Frontcourt Dilemma

[DesignatedT]

Looks like Pop has his hands full with the front court rotation going forward. With Bonner going crazy from behind the arc, Blair's obvious struggles in the starting lineup, Splitters inexperience and Duncan and Dice' old legs how do you guys see our front court shaping up in the future?

I'm definitely a supporter of Splitter getting minutes and I understand Bonner is the least popular guy in a Spurs uniform, but the way he's shooting the ball I don't know if it's very smart to put him on the bench right now. Obviously starting Bonner the 2nd half tonight gave the big 3 more room to operate and helped spark that big 3rd quarter run. Blair has been playing better lately IMO but still doesn't seem to fit with the first unit guys.

Does Blair continue to start? Move Bonner in the SL? :wow Is Splitter better off playing over Blair? Should be interesting to see where Pop goes with this.

[Leonard Curse]

oh theres no reason to speculate where the alcoholic is going with this lineup we know where its headed

[Chomag]

Splitter is not going get into game shape sitting, but ya this team has a logjam on the frontline now. Could one of them now be expendable?

[DesignatedT]

oh theres no reason to speculate where the alcoholic is going with this lineup we know where its headed

and where's that?

[DesignatedT]

I mean Blair was putting up 20/20 games as a rookie, does this guy really just go out of the rotation?

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Spurs have a frontcourt that has length but also talented to play with small athletic teams. We should be thankful that this team has so much flexibility. This is not something we enjoyed last year and killed us with those young athletic teams.

[TD 21]

I think what ultimately happens (and, short of if Blair were playing out of his mind, I think it was going to happen anyway...not just because of his struggles, I think even relatively good play wouldn't have made a difference) is McDyess takes over as the starter at some point.

Bonner will probably be the third big (the Lakers and Mavs are the only potential exceptions in the West) and it'll be between Splitter and Blair for the fourth spot, with the edge to Splitter.

We all like Blair and his young legs and per minute production are important to help get this team through the regular season with a high seed without wearing out Duncan and McDyess. But in reality, he probably should be the odd man out in the playoffs. Right now, he's the worst overall defender amongst the bigs, he can't protect the rim, he offers no shooting/spacing and he makes too many foolish decisions due to his inexperience. Duncan and McDyess will play more in the playoffs, so his per minute production won't be as necessary.

[Nathan89]

Bonner will probably be the third big (the Lakers and Mavs are the only potential exceptions in the West) and it'll be between Splitter and Blair for the fourth spot, with the edge to Splitter.

Blair would be terrible against the Mavs. Bonner is definitely a better fit.

[DesignatedT]

He might just need to go to Dice in the SL right now. He's probably the best choice right now and it's no secret Blair plays better off the bench. He's got to be worried about the amount of minutes Duncan and Dice are playing though.

[TD 21]

Blair would be terrible against the Mavs. Bonner is definitely a better fit.

I know. When I said those two teams were the exceptions, I meant I could see Splitter being the third big against those teams.

[ElNono]

lol 5th big, 15 mpg...

If we can't find time to integrate Splitter now, it's not gonna happen in March... that's the reality of it. Now Matt looked like he had a stiff back or something. Anybody knows what was that about?

[angelbelow]

This "problem" really highlights the fact that we have a pretty deep front court.

IMO:

Duncan and Dice should continued to be limited whenever the luxury presents itself.

Blair and Splitter I feel should still receive most of the back up minutes. They have both have great potential and have shown that they can contribute. Blair is still SLOWLY improving each game and Splitter is still getting accustomed to the NBA but theyre both great pieces to have. Blairs 1v1 post D has been average to above average and his rebound is still solid, the 2 areas he needs to improve on are his team defense and his decision making with the basketball on the offensive end. I think effectively ways for him to improve in these areas are playing against other players in the nba.

Bonner should continue to be a situational role player like Neal. Some nights he'll come in stretch the floor and provide rest, other nights he shouldnt play. If history repeats itself, Bonner will be horrible during the playoffs, if thats the case he should really be a 5th big that spells rest and provides occasional offense.

[ducks]

unfortunally I have a feeling a big will go down then they will be only 4
hopefully not dice or duncan

[DesignatedT]

unfortunally I have a feeling a big will go down then they will be only 4
hopefully not dice or duncan

lol

[angelbelow]

unfortunally I have a feeling a big will go down then they will be only 4
hopefully not dice or duncan

Well I have a feeling that this team will be healthy all season long including the playoffs. So you can relax.

[rmt]

I'd trade a few losses (with Bonner on the bench) for Splitter gaining as much experience as possible. If a championship is truly the goal, it goes through LA and Splitter is needed against Gasol/Bynum. Pop can't resist playing Bonner and that's why I was so against re-signing him because I knew he'd eat into Splitter's minutes.

[ElNono]

BTW, I don't think Pop has any dilemmas. Bonner is the 2nd/3rd big in this team. He was injured that's why it wasn't as obvious earlier.
I expect Splitter to come back against less athletic frontcourts and borderline bad teams. I'm sure he'll see minutes against the Cavs saturday.

[silverblk mystix]

I didn't wish for Bonner to get injured...but I knew when he got injured that it would be a blessing for the team.

Bonner returning and hitting 3's is fool's gold when you look at the big picture.

When the spurs get manhandled in the playoffs against the lakers...Splitter would have been a difference maker....but if Pop continues this Bonner love-then Splitter will come in and not be up to speed and things will crumble...

Hope I am wrong and will be glad to eat my words if Bonner continues his streak and then stays hot in the playoffs.

[crc21209]

I can't believe we're actually saying we have crazy front-court depth but we do. And they're all different type of big men as well. TD is the franchise and can still score in a variety of ways in the paint, and still defends and rebounds very well. Blair is an undersized hustle big man who can rebound and bring an instant energy into a game. Dice is the veteran you can go to who can pick and pop the midrange J and still finish at the rim crazy good. Bonner is the big who can stretch the floor with his 3-pt shooting. And Splitter (although still learning at this point) is the big who can defend the pick and roll well, has a great Bball IQ, and can defend the rim as well.

[Chomag]

Playoff chokers will not win you championship. Tmack says hi.

Unfortunately Bonner has proven time and time again that he is a playoff choker. Sure, he can win you a couple of regular season games but He needs to not be eating minutes of the players that will contribute to the playoffs.

After saying that it's nice to see Bonner red hot but if the goal is to win a championship Spurs better not be relying that much from Bonner.

It's about the bigger picture here

[Chomag]

BTW, I don't think Pop has any dilemmas. Bonner is the 2nd/3rd big in this team. He was injured that's why it wasn't as obvious earlier.
I expect Splitter to come back against less athletic frontcourts and borderline bad teams. I'm sure he'll see minutes against the Cavs saturday.

I agree, I couldn't believe it when people here were defending the Bonner signing with "Relax He will be the 5th big" You don't sign a player with that kind of contract to an end of the bench player. Bonner was ment to be a 2nd/3rd big all along and thats what concerns me.

[ajh18]

Bonner and Blair are BOTH kind of specialty players at this point. Bonner at stretching the defense with outside shooting, Blair with rebounding and some hustle plays. Unfortunately, Bonner's specialty is more unique on this team than Blair's, and right now he's better at it too. Bonner clearly knows the system, plays equal or better defense, and doesn't make nearly as many bad decisions with the ball.

I think the "problem" right now is really Dice... and it's a nice problem to have. Dude is flat out clearly the best second big on the team, even at his ripe old age. And he's played so well, it's pretty tough to argue giving Blair or Splitter time over him. I'd much rather he coast right now, to be honest, and play minimal minutes until after the all-star break... but if the big 3 really went to Pop and told him they wanted to win early in the season, it's hard to justify not playing Dice right now.

[TD 21]

Pop should give Bonner one more chance to play against elite teams. Who knows, maybe this is the year he overcomes his nerves against those teams? I'm skeptical, but I think it's worth a shot. Because if he could, he could help this team. Not only with his shooting and the spacing it offers, but he doesn't make a lot of mistakes, either.

Blair is liable to get the ball against Gasol, think he's shaking him and either turn it over or force some ridiculous shot that get's swatted. With Bonner, you don't have to worry about stuff like that. He's low risk.

I'd have been ardently against this not too long ago, but the more I think about it, I'm not sure Blair is ready to play at the level required deep in the playoffs. It's not just the lack of size in certain match-ups, it's the lack of experience and the poor decision making. You just can't have that at that level.

If the Spurs go Duncan/McDyess and Bonner/Splitter, they'd pretty much have everything covered. They wouldn't have a true second big for a championship caliber team per se, but the way McDyess is playing, he might be capable of approximating that level of play for roughly two months, so long as they don't wear him out before then.

[Xevious]

McDyess is going to keep getting his minutes unless his production drops off. And as long as Bonner keep draining 3s, Pop will keep him on the floor. So that's leaving Splitter and Blair to fight for minutes (and Blair is still starting). Unfortunately, those are the two guys we need to continue developing. Hopefully by playoff time, both of those guys are in rotation and contributing.

[ElNono]

Bonner is simply unable to match the physicality, plus long teams have an incentive attacking the paint being that he's a terrible rebounder. Plenty of second chances for those teams.

And regardless if he deserves another chance or not, he will get it.

[Leonard Curse]

and where's that?

bonner starting and ruining our chances of becoming better defensively, thats the logic behind my anger. we have so much potential in splitter as far as defense and pop turns into a chicken shit and is afraid to use splitter? what a pussy!

its really cause for concern because one thing i do know is bonners shots stop falling come playoff time, not to mention his best defense cant stop an average nba player and while my best interest is the spurs as a whole. i'd much rather have tiagos defense and post play than have bonners 3's when he allows just as many points to be scored on him making his minutes irrelevant and more of an illusion than anything. some people think questioning pop is stupid, let me tell you something you arent much of a man if your spoon fed daily

[crc21209]

Bonner is simply unable to match the physicality, plus long teams have an incentive attacking the paint being that he's a terrible rebounder. Plenty of second chances for those teams.

And regardless if he deserves another chance or not, he will get it.

If Bonner is nailing his open 3's and stretching the defense then I dont have a problem with him out there, but once he goes cold...Pop should yank him.

[TD 21]

Bonner is simply unable to match the physicality, plus long teams have an incentive attacking the paint being that he's a terrible rebounder. Plenty of second chances for those teams.

And regardless if he deserves another chance or not, he will get it.

Yeah, you're right, he'll get it either way. But it is worth a shot, at least in the regular season.

Bonner (and Blair) should never guard Gasol, though. McDyess, Splitter and Duncan (when Bynum is out and they shift Gasol to center) should be used against him.

I'm not crazy about him guarding Nowitzki either, but he can be the third defender against him, behind McDyess and Splitter.

[mingus]

Spurs aren't going to go anywhere if they can't find time for Splitter. unbelievable. they got a guy who's 25 and 6-11, talented, and he doesn't play.

[Leonard Curse]

Spurs aren't going to go anywhere if they can't find time for Splitter. unbelievable. they got a guy who's 25 and 6-11, talented, and he doesn't play.

it really is and whats even more unbelievable is our reporters are afraid to question pops bitch ass, i would have no problem asking that man to explain the reasoning behind that. if he gave me a short answer i would say the fans think its really odd and ridiculous. put his ass on the spot if they know fans are pissed believe me pop will bend

[EricB]

it really is and whats even more unbelievable is our reporters are afraid to question pops bitch ass, i would have no problem asking that man to explain the reasoning behind that. if he gave me a short answer i would say the fans think its really odd and ridiculous. put his ass on the spot if they know fans are pissed believe me pop will bend


Pop will bend?

WTF? What year did you start following the Spurs, 2006? 2007?

[DesignatedT]

I agree, I couldn't believe it when people here were defending the Bonner signing with "Relax He will be the 5th big" You don't sign a player with that kind of contract to an end of the bench player. Bonner was ment to be a 2nd/3rd big all along and thats what concerns me.

Well Him and Splitter make the same amount of $. So obviously they are paying there 4th or 5th big "that kind of money" to be an end of the bench player.

[jjktkk]

bonner starting and ruining our chances of becoming better defensively, thats the logic behind my anger. we have so much potential in splitter as far as defense and pop turns into a chicken shit and is afraid to use splitter? what a pussy!

its really cause for concern because one thing i do know is bonners shots stop falling come playoff time, not to mention his best defense cant stop an average nba player and while my best interest is the spurs as a whole. i'd much rather have tiagos defense and post play than have bonners 3's when he allows just as many points to be scored on him making his minutes irrelevant and more of an illusion than anything. some people think questioning pop is stupid, let me tell you something you arent much of a man if your spoon fed daily

You really don't make alot of sense? Why would Pop be afraid to play Splitter? Pop will bring along Splitter slowly, just like he does with all rookies. Its November, not April. There will be quite a few mix and match lineups for a couple months until Pop finds a starting 5 and rotation he likes. Its unbelievable that you and others are already throwing out "Pop's an idiot" chants when the season is not even a month old and the Spurs are 9-1. Unbelieveable.

[angelbelow]

Pop should give Bonner one more chance to play against elite teams. Who knows, maybe this is the year he overcomes his nerves against those teams? I'm skeptical, but I think it's worth a shot. Because if he could, he could help this team. Not only with his shooting and the spacing it offers, but he doesn't make a lot of mistakes, either.


Would much rather give such opportunities to splitter, and im sure you'll agree.

Additionally, we know what bonner is ceiling is. At his consistent best hes going to space the floor and provide 3 shooting while giving good effort on defense but with no avail and a lack of rebounding.

We have yet to see the potential of Splitter and how good he can become (same applies to Blair.) In that sense I would still rather see Splitter given the minutes considering what hes potentially capable of.

[SenorSpur]

Splitter is not going get into game shape sitting, but ya this team has a logjam on the frontline now. Could one of them now be expendable?

Why would any of them be expendable - especially considering the fact that the Fakers, Blazers and Mavs boast at least two 7-footers on the frontline and another on the bench? Besides, those 3 teams, along with the Jazz, will be the top competition in the conference. Got to be able to match up against them.

For the record, I agree that keeping Splitter glued to the bench isn't the answer. Pop has got to find minutes for him because they're going to especially need his contributions in the playoffs, when the game slows down and halfcourt p&R defense will be needed.

[jjktkk]

Why would any of them be expendable - especially considering the fact that the Fakers, Blazers and Mavs boast at least two 7-footers on the frontline and another on the bench? Besides, those 3 teams, along with the Jazz, will be the top competition in the conference. Got to be able to match up against them.

For the record, I agree that keeping Splitter glued to the bench isn't the answer. Pop has got to find minutes for him because they're going to especially need his contributions in the playoffs, when the game slows down and halfcourt p&R defense will be needed.

+1. Splitter will be a huge asset, but as you know Pop brings rookies along slowly. Also for this particular game, Duncan228 posted the fllowing article in another thread, http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4753558&postcount=65 stating why Splitter got a DNP.

[ElNono]

Yeah, you're right, he'll get it either way. But it is worth a shot, at least in the regular season.

The bolded caveat really isn't true, at least for non-rookies or rookie veteran types.

If the infatuation with Bonner would be circumscribed to merely the regular season, this thread really wouldn't exist.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Dice is enough of a vet that he can be put on the Horry plan. He's not going to forget how to hit 18 footers and all the other little things between now and march. Kind of funny for all the years that Spurs nation has groaned at Pop playing mad scientist with the rotation for the first two months, he's got a stable rotation and 9-1 record so we demand he tinker immediately.

Honestly I like Bonner getting plenty of minutes and looks while Anderson is on the mend. The secret to success so far has been quality shooters staying aggressive.

[Mel_13]

Dice is enough of a vet that he can be put on the Horry plan. He's not going to forget how to hit 18 footers and all the other little things between now and march. Kind of funny for all the years that Spurs nation has groaned at Pop playing mad scientist with the rotation for the first two months, he's got a stable rotation and 9-1 record so we demand he tinker immediately.

Honestly I like Bonner getting plenty of minutes and looks while Anderson is on the mend. The secret to success so far has been quality shooters staying aggressive.

:lol

Last year, the Spurs used 8 different starting line-ups in the first 11 games. This year, 10 games with the same line-up.

[Leonard Curse]

You really don't make alot of sense? Why would Pop be afraid to play Splitter? Pop will bring along Splitter slowly, just like he does with all rookies. Its November, not April. There will be quite a few mix and match lineups for a couple months until Pop finds a starting 5 and rotation he likes. Its unbelievable that you and others are already throwing out "Pop's an idiot" chants when the season is not even a month old and the Spurs are 9-1. Unbelieveable.

i am , and ill tell you why because pop has been dying to get his hands on splitter and while i do agree w/the whole easing him into the rotation theres no evidence to support pop doing that. his last game played he logged 8minutes the night before 15 the night before 10 min. last night NONE. so that tells you its not about conditioning theres something else there.

i guess im more worried than anything about the relationship between pop and splitter the whole reason splitter came to san antonio this year is because he fig. he would PLAY and he should! hes exactly what this team needs, all i know is if splitter gets in pops dog house he wont come out. when i say "bend" i mean having some accountability as a coach and last year is a good example. yes were 9-1 but why be happy with that when we could have splitter in the mix down low making us legit. were not legit with bonner i promise you that and you will see what im talking about when we face boston/lakers <-- were screwed if tiago isnt in the rotation by then you do know that right?

[jjktkk]

i am , and ill tell you why because pop has been dying to get his hands on splitter and while i do agree w/the whole easing him into the rotation theres no evidence to support pop doing that. his last game played he logged 8minutes the night before 15 the night before 10 min. last night NONE. so that tells you its not about conditioning theres something else there.

i guess im more worried than anything about the relationship between pop and splitter the whole reason splitter came to san antonio this year is because he fig. he would PLAY and he should! hes exactly what this team needs, all i know is if splitter gets in pops dog house he wont come out. when i say "bend" i mean having some accountability as a coach and last year is a good example. yes were 9-1 but why be happy with that when we could have splitter in the mix down low making us legit. were not legit with bonner i promise you that and you will see what im talking about when we face boston/lakers <-- were screwed if tiago isnt in the rotation by then you do know that right?

If you read this posted article by Duncan228( [url]http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4753558&postcount=65)posted[/url) in another thread, you might understand Pop's rationale in not playing Splitter last night. Makes sense to me. Understand also that Pop has not had the luxury he has this year in front court depth in several years. Relax this is November. As you probably know the NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint. Splitter will slowly work his way in to the rotation, probably even start some games. Until Pop proves me wrong, I will always trust his judgement on player personnel. Not to say Pop doesn't screw up, he does just like any other coach, but theres a reason that Pop is considered one of the best NBA coaches in the league. Have some faith.

[TD 21]

Would much rather give such opportunities to splitter, and im sure you'll agree.

Additionally, we know what bonner is ceiling is. At his consistent best hes going to space the floor and provide 3 shooting while giving good effort on defense but with no avail and a lack of rebounding.

We have yet to see the potential of Splitter and how good he can become (same applies to Blair.) In that sense I would still rather see Splitter given the minutes considering what hes potentially capable of.

They can both have an opportunity. It'll be a four big rotation. It goes without saying that Duncan and McDyess will be in it, Splitter should and probably will be in it, so that leaves one spot for Blair and Bonner.

This is not about ceiling; it's about the best fit and who is more likely to contribute to a championship this season. There's no question Blair has a much higher ceiling than Bonner and a season from now, when McDyess is retired, Blair is guaranteed to be in the playoff rotation. I'm just not sure now's the time.

I agree. I said as much in the "Something wrong with Splitter?" thread. But this doesn't have to be an either/or situation.

[Rummpd]

I for one would almost rather get Bonner to start (as Pop is ALWAYS going to play him at any case) and if he is hot and competitive on defense the Spurs start well but please have someone else in there in the 4th and going down the wire in close game with Duncan - and unless that is Dice (or based on early results, Splitter) I do not have much faith right now against elite teams when it counts in close games.

[rascal]

Looks like Pop has his hands full with the front court rotation going forward. With Bonner going crazy from behind the arc, Blair's obvious struggles in the starting lineup, Splitters inexperience and Duncan and Dice' old legs how do you guys see our front court shaping up in the future?

I'm definitely a supporter of Splitter getting minutes and I understand Bonner is the least popular guy in a Spurs uniform, but the way he's shooting the ball I don't know if it's very smart to put him on the bench right now. Obviously starting Bonner the 2nd half tonight gave the big 3 more room to operate and helped spark that big 3rd quarter run. Blair has been playing better lately IMO but still doesn't seem to fit with the first unit guys.

Does Blair continue to start? Move Bonner in the SL? :wow Is Splitter better off playing over Blair? Should be interesting to see where Pop goes with this.


Splitter needs to be developed and play better than a role player for the spurs to have a fighting chance against LA.

[DJ Mbenga]

its matchups. if the opponent hs a pf that bonner cant handle they go with splitter sacraficing 3 point shooting.

[quentin_compson]

In my opinion, Splitter slowly, but surely needs to get to the point where he starts and plays starter minutes. Ten games into the season, Blair doesn't look like a legit S5 player to me. Him and Bonner can be useful role players though, depending on whom the Spurs go against.
Barring injuries, this season Pop finally might be able to really cut down Tim's minutes - if Splitter can be as good on a consistent basis as he has been in his short stints so far.

[rascal]

This "problem" really highlights the fact that we have a pretty deep front court.

IMO:

Duncan and Dice should continued to be limited whenever the luxury presents itself.

Blair and Splitter I feel should still receive most of the back up minutes. They have both have great potential and have shown that they can contribute. Blair is still SLOWLY improving each game and Splitter is still getting accustomed to the NBA but theyre both great pieces to have. Blairs 1v1 post D has been average to above average and his rebound is still solid, the 2 areas he needs to improve on are his team defense and his decision making with the basketball on the offensive end. I think effectively ways for him to improve in these areas are playing against other players in the nba.

Bonner should continue to be a situational role player like Neal. Some nights he'll come in stretch the floor and provide rest, other nights he shouldnt play. If history repeats itself, Bonner will be horrible during the playoffs, if thats the case he should really be a 5th big that spells rest and provides occasional offense.

The front court is not deep. Its the same weak frontline as last year with the exception of Splitter.

[angelbelow]

They can both have an opportunity. It'll be a four big rotation. It goes without saying that Duncan and McDyess will be in it, Splitter should and probably will be in it, so that leaves one spot for Blair and Bonner.

This is not about ceiling; it's about the best fit and who is more likely to contribute to a championship this season. There's no question Blair has a much higher ceiling than Bonner and a season from now, when McDyess is retired, Blair is guaranteed to be in the playoff rotation. I'm just not sure now's the time.

I agree. I said as much in the "Something wrong with Splitter?" thread. But this doesn't have to be an either/or situation.

Agree about the ceiling part. This season it needs to be about a mixture of playing those we know can contribute and developing those with the potential to make us a championship team.

I do think Blair is improving each and every game but at a slow rate and is often still hurting our team. Too bad, his rebounding is reaching a beastly level again.

[angelbelow]

The front court is not deep. Its the same weak frontline as last year with the exception of Splitter.

How many other teams have the front court rotation with the caliber of ours? Not going to look but im going to guess that there are maybe 5 or 6 teams.

[Obstructed_View]

and where's that?

Looks pretty clear that Bonner's gonna be starting pretty soon.

[Blackjack]

Dilemma, what dilemma?

By the time the playoffs come around, you only really need 4 bigs. And since you play your best guys more minutes in the playoffs, closer to 40 minutes than 30, the Spurs will only need 8-10 minutes from Blair or Splitter.

Bonner's got this.

[Leonard Curse]

yup again splitter not playing today and will probably be getting pretty pissed about it soon, i mean wouldnt you? bonners playing while hes having back spasms so the whole health thing seems to only work in pops favor. maybe you guys are right bonner should start but in my mind if you dont learn the first time then you deserve what you get and believe me we wont win a ring with bonner getting heavy minutes

[duncan228]

Posted this is the game blog for the recap, but thought it belonged here too.

San Antonio Spurs 116, Cleveland Cavaliers 92: Where the Spurs frontline is deeper than yours (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/)
by Jesse Blanchard
48 Minutes of Hell

AT&T CENTER–A year ago, the fourth quarter of a blowout win presented ample opportunity for a post on the long term potential of Ian Mahinmi or DeJuan Blair. Tonight, as the San Antonio Spurs inched ever closer to garbage time, a sudden realization hit: Matt Bonner and Tiago Splitter are currently the fourth and fifth bigs in the Spurs’ frontline rotation.

Granted, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a recently fallen team, but their end-of-the-bench counterparts in Ryan Hollins, Jawad Williams, and Leon Powe are pretty standard fare for most NBA teams. And while there is something to be said about quality and quantity–the Los Angeles Lakers offering a better but top heavy frontline–how many teams can claim their last two options on the frontline are both NBA quality rotation players?

Earlier in the week we established the possibility that the San Antonio Spurs might have the top backcourt in the league with a three-guard rotation of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and George Hill, with Parker again doing much of the heavy lifting tonight (19 points, 9 assist on 7 -11 shooting). On the receiving end of many of Parker’s passes, rookie center Tiago Splitter may have made a case for the Spurs also employing the NBA’s deepest frontline.

Keep reading → (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/san-antonio-spurs-116-cleveland-cavaliers-92-where-the-spurs-frontline-is-deeper-than-yours#more-11300)

[gospursgojas]

De-activate Tim till playoffs

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Posted this is the game blog for the recap, but thought it belonged here too.

San Antonio Spurs 116, Cleveland Cavaliers 92: Where the Spurs frontline is deeper than yours (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/)
by Jesse Blanchard
48 Minutes of Hell

AT&T CENTER–A year ago, the fourth quarter of a blowout win presented ample opportunity for a post on the long term potential of Ian Mahinmi or DeJuan Blair. Tonight, as the San Antonio Spurs inched ever closer to garbage time, a sudden realization hit: Matt Bonner and Tiago Splitter are currently the fourth and fifth bigs in the Spurs’ frontline rotation.

Granted, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a recently fallen team, but their end-of-the-bench counterparts in Ryan Hollins, Jawad Williams, and Leon Powe are pretty standard fare for most NBA teams. And while there is something to be said about quality and quantity–the Los Angeles Lakers offering a better but top heavy frontline–how many teams can claim their last two options on the frontline are both NBA quality rotation players?

Earlier in the week we established the possibility that the San Antonio Spurs might have the top backcourt in the league with a three-guard rotation of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and George Hill, with Parker again doing much of the heavy lifting tonight (19 points, 9 assist on 7 -11 shooting). On the receiving end of many of Parker’s passes, rookie center Tiago Splitter may have made a case for the Spurs also employing the NBA’s deepest frontline.

Keep reading → (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/san-antonio-spurs-116-cleveland-cavaliers-92-where-the-spurs-frontline-is-deeper-than-yours#more-11300)

Bonner is not an NBA quality rotation player.

[ceperez]

De-activate Tim till playoffs

I tend to agree... he should go on ice sometime mid-season and get back into shape towards the end of the regular season.

[Rummpd]

Nice problem to have I loved the way Splitter and Bonner played together and that may be a good combo going forward as it rests Duncan and provides both inside and outside combos.