Quasar
01-21-2011, 10:00 AM
I enjoy reading the game thoughts and thought I'd chime in for once. I'm usually a box-score spectator as I live in Australia, but I managed to watch some recent games thanks to the league pass being temporarily free.
I don't watch enough games to give full reports on every player's progress, but I will touch some on the players whose play struck me.
Tony
Finally seeing the new offense with my own eyes, I'm impressed at how frequently Tony has been beating 3-4 defenders in fast-breaks. He proved undoubtedly that he is one of the best fast-break finishers in the league...
However, it seems like Parker's long-range accuracy - which was steadily improving the past seasons - has taken a dip. Also, it appears he attempts less long-range shots these days, probably a good decision as he is surrounded by more capable shooters in Hill, Manu, Neal, Bonner, and RJ, to a lesser extent.
Perhaps Parker will need to spend yet another summer with Chip Engelland to be able to regain his effectiveness from the triple-threat position. Nevertheless, opposing players still find it very difficult to stop him despite his game being 99% penetration. Let's hope Phil J's tactics against Tony will be less effective this time if we meet the Lakers in the playoffs.
Manu
This man is a game changer... He's my favorite player, and probably the "clutchest", most efficient assassin I've ever seen play. I used to expect last-minute heroics from Jordan when he was still playing, and I've come to expect the same momentum-changing plays from Manu.
Yet again this season, this 'old' man just finds a way to score or assist whenever the team goes through droughts (e.g. vs Toronto); I find myself expecting every shot he takes to go in! Despite my lofty expectations, Ginobili still surprises me with the moves he manages to pull off, often-times making me rewind several times just to understand what transpired!
And then rewinding again just to bask in his craftiness and skill! Stone cold Manu!
Richard Jefferson
RJ seemed to miss most of the shots he took in the recent games and didn't do anything impressive on D either. Worse, he was caught out of position several times, allowing his man to score.
I came in expecting a lot from him despite his recent slump as recent posts about him on ST remained positive. What a disappointment from the man who is supposed to be THE difference maker this season, after all the early-season hype!
He was practically invisible on the court as he did nothing to stand out despite his minutes: neither hard work (unlike Bonner, Neal) nor outstanding skill (Hill, McDyess, Manu, Parker).
I'll go back and watch some early-season games just to see what the fuss was all about.
-------------Edit----------------
I realized I was being a bit harsh... Being "practically invisible" also means he didn't do much wrong either, outside of his mental lapses on D. I didn't notice bad shots or selfish play, and he certainly did not bog down the offense. While he kept missing the few open shots he took, at least he took them confidently!
It is true I tend to concentrate more on the bad than the good... but that is because I was expecting a lot after reading about his drastic improvement. Remember his great numbers earlier on, and the talk about him winning the most improved player award?
One thing I note is that the players were not really demonstrative around him, e.g. I didn't see much tapping of heads, hands, or butts with him after great plays. Heck, even Timmy completely ignored him when RJ came to "tap" him after a FT in the last Milwaukee game.
There was nothing much coming from Jefferson either, so perhaps the gay vibes from him made the others uncomfortable. Perhaps RJ was hoping for more acknowledgement from the other players and he feels left out? It is true he rarely gets plays run for him despite putting the 4 in our Big 4.
--------------------------------
Matt Bonner
It is actually my first time seeing him play after reading so much about him on ST. Bonner gives his all every minute he spends on the court and is extremely active both on O and D.
Despite his lack of athleticism and skill, I think the general dislike for him is undeserved as he rarely makes mistakes. It is not his fault Pop plays him over Splitter/Blair, unless you consider his good play being his 'fault'.
Neal
The dude plays like he belongs - shoots without hesitation when open, and even when not really open. Amazing shot and quick release. Unfortunately, he seems to be in a slump in the past few games I watched... Even worse, it must be quite humiliating for a 'shooter' to miss 2 consecutive free throws.
All in all, I think this guy has it in him to be an X-Factor in the play-offs, like SJax.
McDyess
Antonio, please do not retire, you have so much game left in the tank! The highlight dunks vs Toronto were awesome!
This man is probably the best big on the Spurs. In some games, I think he plays even better than Duncan who seems a bit rusty / out of sorts.
Blair & Hill
The future Spurs core players had seemingly regressed earlier this season, but seems like they're steadily making their way back! Both exude confidence whenever they're on the court, which is great. However, Hill still needs to work on his court vision...
Splitter
He seems pretty skilled for a human victory cigar - even in the 1 min+ he played vs Milwaukee, he guarded his players very well. Whoever compared him to Rasho must be out of his mind - this guy is far more athletically gifted than Frankenstein! He seems to have the fundamentals down pat as well.
I can't fathom why Pop is not giving him a chance - if this goes on for a few more weeks, it will probably be too late for Tiago to make the playoff rotation. Bonner's injury came at the right time for Tiago, but I hope Bonner's play won't be affected when he comes back, unlike last year.
I need to watch more games (especially vs Denver) before I can say more about Tiago... Perhaps Pop just doesn't like white centers?
Looking forward
Despite showing some glimpses of their true ability, the Spurs are definitely not clicking on all cylinders yet. While this leads us to hope for the best, one has to worry about such a great core of players remaining inconsistent to the bitter end, especially as this season's approach brings us in unchartered waters.
Will the core players be burnt out before the end of the season? Will we be able to avoid the injury bug? Will the defense shore up in time?
Championships require luck and skill... let us hope all the hard work put in will come to fruition. This is an odd year after all!
:flag:
:lobt2:
I don't watch enough games to give full reports on every player's progress, but I will touch some on the players whose play struck me.
Tony
Finally seeing the new offense with my own eyes, I'm impressed at how frequently Tony has been beating 3-4 defenders in fast-breaks. He proved undoubtedly that he is one of the best fast-break finishers in the league...
However, it seems like Parker's long-range accuracy - which was steadily improving the past seasons - has taken a dip. Also, it appears he attempts less long-range shots these days, probably a good decision as he is surrounded by more capable shooters in Hill, Manu, Neal, Bonner, and RJ, to a lesser extent.
Perhaps Parker will need to spend yet another summer with Chip Engelland to be able to regain his effectiveness from the triple-threat position. Nevertheless, opposing players still find it very difficult to stop him despite his game being 99% penetration. Let's hope Phil J's tactics against Tony will be less effective this time if we meet the Lakers in the playoffs.
Manu
This man is a game changer... He's my favorite player, and probably the "clutchest", most efficient assassin I've ever seen play. I used to expect last-minute heroics from Jordan when he was still playing, and I've come to expect the same momentum-changing plays from Manu.
Yet again this season, this 'old' man just finds a way to score or assist whenever the team goes through droughts (e.g. vs Toronto); I find myself expecting every shot he takes to go in! Despite my lofty expectations, Ginobili still surprises me with the moves he manages to pull off, often-times making me rewind several times just to understand what transpired!
And then rewinding again just to bask in his craftiness and skill! Stone cold Manu!
Richard Jefferson
RJ seemed to miss most of the shots he took in the recent games and didn't do anything impressive on D either. Worse, he was caught out of position several times, allowing his man to score.
I came in expecting a lot from him despite his recent slump as recent posts about him on ST remained positive. What a disappointment from the man who is supposed to be THE difference maker this season, after all the early-season hype!
He was practically invisible on the court as he did nothing to stand out despite his minutes: neither hard work (unlike Bonner, Neal) nor outstanding skill (Hill, McDyess, Manu, Parker).
I'll go back and watch some early-season games just to see what the fuss was all about.
-------------Edit----------------
I realized I was being a bit harsh... Being "practically invisible" also means he didn't do much wrong either, outside of his mental lapses on D. I didn't notice bad shots or selfish play, and he certainly did not bog down the offense. While he kept missing the few open shots he took, at least he took them confidently!
It is true I tend to concentrate more on the bad than the good... but that is because I was expecting a lot after reading about his drastic improvement. Remember his great numbers earlier on, and the talk about him winning the most improved player award?
One thing I note is that the players were not really demonstrative around him, e.g. I didn't see much tapping of heads, hands, or butts with him after great plays. Heck, even Timmy completely ignored him when RJ came to "tap" him after a FT in the last Milwaukee game.
There was nothing much coming from Jefferson either, so perhaps the gay vibes from him made the others uncomfortable. Perhaps RJ was hoping for more acknowledgement from the other players and he feels left out? It is true he rarely gets plays run for him despite putting the 4 in our Big 4.
--------------------------------
Matt Bonner
It is actually my first time seeing him play after reading so much about him on ST. Bonner gives his all every minute he spends on the court and is extremely active both on O and D.
Despite his lack of athleticism and skill, I think the general dislike for him is undeserved as he rarely makes mistakes. It is not his fault Pop plays him over Splitter/Blair, unless you consider his good play being his 'fault'.
Neal
The dude plays like he belongs - shoots without hesitation when open, and even when not really open. Amazing shot and quick release. Unfortunately, he seems to be in a slump in the past few games I watched... Even worse, it must be quite humiliating for a 'shooter' to miss 2 consecutive free throws.
All in all, I think this guy has it in him to be an X-Factor in the play-offs, like SJax.
McDyess
Antonio, please do not retire, you have so much game left in the tank! The highlight dunks vs Toronto were awesome!
This man is probably the best big on the Spurs. In some games, I think he plays even better than Duncan who seems a bit rusty / out of sorts.
Blair & Hill
The future Spurs core players had seemingly regressed earlier this season, but seems like they're steadily making their way back! Both exude confidence whenever they're on the court, which is great. However, Hill still needs to work on his court vision...
Splitter
He seems pretty skilled for a human victory cigar - even in the 1 min+ he played vs Milwaukee, he guarded his players very well. Whoever compared him to Rasho must be out of his mind - this guy is far more athletically gifted than Frankenstein! He seems to have the fundamentals down pat as well.
I can't fathom why Pop is not giving him a chance - if this goes on for a few more weeks, it will probably be too late for Tiago to make the playoff rotation. Bonner's injury came at the right time for Tiago, but I hope Bonner's play won't be affected when he comes back, unlike last year.
I need to watch more games (especially vs Denver) before I can say more about Tiago... Perhaps Pop just doesn't like white centers?
Looking forward
Despite showing some glimpses of their true ability, the Spurs are definitely not clicking on all cylinders yet. While this leads us to hope for the best, one has to worry about such a great core of players remaining inconsistent to the bitter end, especially as this season's approach brings us in unchartered waters.
Will the core players be burnt out before the end of the season? Will we be able to avoid the injury bug? Will the defense shore up in time?
Championships require luck and skill... let us hope all the hard work put in will come to fruition. This is an odd year after all!
:flag:
:lobt2: