say that?

because there is only one month left and he is going to miss it but he will be a factor in 2011

[ChumpDumper]

because there is only one month left and he is going to miss it but he will be a factor in 2011Considering he wasn't expected to play again until January, yeah.

I thought you were talking about the season.

[Brutalis]

JA is always injured. Spurs need to deal the kid.

[tp2021]

JA is always injured. Spurs need to deal the kid.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3811055786_b51d292cde.jpg

[Blackjack]

JA is always injured. Spurs need to deal the kid.


CAREER NOTES: Ranks fourth in school history with 1,811 career points … never missed a game in his college career (earned 99 starts in 101 games in his three seasons with the Cowboys) … finished with career averages of 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists … career scoring average of 17.9 ppg is the second highest in school history … played for Team USA in the 2009 World University Games … averaged 7.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in seven games as the US squad captured the bronze medal.

Get that Junction out of here! :downspin:

[Brutalis]

[sarcasm off]

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

It's starting to look like JA won't be much of a factor this year.
Well he was already averaging about 7.0 points a game and it was only the first couple games for the rookie. He was looking pretty damn impressive. I hope he comes back soon. :flag:

[Blackjack]

[sarcasm off]

[perpetually on]

[Brutalis]

[debugged]

[bluebellmaniac]

Brutalis is my new role model.... I love the sarcasm... :-D

[Blackjack]

[debugged]

:lol


Brutalis is my new role model.... I love the sarcasm... :-D

I am an extremely serious person.

[jjktkk]

:lol



I am an extremely serious person.

With bad hair, and a smoking habit.

[Blackjack]

With bad hair, and a smoking habit.

Your bad hair is this guy's mojo and fashion statement (and you forgot about the rum).

[jjktkk]

Your bad hair is this guy's mojo and fashion statement (and you forgot about the rum).

MY bad Blackjack, just make sure to keep on keeping on. ST always needs a blackjack.

[Blackjack]

That, I can do. :tu

[duncan228]

Off the court, Spurs rookie helps food bank sort donations (http://www.kens5.com/news/Off-the-court-Spurs-rookie-helps-food-bank-sort-food-111349064.html)
by KENS 5 Staff
kens5.com

SAN ANTONIO -- Since 6 p.m. Friday, thousands of volunteers have been sorting food to make sure the San Antonio Food Bank (http://www.safoodbank.org/) is ready for the holiday rush.

"It means a lot, you know, just giving back and it's something I look forward to continue to do," said the San Antonio Spurs' rookie guard James Anderson.

Anderson teamed up with students from Johnson High School to help out. He continues to nurse a stress fracture in his foot, but the rookie out of Oklahoma State worked alongside more than 100 other volunteers as they sorted pallet after pallet of food.

"Right now during the holidays, a lot of schools and businesses have done food drives and it all needs to be sorted out, and sometime people with good intentions don't know what we can distribute out," said Zuani Villarreal of the San Antonio Food Bank. "For example, something that doesn't have a label, we can't distribute it, just because we don't know what is in it."

The food bank says demand remains high and donations are still in great need.

http://www.kens5.com/news/Off-the-court-Spurs-rookie-helps-food-bank-sort-food-111349064.html

[Leonard Curse]

yeah we need him back asap i actually think the opposite. i think considering his draft pick and his suprising defense will make him a lock to play when he returns

[TE]

Please come back to help the removal of the shit stain that udoka is.

[Ice009]

yeah we need him back asap i actually think the opposite. i think considering his draft pick and his suprising defense will make him a lock to play when he returns

So you do or don't want him to come back quick? No idea what you've said with that first sentence.

[Gutter92]

Please come back to help the removal of the shit stain that udoka is.

That's fucked up..what if you had that on YOUR arm...

[JustinJDW]

So this guy's not coming back until January huh? Sucks. We really need him so we can improve our Bench, improve our rotation and decrease Manu's minutes.

[duncan228]

Two months from Nov. 11 is Jan. 11. So then at earliest RT @SilverVasquez How much longer do we have to wait to see James Anderson again?




James Anderson (foot) is still in a walking boot so he hasn't done anything approaching basketball activities, and won't for a while.

[Walton Buys Off Me]

He's a basketball player- this ain't football or hockey.

We're not dealing with tough athletes here.

My guess is Anderson sees the court in February.

[LeCrab]

Quick question if james anderson would have stayed healthy would he have been a first team all rookie? he was playing lights out and better than most of the lottery picks... what a steal he is going to be huge in the play off's

[rjv]

Quick question if james anderson would have stayed healthy would he have been a first team all rookie? he was playing lights out and better than most of the lottery picks... what a steal he is going to be huge in the play off's

hard to say. rooks often hit walls at some point. now if he can get healthy sooner rather than later and suffer no setbacks he should be a contributor in the playoffs as he would have a good 3 and a half months to continue to learn and develop.

[xmas1997]

Pop probably won't play him now that Udoka is here.

[admiralsnackbar]

Pop probably won't play him now that Udoka is here.

Given his production early in the season -- and the fact that he played in the first place -- this seems unfounded.

[JustinJDW]

Please hurry up and come back James. You're like 23, so come back quick man! :depressed

[robino2001]

RC mentioned at the STH event yesterday that Anderson would be out of the boot in ~2 weeks and then hopefully ~2 weeks of conditioning after that... said he's still on track for 2nd/3rd week of January.

[Cock-n-balls]

We're half way there. I hope he still has his game.

[SpursDynasty85]

Quick question if james anderson would have stayed healthy would he have been a first team all rookie?

I'd say its wayy too early to see what james anderson has. He really just played light minutes and made open 3's. Sure he played competent D, but Gary Neal,Landry Fields, xavier Henry,John wall, and Blake Griffin has had much greater roles and played very well. So, I would say no. It would beinteresting to see how Neal's minutes get affected by ANderson's return considering he's playing really well and were winning.

[chazley]

Anderson, at the rate he was playing, would've been on the all-rookie team at allstar weekend, but not first-team rookie. Landry Fields is/was ahead of him at this point.

[Spursmania]

Pop probably won't play him now that Udoka is here.
:(

[smrattler]

Anderson, at the rate he was playing, would've been on the all-rookie team at allstar weekend, but not first-team rookie. Landry Fields is/was ahead of him at this point.


If he had stayed healthy, maybe he'd have shown even more and gotten better.

Even if he had not, if he'd only played as well as he was, if healthy we'd be an even better team than we've been. More diverse, another weapon, another couple of more combinations we can throw out there.

And I was really impressed with his D considering he was a fresh rookie. He'd have only been beter by now I think.

I'm anxious for him to come back.

:hungry: :hungry: :hungry: :hungry:

[crc21209]

Come on James, hurry back. Almost there...

[DMC]

I think James would have surpassed Blake Griffin for the RoY had he stayed healthy. Prove me wrong.

[Spurs Brazil]

Injured rookie James Anderson isn’t close to returning, but he is walking around without a boot on his surgically repaired right foot. He’s is expected to be out until mid-January.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/18/ginobili-no-more-game-winners-please/

[SpursDynasty85]

I think James would have surpassed Blake Griffin for the RoY had he stayed healthy. Prove me wrong.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uiQEd-4ko0

[Nathan Explosion]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uiQEd-4ko0

This.

The guy's nickname is the Poster Child, because he's putting everyone on his poster.

God I hope Sterling stays cheap so the Spurs can have a shot at signing this guy when Duncan retires. God forbid Sterling decides to spend money on his team.

[greyforest]

I think James would have surpassed Blake Griffin for the RoY had he stayed healthy. Prove me wrong.

even if anderson was a better player griffin would STILL make roy as he is a human highlight reel

[SpursDynasty85]

even if anderson was a better player griffin would STILL make roy as he is a human highlight reel


It doens't matter about his highlights. Blake Griffin is going to be one of the best players in the NBA for the next 10 years.

[Whisky Dog]

It doens't matter about his highlights. Blake Griffin is going to be one of the best players in the NBA for the next 10 years.

IF he stays healthy. McDyess was a physical freak too but all it takes is injuries to the legs or knees and boom, athleticism gone. I hope he stays healthy.

[jjktkk]

IF he stays healthy. McDyess was a physical freak too but all it takes is injuries to the legs or knees and boom, athleticism gone. I hope he stays healthy.

Add to the fact hes already had knee injuries in high school and college.

[SpursDynasty85]

IF he stays healthy. McDyess was a physical freak too but all it takes is injuries to the legs or knees and boom, athleticism gone. I hope he stays healthy.


Very tru. I don't usually root for other team's players like I do Blake Griffin, but this man is the next coming. *pray for his knees :rolleyes

[Cry Havoc]

I think James would have surpassed Blake Griffin for the RoY had he stayed healthy. Prove me wrong.

:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao
:lmao

Please tell me you're being sarcastic. It's hard to tell.

[angelbelow]

I think James would have surpassed Blake Griffin for the RoY had he stayed healthy. Prove me wrong.

Blake Griffin would have surpassed James for RoY if both stayed healthy. Prove me wrong.

[Bruno]

Injured rookie James Anderson isn’t close to returning, but he is walking around without a boot on his surgically repaired right foot. He’s is expected to be out until mid-January.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/18/ginobili-no-more-game-winners-please/

Good news that he has been allowed to remove the walking boot. :tu

[silverblackfan]

I can live with mid-January. I hope he is fully recovered and ready to go. It will add some added "punch" to an already strong bench.

[JustinJDW]

I can live with mid-January. I hope he is fully recovered and ready to go. It will add some added "punch" to an already strong bench.Me too, I can definitley live with mid-January. But damn, I just can't wait for him to come back. He fit perfectly with that Spurs Bench, and added so much freaking depth. I loved him backing up RJ.

And my birthday is on January 15th too. :toast

[SenorSpur]

Even with only 6 games under his belt, Anderson made an impact of the bench. I can't wait for him to return. Manu probably feels the same way.

[Blackjack]

Speedy Claxton. Think, Speedy Claxton . . .

[crc21209]

Please hurry back James, I can't stand to watch Ime fumble away a simple dribble or horribly execute a 2 foot pass anymore...

[Blackjack]

To clarify on Claxton comment, I believe Anderson can have that kind of impact on the team. And even more to the point, Claxton separated his shoulder 11-8-02 and returned 2-15-03. James Anderson was placed on the IL 11-11-10 and is expected to be back about the same time of year as Speedy.

I said from the start of this year, that if they were going to win it all, they'd find a significant parallel between this year and 2003. I stand by it.

Splitter and Anderson, that's what it comes down to. Jefferson is doing his best Jackson impression offensively and the Big 3 is playing at a comparable level, only with a shift in responsibility and role -- the overall impact is comparable with the ascension of Ginobili and Parker''s play and the drop-off in Duncan's. But Splitter and Anderson are the players that can bridge the Robinson and Bowen gap, in conjunction with 'Dyess, Blair and Hill.

Anderson and Splitter, the Spurs need 'em (both).

[SenorSpur]

To clarify on Claxton comment, I believe Anderson can have that kind of impact on the team. And even more to the point, Claxton separated his shoulder 11-8-02 and returned 2-15-03. James Anderson was placed on the IL 11-11-10 and is expected to be back about the same time of year as Speedy.

I said from the start of this year, that if they were going to win it all, they'd find a significant parallel between this year and 2003. I stand by it.

Splitter and Anderson, that's what it comes down to. Jefferson is doing his best Jackson impression offensively and the Big 3 is playing at a comparable level, only with a shift in responsibility and role -- the overall impact is comparable with the ascension of Ginobili and Parker''s play and the drop-off in Duncan's. But Splitter and Anderson are the players that can bridge the Robinson and Bowen gap, in conjunction with 'Dyess, Blair and Hill.

Anderson and Splitter, the Spurs need 'em (both).

Couldn't agree more. As much as the Spurs potential success this year will be driven by the contributions of the Big Three, a deep, deep playoff run will be determined by the contributions of their deep bench - particularly Anderson and Splitter.

I know it's still early, but I'm a bit worried that Pop hasn't developed the level of confidence in Splitter that he had in Anderson, prior to his injury. Splitter needs considerable playing time, in order for him to be playoff ready.

[yavozerb]

Couldn't agree more. As much as the Spurs potential success this year will be driven by the contributions of the Big Three, a deep, deep playoff run will be determined by the contributions of their deep bench - particularly Anderson and Splitter.

I know it's still early, but I'm a bit worried that Pop hasn't developed the level of confidence in Splitter that he had in Anderson, prior to his injury. Splitter needs considerable playing time, in order for him to be playoff ready.

Considering there are 57 games left in the season I would say there is more than enough time to resolve this problem.

[TJastal]

Considering there are 57 games left in the season I would say there is more than enough time to resolve this problem.

I predict you'll be saying this 20 games from now too

"Oh, hay still 37 games left in the season I would say that's more than enough time to resolve the problem"

:lmao

[yavozerb]

I predict you'll be saying this 20 games from now too

"Oh, hay still 37 games left in the season I would say that's more than enough time to resolve the problem"

:lmao

I predict you will still be posting ignorant comments as long ST exists...

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

He's got to be coming back pretty SOON.

[Sean Cagney]

Please hurry back James, I can't stand to watch Ime fumble away a simple dribble or horribly execute a 2 foot pass anymore...

.............

[Chase_the_Bass]

Couldn't agree more. As much as the Spurs potential success this year will be driven by the contributions of the Big Three, a deep, deep playoff run will be determined by the contributions of their deep bench - particularly Anderson and Splitter.

I know it's still early, but I'm a bit worried that Pop hasn't developed the level of confidence in Splitter that he had in Anderson, prior to his injury. Splitter needs considerable playing time, in order for him to be playoff ready.
I think Pop has confidence, it's just there are four other bigs while Anderson was getting the majority of backup 3 and some 2.

[kobyz]

i've just found out that James Anderson is a clone of C.J Miles as a basketball player!

[Hooks]

Anderson=Captain Jack Jr.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

He has a pin in his freaking foot. Not only is march return optimistic but the reality is that even if he returns and is healthy he will most likely not get the minutes he was warranted back before he got injured. We are talking about coach pop here.

[Mel_13]

Roddy Beaubois had the same injury back in August. He's still a long way from playing:

Roddy Beaubois‘ recovery from left foot surgery is progressing and the next step in the development really is steps – the underwater variety.

Beaubois will start walking on the underwater treadmill this week. If that goes well, he might be allowed to do some light work on the court, he said after today’s practice.

The recovery from early-August surgery has been a slow one and the stress fracture in the foot has been slow to heal.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/20/beaubois-finally-beginning-to-heal/

Hopefully, James heals more quickly, but a return right after the All-Star break may be a more realistic target than mid-January.

[yavozerb]

I will say again, do not anticipate JA returning this season...

[objective]

Jennings is being reported to have the same injury, a "fracture of the fifth metatarsal" per RealGM, and Yahoo has a story about how he broke it against San Antonio.

His timetable is suppposed to be 4-6 weeks after his surgery.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

He has a pin in his freaking foot. Not only is march return optimistic but the reality is that even if he returns and is healthy he will most likely not get the minutes he was warranted back before he got injured. We are talking about coach pop here.

So what? Hes had a pin in his foot far a long time. Its not like that doubles the recovery time like you are asserting.

Knowing how Pop operates, we have pretty much no idea on how his recovery is going beyond people scouting for casts.

[objective]

also re: healing times, it should be noted that Beaubois actually had to stay in the boot for 3 months. (http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nba/news/story?id=5812153)

Anderson has at least cleared that hurdle.

[Bruno]

Truth is that we all don't have a clue on how well Anderson's rehab goes. Instead of doing some wild speculations, it would be wiser to just wait and see.

Trade deadline is on February 24th. If Anderson isn't back at that date, Spurs still have the possibility to do a minor trade to fix the backup SF spot.

[lefty]

Anderson giving back while healing (http://projectspurs.com/2010-articles/december/anderson-giving-back-while-healing.html)

http://projectspurs.com/templates/yoo_studio/images/emailButton.png (http://projectspurs.com/component/option,com_mailto/link,aHR0cDovL3Byb2plY3RzcHVycy5jb20vMjAxMC1hcnRpY 2xlcy9kZWNlbWJlci9hbmRlcnNvbi1naXZpbmctYmFjay13aGl sZS1oZWFsaW5nLmh0bWw=/tmpl,component/)
http://projectspurs.com/templates/yoo_studio/images/printButton.png (http://projectspurs.com/2010-articles/december/anderson-giving-back-while-healing/print.html)


Written by Jeff Garcia | 05 December 2010

Even though San Antonio Spurs rookie James Anderson is still out of the line up nursing an injury, it certainly hasn't stopped him from giving back to the local San Antonio community.
Anderson took time out to help the San Antonio Food Bank sorting out food to make sure there is enough for the holidays:
"It means a lot, you know, just giving back and it's something I look forward to continue to do," said the San Antonio Spurs' rookie guard James Anderson. (source kens5.com (http://www.kens5.com/news/Off-the-court-Spurs-rookie-helps-food-bank-sort-food-111349064.html))
Sure Spurs fans may be caught up in the team having the best record in the NBA and playing some of their best basketball in recent years, it's nice to see Anderson put things in perspective and see helping others is what truly matters in life.

[Spurs Brazil]

JMcDonald_SAEN
Pop says James Anderson (foot) is "four or five days away" from being able to return to practice court. Still mid-to-late January for games.

[DPG21920]

Nice! Will be great to have him back. :lol It will probably be a while before he is functional considering how bad he looked when he was out of shape to start camp.

[loveforthegame]

Great news. It'll be nice to get some practice reports on him though I know it'll be a while before he gets in a groove again.

[yavozerb]

:toast...I have been expecting the worst with this injury (out for the season), so this is great news. I hope he takes his time and has no further problems.

[spurs1990]

Imagine how good our second 5 will be when JA is back:

Hill
Neal
Anderson
Bonner
McDyesSplitter

[DMC]

Tiadrew McSplitter

[angelbelow]

Fantastic news!

[JustinJDW]

Great news! Just great news! Made my day. I was trying to not get myself excited, just thinking he probably won't be back to way after the All-Star Break, but I'm so happy to see that he will start practice this week.

Mid-late January is great. That's like a whole month he can take to try to get back in the system, get out of his funk and get back into his groove. Then after the All-Star Break, we can all be one deep team again and start that post All-Star dominance!

Spurs are gonna be healthy again! :elephant

[crc21209]

Great news indeed! :tu. Udoka just continues to look worse and worse as each game passes....

[TDMVPDPOY]

the games so far with anderson, is he better then NEAL? does he have better upside then NEAL?

[UnWantedTheory]

Great news! Lets pray he comes back fully healthy & can slide right back into the rotation.

[polandprzem]

until he practices the time of return is unknown.

let's check how he reacts on practice

[UnWantedTheory]

until he practices the time of return is unknown.

let's check how he reacts on practice
That is very true, but it is still good news. Don't be a party pooper.

[polandprzem]

That is very true, but it is still good news. Don't be a party pooper.

It is, but we knew he is gonna come back in mid Jan.

Still I think that he will be in rotation after the ASB

[UnWantedTheory]

It is, but we knew he is gonna come back in mid Jan.

Still I think that he will be in rotation after the ASB
We actually did not know that for sure, & still don't...but it is good to get good news.

[Sausage]

Great news! But where would he fit into the rotation, especially if Neal is playing as well as he did? At least they could bring him along slowly and not rely on him right away.

[ulosturedge]

Great news! But where would he fit into the rotation, especially if Neal is playing as well as he did? At least they could bring him along slowly and not rely on him right away.

He was RJ's backup as well as getting some time at SG. I'd think those extra SG minutes will stay with Neal and Hill for the time being. I expect him to come back in and get some minutes at SF when he is ready.

[Johnny RIngo]

Great news! But where would he fit into the rotation

Taking all of Udoka's minutes and a couple from Manu(to give him rest) would be more than enough.

[ChuckD]

It is, but we knew he is gonna come back in mid Jan.

Still I think that he will be in rotation after the ASB

He'll be in the rotation as soon as he's playing. It might start at only 8-10 minutes, but he'll play as RJ's backup, and then help to lower Manu's minutes when he proves to be sound of foot.

[tmtcsc]

Good news. Udoka has looked awful. His career is over.

[ohmwrecker]

The sooner the better as long as he's healthy. The Spurs are gonna need the kid.

[xmas1997]

Anyone would be am improvement on Udoka!

[sa_butta]

Good news. Udoka has looked awful. His career is over.
when he is on the court he is hardly noticable to me at all...It will be great to have Anderson back in the line up...

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

Too bad he can't return against Celtics.

[Spurs Brazil]

Anderson on the mend: Rookie guard James Anderson is expected to return to the court for workouts later this week. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich hopes he will return to action in about four weeks after the workouts begin.

Popovich doesn’t expect Anderson to fall far behind because of his early production after that injury.

“He showed such a proclivity to catch on quickly, I would expect he will do that again,” Popovich said.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/26/spurs%e2%80%99-spurts-too-much-for-wizards/

[TJastal]

Great news indeed! :tu. Udoka just continues to look worse and worse as each game passes....

Ya, Udoka can go lick a dog's butthole. He can't play ball for shit.

[TJastal]

Anyone would be am improvement on Udoka!

Am straight!

[easy7]

Udoka is getting better. Last night when he had an open 3, he at least hit the side of the board. A week ago he would have missed the whole arena completely. Patience people. patience. :hat

[polandprzem]

He'll be in the rotation as soon as he's playing. It might start at only 8-10 minutes, but he'll play as RJ's backup, and then help to lower Manu's minutes when he proves to be sound of foot.

By 'in a rotation' I meant his normal minutes with game rhythm

[jbspurs]

udoka is getting better. Last night when he had an open 3, he at least hit the side of the board. A week ago he would have missed the whole arena completely. Patience people. Patience. :hat

lol!!

[Budkin]

Udoka is getting better. Last night when he had an open 3, he at least hit the side of the board. A week ago he would have missed the whole arena completely. Patience people. patience. :hat

Remember how high we were on signing this guy a few years ago? Some on here hailed him as the obvious replacement for Bruce. How silly that seems now.

[ajballer4]

Udoka is getting better. Last night when he had an open 3, he at least hit the side of the board. A week ago he would have missed the whole arena completely. Patience people. patience. :hat

:lol:lol:lol

[Brox6]

Udoka is getting better. Last night when he had an open 3, he at least hit the side of the board. A week ago he would have missed the whole arena completely. Patience people. patience. :hat

:bang:bang:bang

[Dex]

I hope Anderson is watching Udoka and taking notes of what NOT to do.

[BadOne]

I hope Anderson is watching Udoka and taking notes of what NOT to do.

:lol

This!

[2centsworth]

the games so far with anderson, is he better then NEAL? does he have better upside then NEAL?

From what I've seen, Anderson has star potential. Long, Athletic, skilled, and high BB IQ.

a bigger more athletic version of Neal.

My favorite rookie since Manu, but that's me.

[spurspokesman]

I hope Anderson is watching Udoka and taking notes of what NOT to do.

That would be wise.

[J_Paco]

Good to read he's progressing well. Hopefully, he'll return by the ASB.

[Jdspur20]

Wasn't he expected to be back by mid January?

[Mel_13]

Jeff McDonald: James Anderson does some light shooting today. Won't make upcoming trip but getting closer. 4 minutes ago

http://hoopshype.com/twitter_media.html

[polandprzem]

shooting is good

[ohmwrecker]

I hope Anderson is watching Udoka and taking notes of what NOT to do.

Ime had a great game vs OKC . . .

[toki9]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/multimedia/110102_pop.html

Is that Anderson in the background, shooting? BTW, it's funny how shifty Pop's eyes look, darting from side to side as reporters lob questions.

[K-State Spur]

Wasn't he expected to be back by mid January?

he was said to be out "at least" 8 weeks from the middle of november, so that would peg mid-January as the earliest that he could possibly return.

[DPG21920]

I am really pumped about getting JA back. He was really playing well. I still don't know what we have in him as a player (for some reason, his "upside" is really hard for me to gauge), but I like what I have seen.

Spurs keep getting winners. I was very happy to get someone of his pedigree from college with our pick. Lets hope he gets back and can bring another dimension to the table.

[duncan228]

...“He’s closer to the floor than he is to the bed,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “He’s closer to wearing a uniform than he is to wearing civilian clothes.”


...Popovich said last week that he expects Anderson to return to the Spurs playing time by the end of the month. But he won’t accompany the team on a road trip this week that will include games at New York, Boston and Indiana.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/02/anderson-working-hard-in-rehab-but-wont-make-upcoming-road-trip/

[Spurs Brazil]

Great news!

[Ditty]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/multimedia/110102_pop.html

Is that Anderson in the background, shooting? BTW, it's funny how shifty Pop's eyes look, darting from side to side as reporters lob questions.

yeah it is

[Bruno]

Nice. So far, so good.

It looks like Anderson could be back sooner than Beaubois while he broke his foot 3 months after Beaubois.

[crc21209]

Great, GREAT news! :tu

[toki9]

yeah it is

Anderson is in the background in all three practice vids, with the RJ clip providing the best view.

[benefactor]

The playoffs are all that matter at this point. The Spurs have shown that they can win with their current personnel, so I don't really care when he comes back as long as he has enough time to get back in rhythm and get in game shape for the post season.

[ohmwrecker]

I am really pumped about getting JA back. He was really playing well. I still don't know what we have in him as a player (for some reason, his "upside" is really hard for me to gauge), but I like what I have seen.

It's been a small sample size, but I think he has a great attitude mostly. He seems to be a much better defender than I expected him to be. He is willing to do what the team needs him to do and, of course, he is pretty athletic and has a lot of raw, natural ability. I think Pop can mold this kid into, at the very least, a very solid role player.

[Blackjack]

The Junction Boy is a stud, plain and simple.

Just look at a guy like Afflalo. Anderson's a better, more talented prospect. Different, his upside being higher on the offensive end, but he's going to be a pretty damn solid defender as well.

As long as his career isn't derailed by injury, Spurs fans will be a very happy bunch -- Hill, Blair, Splitter and Anderson ... they ain't some bad draft picks.

[EricB]

I really love that this kid isn't getting talked about. His game right now is a perfect fit on the second unit and I think would aid in giving Manu lots of time off.

[peskypesky]

oh Lord, the NBA better watch out when Anderson gets playing time again. we're bulldozing as is, and we're only going to get better. the way i see it, Splitter is going to get better, Blair continues to improve, and Neal will get better (although he's pretty damn good already). as long as the others stay healthy, the addition of Anderson will kick us up another notch, and we're already leading the rest of the league by a nice margin.

[toki9]

One good thing about this injury is that Anderson probably won't hit the rookie wall...I wonder when/if Neal will his...and Splitter (Will he? He's hardly played so far)...

[JustinJDW]

I'm really trying not to think about how good and deep we will be once this kid comes back because I get way too pumped up and excited every time I do.

[duncan228]

Anderson shooting again, but what does it mean? (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/02/anderson-shooting-again-but-what-does-it-mean/)
Jeff McDonald

...Spurs coach Gregg Popovich remains bullish on Anderson’s immediate future.

“He showed such a proclivity to catch on quickly,” Popovich said. “I would expect he will do it again.”

Still, there aren’t a lot of backup minutes available on the wing for the Spurs. Not with George Hill and Gary Neal alternately playing like potential Sixth Men of the Year.

In the past, Popovich hasn’t been too quick to trust rookies at all, let alone rookies that miss months of on-the-job training.

It wouldn’t be surprising for Anderson to return to practice later this month, but not return to the regular rotation until the February rodeo trip. Or March. Or, depending on how things are going, not at all.


...Anderson has missed seven weeks and counting. It could be a few more before he is cleared to play again. Add in a few more to get his wind back, and a few more to readjust to the speed of the NBA game, and … you get the picture.

Maybe Anderson picks up where he left off and quickly regains a spot on the floor. Maybe he doesn’t. With Anderson still relegated only to “light shooting,” it’s all speculation at this point.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/02/anderson-shooting-again-but-what-does-it-mean/

[Biggems]

We are doing fine right now. As long as we remain healthy, I say hold him out until the beginning of February.

When he returns, does this mean that Udoka will be cut?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I love when Popovich is bullish. About anything.

[DMC]

One good thing about this injury is that Anderson probably won't hit the rookie wall...I wonder when/if Neal will his...and Splitter (Will he? He's hardly played so far)...

Neal isn't going to hit a wall. He's not the same kind of rookie. Tiago hit his a few months ago.

[DMC]

no, but either he or Quinn will be forced to the injured list.
Ime came in to fill the gap for Anderson. When James is back, Ime is out.

[024]

not really expecting much from anderson this year. probably will take a while to get back into shape, reintegrate, and get team chemistry going again. by the time that happens, the playoffs will here. anderson is a real rookie, unlike neal.

[Capt Bringdown]

Two seasons ago, George Hill played in 77 games as a rookie, and started seven. By April, however, that didn’t stop Popovich from declaring, “these playoffs aren’t for George.”

Lest we forget.

[tp2021]

not really expecting much from anderson this year. probably will take a while to get back into shape, reintegrate, and get team chemistry going again. by the time that happens, the playoffs will here. anderson is a real rookie, unlike neal.

Not really a "regular" rookie. He was a first-round pick and played like it before he went down. I'm more confident in JA being able to reintegrate himself this season than I am in Tiago being able to integrate himself this season at all.

Oh, and


He showed such a proclivity to catch on quickly. I would expect he will do it again.

[NASpurs]

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/02/anderson-shooting-again-but-what-does-it-mean/

What a fucking joke of an article. It all boils down to "Well he may or may not get minutes when he comes back". McDonald asks the question "but what does it mean" like he's actually going to answer it but all he does is ramble on like the windbag that he is through empty speculation and scenarios just to fill the quota for that so called article. Where's that damn "I miss Ludden" picture?

[EricB]

I don't understand NA, what did you want?


I still think when he comes back, he takes Manu's beginning of second quarter minutes, and then Pop goes from there. BUT, it just allows them to matchup so much better with the likes of Miami, LA, and such and such.

What will be Anderson's saving grace over Hill in his rookie year, there are no veterans that can be SEMI argued to get minutes over him.

[jjktkk]

Lest we forget.

You do seem to enjoy playing the role of debbie downer Capt. I don't mean to shit on your parade.

[EricB]

You do seem to enjoy playing the role of debbie downer Capt. I don't mean to shit on your parade.

Don't bother...

[lurker23]

I'm not worried about James Anderson getting integrated into the lineup again. Based on his performance earlier in the year, Pop will give him minutes to prove that it wasn't a fluke.

However, he may have to handle swingman minutes the same way he's handling big man minutes- on any given night, one guy will more or less have the night off. With the big men, this has been Splitter and McDyess, with Bonner rarely sprinkled in. With the 2/3, it will be Neal and Anderson, with perhaps Manu sprinkled in on back-to-backs.

[tuncaboylu]

It would be better how quick James returns to team. Team is going well at the moment, winning some games easily and it's a big opportunity for a rookie in a contender. He can find chance to play whenever he comes back, i hope he will be back in a hurry.

[Dex]

I think as well as he was doing early, he deserves a chance to contribute when he comes back. If he can come back into the flow of things as well as has had previously, then he's a better candidate for Ime's minutes (at least) and could probably lighten the load on Manu and Hill until the playoffs.

[crc21209]

I know one thing is for sure, throwing Anderson out there will be a hell of a lot better than throwing Ime Uchokea out there for any minutes at all...

[Capt Bringdown]

You do seem to enjoy playing the role of debbie downer Capt. I don't mean to shit on your parade.
So sorry to offend your delicate sensibilities. Might I suggest the ignore list feature for your problem?

Quoting from the OP's article in the context of what we will can hopefully not expect from Pop going forward. Do you have anything germane to add?

[pookenstein]

For what it's worth:

ANDERSON SHOOTS:
Injured rookie guard James Anderson ramped up his rehabilitation Sunday, engaging in light shooting drills after practice.
Initially diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right foot on Nov. 11, an injury that required surgery and eight weeks of recovery, Anderson remains on track to return to full contact later this month.
“He’s closer to wearing a uniform than he is to wearing civilian clothes,” Popovich said.
Anderson will not make the Spurs’ upcoming three-game road trip to New York, Boston and Indiana.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/03/spurs-notebook-jefferson-bashes-talk-of-hoops-revival-in-n-y/

[Leetonidas]

I just saw that. That is very good news. :tu

This kid has shown potential to be a very good defender. He is a good size, and I think he can be groomed.

Why the hell has Popovich not hired Bruce as a defensive coach or something? C'mon now!

[tdunk21]

http://twitter.com/jmcdonald_saen



James Anderson remains on track for January return. But what does that mean?
From the Courtside blog: http://bit.ly/gSlxRE #spurs

[tdunk21]

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/02/anderson-shooting-again-but-what-does-it-mean/



James Anderson stayed after practice Sunday to fire up some jump shots, under the watchful gaze of the Spurs’ strength and conditioning staff. Though the drills Anderson did would fall under the heading “light shooting,” he worked hard enough to work up a sweat.

After missing the past 27 games with a stress fracture in his right foot, Anderson remains on track to return to full contact later this month. What happens next isn’t exactly clear.

Anderson, the Spurs’ No. 1 pick out of Oklahoma State last June, impressed with his poise and shooting ability in his six-game indoctrination into the NBA prior to being injured. But he’s also missed seven weeks and counting, and the Spurs have moved on without him en route to the league’s best record.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich remains bullish on Anderson’s immediate future.

“He showed such a proclivity to catch on quickly,” Popovich said. “I would expect he will do it again.”

Still, there aren’t a lot of backup minutes available on the wing for the Spurs. Not with George Hill and Gary Neal alternately playing like potential Sixth Men of the Year.

In the past, Popovich hasn’t been too quick to trust rookies at all, let alone rookies that miss months of on-the-job training.

It wouldn’t be surprising for Anderson to return to practice later this month, but not return to the regular rotation until the February rodeo trip. Or March. Or, depending on how things are going, not at all.

Two seasons ago, George Hill played in 77 games as a rookie, and started seven. By April, however, that didn’t stop Popovich from declaring, “these playoffs aren’t for George.” Tiago Splitter missed a month of training camp/preseason earlier this season, and still hasn’t found a comfortable rotation spot.

Anderson has missed seven weeks and counting. It could be a few more before he is cleared to play again. Add in a few more to get his wind back, and a few more to readjust to the speed of the NBA game, and … you get the picture.

Maybe Anderson picks up where he left off and quickly regains a spot on the floor. Maybe he doesn’t. With Anderson still relegated only to “light shooting,” it’s all speculation at this point.

How Anderson fits in once he returns, and how Popovich reintegrates him, could be one of the more interesting second-half storylines for the Spurs.

[admiralsnackbar]

Anderson, the Spurs’ No. 1 pick out of Oklahoma State last June, impressed with his poise and shooting ability in his six-game indoctrination into the NBA prior to being injured

Minor, but annoying.

[boutons_deux]

I wonder if an acidic diet (causes the body to neutralize the blood serum by leaching calcium from bones) could cause these fractures in professional athletes?

Plausible:

"although no weaknesses in bone density were seen, the altered nutritional status and aberrant eating patterns which were observed in some dancers may be contributing to stress fractures. This finding is of considerable clinical importance because poor nutrition in young adulthood can have lifelong effects on bone health.

http://www.faqs.org/abstracts/Health/Nutrition-and-the-incidence-of-stress-fractures-in-ballet-dancers.html#ixzz1A6FNKMh1"

======

Warning

Just as there are foods that promote healing, there are also foods that slow the healing process. Cookbook author Rosemary Fischer recommends removing "bone robber" foods such as whole-milk dairy products, red meat, processed foods, sugar, carbonated beverages, alcohol and caffeine from your diet until your fracture heals.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/288392-fracture-healing-diet/#ixzz1A6Fw0gs4

=====

Eating well can play a crucial role in preventing stress fractures. If your diet is short on calcium, your body will steal the mineral from your bones, making them vulnerable to breaking. Men and women should consume 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium daily; young adults and the elderly should aim for 1,200 to 1,500 mg. Food sources are better than supplements because they are generally better absorbed.

http://www.time-to-run.com/injuries/stress-fractures/avoid.htm

etc, etc, for "stress fracture diet"

As part of "strength and conditioning", I would certainly give guidance on bone-protecting/strengthening diet.

Pro bballers certainly have enough repetitive stress on their hips-to-toes to provoke calcium uptake, but if they are eating a heavily acidic diet ...

[Blackjack]

Minor, but annoying.

It's essentially correct, it's just used more as an NFL term. For instance: "The Cowboys No. 1 pick, Dez Bryant."

It's more a reference to the round than overall selection, specifically when a team only has one first-rounder.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

For what it's worth:


http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/03/spurs-notebook-jefferson-bashes-talk-of-hoops-revival-in-n-y/
Great news to hear! :flag:

[tdunk21]

update

http://twitter.com/#!/JMcDonald_SAEN


Injured rookie James Anderson not likely to be activated by Spurs until next weekend at absolute earliest. #spurs

[xellos88330]

Excellent news!

I wonder if Pop will be limiting him, or if he is going to wait until he is back in great shape to immediately return as a rotation player.

[200 miles]

update

http://twitter.com/#!/JMcDonald_SAEN

:tu

[Cessation]

Great news! He'll do wonders for our perimeter d, judging by his play before the injury.

[DMC]

I just saw that. That is very good news. :tu

This kid has shown potential to be a very good defender. He is a good size, and I think he can be groomed.

Why the hell has Popovich not hired Bruce as a defensive coach or something? C'mon now!

The same reason Steve Kerr isn't a shooting coach. Being really good at something doesn't mean you can teach it. Bruce had a tactic, and defense is about awareness and aggression. You don't need a great defensive player to teach defense. I am sure Chip England never won a 3pt shooting contest.

[ChuckD]

The same reason Steve Kerr isn't a shooting coach. Being really good at something doesn't mean you can teach it. Bruce had a tactic, and defense is about awareness and aggression. You don't need a great defensive player to teach defense. I am sure Chip England never won a 3pt shooting contest.

Chip won a three point contest in the old CBA minor league, and shot over 50% from long in his pro career in minor and world leagues. He can shoot and teach, and is NOT a good example of someone who can't do something but can teach it.

[LatinLover69]

How funny. I saw Mr Anderson shopping at the mall yesterday. Of course I didnt run up to him like "Hi Sir how is your leg doing?" like you homers would do hahahaha.:whine

[yavozerb]

How funny. I saw Mr Anderson shopping at the mall yesterday. Of course I didnt run up to him like "Hi Sir how is your leg doing?" like you homers would do hahahaha.:whine

No, but you do run back home and get on ST to tell everyone you saw JA...I guess thats a step up. :lol

[5in10]

Besides d and 3s, I'm hoping ja can run the pick n roll, we lack a guard of the bench that can hit that rolling man.

[ceperez]

The same reason Steve Kerr isn't a shooting coach. Being really good at something doesn't mean you can teach it. Bruce had a tactic, and defense is about awareness and aggression. You don't need a great defensive player to teach defense. I am sure Chip England never won a 3pt shooting contest.

That is a truly ilinformed last sentence. Engelland shot .554 for the 3 point line for the Duke Blue Devils.

http://goduke.statsgeek.com/basketball-m/players/statlines.php?playerid=128

[wildbill2u]

Besides d and 3s, I'm hoping ja can run the pick n roll, we lack a guard of the bench that can hit that rolling man.

Well, it ain't likely to be Anderson. He's a shooter, not a point.

[ChuckD]

Well, it ain't likely to be Anderson. He's a shooter, not a point.

Plenty of SGs and even some SFs can make the bounce pass to the big on the roll.

Geez, JA was the fucking BIG TWELVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR. He might have some pretty good b-ball skills, ya think?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I don't like him coming back as soon as the media makes it sound he might come back.

This just REEKS of re-breaking or stress fracturing the injury, and potentially ruining a young man's career before it even begins.

just my two cents

[jjktkk]

I don't like him coming back as soon as the media makes it sound he might come back.

This just REEKS of re-breaking or stress fracturing the injury, and potentially ruining a young man's career before it even begins.

just my two cents

I've never seen the Spurs training staff rush a player back too soon. If anything Pop errors on the side of caution.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Didn't Manu get a stress reaction or some business cuz we rushed him back?

[ChuckD]

I've never seen the Spurs training staff rush a player back too soon. If anything Pop errors on the side of caution.

[SenorSpur]

I've never seen the Spurs training staff rush a player back too soon. If anything Pop errors on the side of caution.

:tu

[duncan228]

Pop pegs "beginning of February" as earliest possible return date for James Anderson. Says caution with foot injury is paramount.

Pop on Anderson: "It’s one of those things where if we make a mistake, you could possibly lose him for the season."

[duncan228]

Article follows up the earlier tweets.


Spurs target February for Anderson’s return (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/09/spurs-target-february-for-andersons-return/)
Jeff McDonald

...“We’re really taking our time,” Popovich said. “It’s one of those things where if we make a mistake and he goes out there too early, you could possibly lose him for the season.”


..."If anything, we’ll go longer that what probably would be indicated, just to make sure,” Popovich said. “Right now we’re looking at into the beginning of February, probably, before we see him out there.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/09/spurs-target-february-for-andersons-return/

[ElNono]

Codeword for mid February, early March...

[ElNono]

I don't have a problem with it, tbh. I think it makes sense considering the long term.
I unfortunately don't think he'll be ready for the playoffs though.

[EricB]

Nah it'll be beginning February. With Manu it was the other way around. Stress reaction then a stress fracture...

[Dex]

I had a dream Finley was back with the team last night.

It was more like a nightmare.

[greyforest]

I had a dream Finley was back with the team last night.

It was more like a nightmare.

'07 finley wasn't so nightmarish

[Ditty]

I had a dream Finley was back with the team last night.

It was more like a nightmare.

I had a damn good dream about some girl I know last night :lol

The last spurs dream I had is that we won the championship this year, and I was somewhere we there was alot of spurs haters, and was talking some mess.

[jeebus]

I seriously had a dream about watching a Spurs game last night. Pop wasn't coaching that night for some reason so Splitter got a lot of playing time over Bonner and was awesome. Best part was that the camera kept showing Bonner on the bench and he looked sad.

[Dex]

I seriously had a dream about watching a Spurs game last night. Pop wasn't coaching that night for some reason so Splitter got a lot of playing time over Bonner and was awesome. Best part was that the camera kept showing Bonner on the bench and he looked sad.

One hell of a dream. What's next, purple flying elephants?

[Lizard]

One hell of a dream. What's next, purple flying elephants?

[Lizard]

One hell of a dream. What's next, purple flying elephants?

:elephant

[crc21209]

Good move to keep it on the safe side. Can't wait to see what he has in his game when he comes back...:tu

[duncan228]

James Anderson visits the Boys and Girls Club

Spurs guard James Anderson visited the Candlewood Boys and Girls Club to play some video games, air hockey, and pool with the kids.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/multimedia/110110_anderson.html

[SpursWoman]

James Anderson visits the Boys and Girls Club

Spurs guard James Anderson visited the Candlewood Boys and Girls Club to play some video games, air hockey, and pool with the kids.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/multimedia/110110_anderson.html


On the JISD Facebook wall they have Derek Anderson. I lol'd.

[TampaDude]

'07 finley wasn't so nightmarish

WERD...how soon people forget...

Who remembers Finley going 8-8 from the stripe to close out the Jazz in Game 1 of the 2007 WCF? That was a clinic.

[DesignatedT]

It will be beginning of feb end of jan IMO.

[awktalk]

I seriously had a dream about watching a Spurs game last night. Pop wasn't coaching that night for some reason so Splitter got a lot of playing time over Bonner and was awesome. Best part was that the camera kept showing Bonner on the bench and he looked sad.

We must have lost the game by 30.

[EricB]

WERD...how soon people forget...

Who remembers Finley going 8-8 from the stripe to close out the Jazz in Game 1 of the 2007 WCF? That was a clinic.


Or winning game 5 of the First round against the Nuggets single handily winning it.

[duncan228]

Just Anderson's quotes, hit the link for the rest. He didn't travel with the team.


Anderson’s return pushed to February (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/10/andersons-return-pushed-to-february/)
Mike Monroe

...Anderson understands the caution. He suffered a similar injury to his left foot during his high school career and is grateful he took it slowly with that injury, as well.

“I’m just doing whatever they tell me to do,” he said. “I don’t want to rush it. I had this before, and it turned out fine, and I came back stronger. I’m just listening to everything they say.”


...“It’s boring, but at the same time, I’m getting to put in a lot of work that will make me a stronger player and a better shooter,” he said. “I’m just taking it as it comes, one day at a time.

“I work with two of the basketball interns. I do pool work, swimming laps and doing different foot skills in the pool. I lift four times a week and ride the bike and run on the treadmill. This week, I’ll start my conditioning back on the court, wind sprints and getting up a lot of shots.”


...“I feel like I’m still there, even when I’m away,” he said.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/10/andersons-return-pushed-to-february/

[jjktkk]

Just Anderson's quotes, hit the link for the rest. He didn't travel with the team.



http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/10/andersons-return-pushed-to-february/

Thanks for the updates d228.

[ALVAREZ6]

This injury was damn unfortunate, it could be the differenced between a championship, and not a championship. I'm not saying he's a huge factor, but when competition is close, in both conferences, any small factor can make or break a team's dreams. Anderson look promising in the few time we saw of him, he could have developed all year, there's no doubt he would have seen some nice playing time with his size and athleticism.

Not saying the verdict on whether or not the Spurs win a championship this year depends too much on Anderson, but he could be one of the various different factors that can make the difference. It sucks because I somehow don't see the Spurs having this type of year, next year. And I honestly think it's safe to say, unless an unexpected happens, that the Miami Heat are claiming the 2012 + 2013 championships for sure. After such a terrible start, yet they're now catching up to the Spurs record (and will probably surpass it eventually at year's end), Boston being one year older with KG, Pierce, Allen, Shaq, etc, and next year little threat will remain out west...the NBA could potentially be killed for a few years, unless somehow KD, Melo, + Amare all team up, or another super-team of the like.

[elec99]

It's been 8 weeks now. Put him on the court, let him run the court for 5 mins a game.

[bus driver]

It's still a tad under his time table date. Still I expect him to be sent to the D-League as soon as he is cleared to play. Get back into game shape, get rhythm back, stuff like that. He should be good to go by the rodeo road trip.

WTF :bang:pctoss

[Bender]

Still I expect him to be sent to the D-League as soon as he is cleared to play...
and then he regresses...

hopefully he's working out now... at least low impact... like swimming to something.

[urunobili]

I don't think he'll be sent to the D league tbh

[Phenomanul]

D-League? I hope not.

[tp2021]

Why is everyone shitting on the D-League as a rehab stint? Come on, let the kid get his baller on against weaker competition until we know he's totally ready to go.

[urunobili]

I do for a few reasons. A) the two guards of Manu/Neal/Hill are all playing well, so there isn't really a need to rush Anderson back. So on that not you have point B) Anderson is sent to the D-League so he can take his time getting back into shape without hurting the Spurs with rust. C) it is a confidence builder, or should be. When you don't play for a while there is a small doubt that comes into your mind. Anderson had that most of training camp an pre-season. Missing easy shots, passing up old ones. Any shooter will tell you that confidence is key. And D) the toros have a bit of a draw. Come see an NBA player who played in the Big 12.

I could be dead wrong, but from my stand point it makes too much sense.

a) Anderson was RJ's back up at the beginning of the season so... :nope
b) Each player the Spurs have sent to the D-League doesn't pan out... give me one example proving the opposite.. ONE
c) Confidence builder will be on the first three pointer he makes once he gets back and that's why he practices with the big boys...
d) who cares about the Toros apart from Chump? After failing to develop a single player there I don't think Pop cares much either...

[Darkwaters]

Phila,

I think a week or two in the d-league would be a good solution for Anderson. I'd rather him go down there and get all the minutes he can handle in several games (and time to recondition himself) rather than play at the top level and see limited minutes. If for nothing else, diverting away from the forum melt down when he doesn't play immediately upon returning.

[jjktkk]

Phila,

I think a week or two in the d-league would be a good solution for Anderson. I'd rather him go down there and get all the minutes he can handle in several games (and time to recondition himself) rather than play at the top level and see limited minutes. If for nothing else, diverting away from the forum melt down when he doesn't play immediately upon returning.

It wouldn't matter either way. Some on here would bitch and ask why is Anderson in Austin, if he was sent there, or they would ask why he isn't getting playing time once hes back with Spurs and deemed healthy.

[cheguevara]

haha

I dreamt last nite Anderson was shooting around in pregame

[SenorSpur]

I do for a few reasons. A) the two guards of Manu/Neal/Hill are all playing well, so there isn't really a need to rush Anderson back. So on that not you have point B) Anderson is sent to the D-League so he can take his time getting back into shape without hurting the Spurs with rust. C) it is a confidence builder, or should be. When you don't play for a while there is a small doubt that comes into your mind. Anderson had that most of training camp an pre-season. Missing easy shots, passing up old ones. Any shooter will tell you that confidence is key. And D) the toros have a bit of a draw. Come see an NBA player who played in the Big 12.

I could be dead wrong, but from my stand point it makes too much sense.

TBH, I'd never thought of utilizing a D-League stint for an injured player in such a fashion. However, your points make a ton of sense. Practice is fine, but there is just no way to simulate "real" game-like situations. Of course, the D-League talent level is inferior, but in terms of getting real court time, a stint like could be very useful.

[boutons_deux]

D-league would be useful for getting in game shape, which is independent from the quality of the game.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

Well it's been way more than 8 weeks.....

[The Truth #6]

I think Pop will be happy to have Anderson back and will be happy to play him. If Anderson struggles poorly in the beginning then that could be an option but I don't see it being an initial strategy...though it does have some logic.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

A) At the moment, from a defensive and play-book stand point, all 3 of Neal/Hill/Manu are playing minutes at the 3. Sure Anderson could sneak in and take about 8 of those minutes, but why mess with something that is working to shake some rust off.

B) Pops Mensa Bonsu. Granted his NBA career didn't pan out, but out of all the Spurs that played for the Toros no one had a more impressive outing. And this isn't a development assignment like it was for players like Ian, Malik, James White or Marcus Williams. It's a rehab assignment. Even Ed Jones, a lottery pick, did a rehab assignment this season.

C) going 2/5 from 3 in 7 minutes where you're winded afterwards isn't a confidence builder. Scoring 25 in 32 minutes and feeling like you're back in the Big 12 is though.

D) I'm sure the Spurs care about the toros to a certain extent. It isn't like they are a random D-League team. Just most spurs fans don't care.

Phila makes a better case than urunobili on this point.

Sending JA to the DL for a few games is a great idea. He'll come back to the real league with some wind and some touch.

[toki9]

Phila makes a better case than urunobili on this point.

Sending JA to the DL for a few games is a great idea. He'll come back to the real league with some wind and some touch.

And it doesn't hurt that a 1st round rookie sees/experiences a bit of D-League life before he gets too jaded/spoiled...

[tdunk21]

James Anderson update

http://twitter.com/#!/JMcDonald_SAEN



Pop says injured guard James Anderson will make a rehab appearance in Austin before rejoining Spurs. Probably in early Feb. #spurs

[tdunk21]

someone called it before that he will be sent to torros for rehab and they were dead right about it....

[BanditHiro]

oh no he is going to rot and die in the D-League T.T

[timtonymanu]

I like it. Give him a chance to get in rhythm instead of rushing him back into the rotation and possibly hurting him again.

[pjjrfan]

Thier Trainer Will Sevring said the same thing at half time of the mavs game on friday on 1200 woai, although he did say that that decision was not his to make but he thought that's how the team was going to go with his rehab.

[024]

no high hopes for anderson. history indicates he will not see playoff minutes.

[urunobili]

no high hopes for anderson. history indicates he will not see playoff minutes.

So based on that assumption Gary Neal won't either?

[JustinJDW]

Psh, the D-League? Fuck that shit man!

[Em-City]

Hopefully he'll do like Twilliams and smash out a couple of triple-doubles

[Hemotivo]

he looks greg oden old

[EricB]

Excellent move. When he's done with his stint he should be more than ready for his old minutes.

[NASpurs]

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/01/16/rookie-anderson-getting-closer-to-return/


“This coming week, he’s going to be going one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three, that kind of thing, so he’ll have his first contact,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “The end of the week, or some time the following week, he’ll go down to the D-League to play for a while, so he’s a couple of weeks away from coming back to us, probably towards the end of the month.”

[arodz]

We've been extremely fortunate that we haven't had an REAL injuries this season. But what happens if one of our guards get hurt. Then what? Are we gonna rely on Larry Owens instead of James Anderson? I just don't get why Pop won't play this guy.

[MaNu4Tres]

Told ya so.

Good call :tu

[SenorSpur]

Told ya so.

Yeah, good call Phila.

JA's D-League transition plan is a very good idea. He should be fully ready to roll by the time he gets called back up.

It also is well-timed with the call-up and 10-day contract of Owens. The Spurs can get a free look at him during JA's Austin stint.

[jestersmash]

As per ESPN insider 20 minutes ago.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/features/rumors?date=20110117&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba %2ffeatures%2frumors%3fdate%3d20110117#20281

Looks like he's going back to the Toros to (presumably) get back into game-shape without burdening the Spurs.

[jestersmash]

Mother fucker I'm about 12 hours too late. Fucking hell. Close this thread please. My bad for assuming ESPN was up to date on this sort of thing.

[ChumpDumper]

He never was in Austin before.

[lurker23]

Props to Phila_Chamberlain for being in-touch with the FO's thinking.

I've long been an advocate of using the D-League for baseball-style rehab stints. Glad to see the Spurs are giving it a try.

[Fireball]

I think its a good decision to send him to the D-League. The way the Spurs are playing right now there is no urgency for Anderson to play NBA minutes. He needs to get in shape, which he was not even at the start of the season ...

[K-State Spur]

no high hopes for anderson. history indicates he will not see playoff minutes.

That may be the case, but more because we tend to shorten the rotation in the playoffs (and he'll have a hard time getting PT over Neal, a fellow rookie) as opposed to history showing an unwillingness towards playing rookies in the playoff.

Parker, Beno, and Blair all saw regular playoff minutes. Hill sat most of games 1 & 2 his rookie year (which Pop later acknowledged as a mistake), but played regular minutes the remainder of the series.

Most of the other rookies that this board wanted to see in the postseason turned out to be crap.

[K-State Spur]

Are we gonna rely on Larry Owens instead of James Anderson? I just don't get why Pop won't play this guy.

Because he's still hurt?