So, what do the Spurs do now?..

[HarlemHeat37]

They're obviously at a desperation point right now..they need to re-tool, obviously..what can they do?..

This thread isn't for meltdowns, btw, there will be many threads for that type of discussion..this thread is to discuss potential strategies that utilize the Spurs current personnel..

- Run the offense through Duncan..it doesn't matter how much he has declined, Spurs need to force-feed him the ball..this team needs some kind of semblance of an interior game..this team is shooting too many stupid jump shots, they're too soft with their shot selection..they need to force it inside to him..

- Play Splitter..obviously..you don't play him for 1 minute and take him out if he plays bad..it doesn't matter now, he's bigger and more mobile than Bonner and Blair, this team clearly needs size and mobility from their bigs..

What else?..

[Mugen]

Star Splitter.

Don't just fucking throw him in at a desperation point in the 4th hoping he just magically cleans up the shit that Bonner/Blair put the team in.

[TheChillFactor]

Ancient Chinese secret - Manu to the bench!

DO IT POP

[L.I.T]

I'm not quite sure.

I agree with the first and second points. TD demonstrated at the end of this game that he still has the ability to carry an offense for stretches.

I'm in favor of moving Dice back to the bench and starting Splitter. Much like with Oberto, Splitter has demonstrated he has the intangibles necessary to do the dirty work. Granted he won't generate a lot of offense on his own, but with the starting lineup that's completely unnecessary. He also adds a very adept pick and roll player who can help free up TD for mid-range jumpers.

A by-product will be a reduction in Bonner's minutes, since Dice/Blair demand minutes off the bench.

What to do about RJeff and getting Hill out of his own way? That I'm not quite sure.

[timtonymanu]

It all depends on Pop. Obviously he just wants this team to outshoot the opponent with 3's.

[Spurs Brazil]

Agree Harlem

It's time to TD get more touches. Pop rested him all year so now it's time to get him some burn.

Tiago must be the 1st big of the bench. He still has a lot of trouble on offense but I rather see a better player on D.

Give the other 10 minutes or so to Bonner or Blair. They're playing so bad that I still don't know who would be a better option. Bonner is weak on D and Blair makes a lot of mistakes on both ends

[MB3//]

I really think Splitter needs to see more time on the court.
The Bonner / Blair duo should never be seen again.
Something needs to happen to light a fire under Jefferson and Hill. Hill played good w Tony and Manu out, but he looked pretty passive again tonight.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Shoot Bonner

[pjjrfan]

They need to get Neal more involved earlier in the game, bench Blair, give Splitter more time on the floor and manage Bonner's minutes more effectively, if he's hot let him play if he's not bench the guy. The other problem is that Tony and Manu have to stop forcing plays trust thier teammates, the last half of the season both Tony and Manu's game decisions have been atrocious especially in the 4th qtrs.

[HarlemHeat37]

I have hope for Hill, because he has shown that he can step up in the playoffs..they just need to somehow keep him motivated..Pop needs to give him an ultimatum, like he gave Bonner and passing up open 3s..Hill needs to drive every time he gets the ball, he's capable..oftentimes, he's neutered, but he has stepped up in the past..

Jefferson?..I don't think there's anything you can do with him, at this point..he's a lost cause..

I would also like to see Manu start driving more..it's April, he has saved his body by shooting 3s, it's time to start going to the rim..he's one of the only Spurs that can generate interior scoring..

[ElNono]

Too late now to retool what seriously need retooling, which is the defense. Actual help for Duncan, and especially when Tim is off the floor... the offense I can live with, but not being able to get stops when we need them is just not going to cut it...

[Quiet Strength]

the problem is bonner,jefferson,dice, get way to many minutes all 3 are horrible & make so many mental mistakes

Yup

[KaiRMD1]

Here's what you do:
Play Bonner, if he misses two shots, sit him for the rest of the game. It tarts with Bonner and ends with Bonner. If he's making shots then we are good but if he isn't, he's done and so is the team. He screws up too much for us to be effective. Tiago is coming to form now and Bonner plays more, WTF?

[Giuseppe]

You humps deserved this.

I've no sympathy for you.

[benefactor]

Nothing. They lose and the window closes.

[mexicanjunior]

Have Bonner commit suicide...start Splitter...get Hill to stop hesitating and give him the Manu green light...give Novak the backup 3 minutes...

[timtonymanu]

I have hope for Hill, because he has shown that he can step up in the playoffs..they just need to somehow keep him motivated..Pop needs to give him an ultimatum, like he gave Bonner and passing up open 3s..Hill needs to drive every time he gets the ball, he's capable..oftentimes, he's neutered, but he has stepped up in the past..

Jefferson?..I don't think there's anything you can do with him, at this point..he's a lost cause..

I would also like to see Manu start driving more..it's April, he has saved his body by shooting 3s, it's time to start going to the rim..he's one of the only Spurs that can generate interior scoring..

I think Hill has been playing much better lately. Steps in the right direction.

RJ is a waste of space already. And true, there's nothing we could about it.

I think Manu will do that in the playoffs but at this point, it seems hopeless.

[Mr Fundamental]

More Splitter less Bonner.

That's it !!

[HarlemHeat37]

The problem with Bonner is that it seems like all of the offense ends up in his hands when he's on the floor, tbh..it's not just his choking..it seems like he will end up having to make a decision that will affect every possession, since the Spurs are always running p&r with him involved in some kind of way..

I'm not sure whether Pop designs it this way, or whether the opposing coach is strategically forcing Bonner to beat them, but it seems like he's always involved..

[TE]

Don't know. Perhaps start with playing Splitter. He has proven himself when needed and anything would be an improvement over the pathetic front line of Bonner/Blair.

[Reck]

Pop needs to be brain washed.

Or fired.

One of the two will work.

[polandprzem]

Pop is in good mood, so he does not care much.
If the shots go in they go in if not they not

[MB3//]

Ya Jefferson pretty much showed what he's made of when our big three were out and he had 4 pts after three quarters.

I think we our new style that one us games early has developed some bad habits.

Did you see the stat they showed tonight where we have made more threes this year than any other?

That could be our fate, again in the playoffs.

[dbestpro]

Get ready to go fishin. Pop won't change and Bonner can't play in the spring. It really is fool's gold trying to cheer on this team as long as Bonner continues to see meaningful minutes. and Blair is not much better.

[Chomag]

Play defencive line ups over Offencive.

[Spurs Brazil]

And it looks like teams are attacking Bonner more than ever. And now he often plays with Blair it make things even worse.

[baseline bum]

Buy Bonner's contract out.

[Josh810]

You humps deserved this.

I've no sympathy for you.K, thanks.

[fotan2]

if they keep playing like that, its a second round exit guarenteed.

[alchemist]

focusing on offense is crazy laughable, the defense is the culprit here.

-man to man defense has to improve, with the Spurs constantly helping someone is wide open all the fucking time!

-perimeter d is getting shredded

-post defense aka putting your hands up and still getting called on fouls is not working.

--------------

the Spurs don't need much work on their O, the D is horrendous and isn't anywhere it should be for a Championship contender.

[ElNono]

The problem with Bonner is that it seems like all of the offense ends up in his hands when he's on the floor, tbh..it's not just his choking..it seems like he will end up having to make a decision that will affect every possession, since the Spurs are always running p&r with him involved in some kind of way..

I'm not sure whether Pop designs it this way, or whether the opposing coach is strategically forcing Bonner to beat them, but it seems like he's always involved..

Good coaches will force that on you... today Pierce was roaming on defense when he was supposed to be guarding RJ... then Doc was forcing everything to go through Neal...

If you're a coach, you would take Bonner or Neal beating you every time over TD/TP/Manu...

[HarlemHeat37]

Even though Splitter's offense is inconsistent, I would rather have the Spurs running pick and rolls, as opposed to pick and pops..shooting 45%+ from 3s is nice, but it's meaningless when you give up all the points back on the other end..

[ALVAREZ6]

bench manu

start splitter

change everything TBFH..this team needs a drill sergeant to run them through the ground with discipline and non-pussification. They are a bunch of lazy, weak, 3 point shooting faggots, that HATE playing defense, and fuckhead Pop is perfectly OK with the status quo.

Month into season: well, yeah we're playing well now, our offense is looking good, but we gotta improve the defense, we look rusty, but it's early so we have a ton of time

2.5 months into season: At this point, our 3point shooting and offense (Neal and Bonner having breakout years out of nowhere) is really the reason we're getting by, we're just unstoppable on offense. But we really do need a lot of work on defense, still a lok of work to do

4-5 months into season: Again, the defense still needs to improve

Tonight before game interview with Tony Parker: our offense is fine, we just need to play better defense








What, the, fuck???? Are all of you fuckers playing some sort of joke?? When the fuck is the fucking defense gonna come already???

--> I know the answer: It isn't, period. It hasn't all season, what makes anyone think it every will? These faggots are too old, lazy, and too pussified to play consistent, hard nosed defense. They only love things that come beyond the arc.

Oh well, at least we're close to regular season champs!!!!!

[Reck]

if they keep playing like that, its a second round exit guarenteed.

Try again with first round exit.

[baseline bum]

Go back in time and dump Dick's expiring for Gerald Wallace.

[Capt Bringdown]

Defense & rebounding. You go with the players who will help in this dept, and that doesn't include Blair/Bonner.

Splitter is the best option. Dice looked OK at times, but he's still too undersized and immobile for extended minutes.

[ElNono]

If we're just gonna be shooting 3's, then give Novak a run... couldn't possibly be worse than Matty atm...

[mingus]

Splitter needs to play. Duncan needs to get more looks. The Spurs need to mix it up on O. TP and Manu are asked to run every play when Duncan is still a very capable scorer

[baseline bum]

Bonner needs to be sent to that great big sandwich shop in the sky, tbh.

[mFFL03]

lol I love knee jerk fans

[Man In Black]

Yank the first dude who takes more 3 pointers than 2 pointers and continually yank them until they realize that they first need to run an offense to get good shots. I get that RJ & Matt are open, but if that first 3 doesn't go it, take the ball in closer, get a feel and then go out to the line. The only guy I wanting shooting multiple 3's is Ginobili because you know what, he does so much on both sides of the court, he's earned Carte Blanche. But what have Bonner & RJ done to merit the same amount of shots?

[polandprzem]

What, the, fuck???? Are all of you fuckers playing some sort of joke?? When the fuck is the fucking defense gonna come already???

--> I know the answer: It isn't, period. It hasn't all season, what makes anyone think it every will? These faggots are too old, lazy, and too pussified to play consistent, hard nosed defense. They only love things that come beyond the arc.

Oh well, at least we're close to regular season champs!!!!!


You are not alone with this.

I've said it before. If you haven't seen any moment the spurs played great D all season, you not gonna see it in the playoffs. It's not a switch that you can flip. Because there is nothing to switch on.

[celldweller]

Here's one: Bench Jefferson and play D. Green. Jefferson sucks and everyone knows it. The guy can't even dunk anymore without clanking it. It's like he's forgot how to attack the rim.

[mexicanjunior]

if they keep playing like that, its a second round exit guarenteed.

2nd round?!?!?! :lol

[daslicer]

Spurs are in a situation where they have to win all of their remaining games and only have 1 more loss from this point on. The room for error is very small now. Spurs really need to win every game they play between now and the lakers game to ensure they have a cushion in case they lose to the lakers to avoid a tie breaker scenario.

[timtonymanu]

Try again with first round exit.

Spurs suck yeah, but I think they can take an inexperienced Portland or Memphis team but it will probably take 7 games. And we will lose to OKC in the 2nd round.

[baseline bum]

Remember a month ago when Jefferson didn't suck donkey dick?

[SA210]

Play defencive line ups over Offencive.

[SA210]

Shoot Bonner

this

[Silverheart80]

I'm as big of a Popovich fan as anyone, but one thing I would kill to see is I wish he would have a shorter chain on guys when they suck on defense on a given night. I can understand giving guys a longer chain on offense so they're not looking over their shoulder every time they miss a shot. But on defense, when a team is exploiting a single matchup such as when Bonner was being prisonraped repeatedly tonight, get the guy out of there, and get someone in who can move his feet and keep his poise. Same with RJ and boxing out. If you're falling asleep at the wheel on basic boxouts (like he did early and often with Pierce), sit his ass down. Letting the opponent exploit the same weakness to big leads is dumbfounding to me. I'm not sure what the point is.

And yeah, I love to see more minutes for Splitter and Novak over Bonner and RJ. Pull the trigger on that already.....

I still believe but I think the key is the coaching staff reacting quicker to failings on defense and boxouts and holding guys accountable game to game.

[SenorSpur]

Pop needs to rescind that awful "Malik Rose" type contract he gave Bonner.

Seriously, I don't know what Pop can do. He seemingly doesn't want to do the obvious, which is give minutes to players who can provide a better balance of defense and rebounding. His reliance on his new "offense-first" philosophy fails when shots aren't falling. Bonner and even now Gary Neal are both in severe slumps or defenses have wised up and are forcing them away from their strength. At least Neal can put the ball on the floor, Bonner is a hopeless case.

Obviously, Splitter needs time and should play ahead of Bonner - and at some expense of Blair.

Novak should see some court time, as well - at the expense of Bonner.

Danny Green should see some time, backing up RJ.

At this point, Pop should simply try some new combinations.

[SenorSpur]

Just once, I'd like to see Pop bitch out Bonner for his continued lack of blocking out.

[rr2418]

IMHO:


There's nothing really the Spurs can do. It's too late in the season to try to force feed Duncan, change philosophies. With all the tapes that they have, I would think (they probably have done this already) they would look at film and see what they were doing right. Right now the Spurs just need to win a game to get that feel back.

[Mugen]

IMHO:


There's nothing really the Spurs can do. It's too late in the season to try to force feed Duncan, change philosophies. With all the tapes that they have, I would think (they probably have done this already) they would look at film and see what they were doing right. Right now the Spurs just need to win a game to get that feel back.

bingo. Pop created this shit and now hes gotta ride it out.

[ElNono]

I'm as big of a Popovich fan as anyone, but one thing I would kill to see is I wish he would have a shorter chain on guys when they suck on defense on a given night. I can understand giving guys a longer chain on offense so they're not looking over their shoulder every time they miss a shot. But on defense, when a team is exploiting a single matchup such as when Bonner was being prisonraped repeatedly tonight, get the guy out of there, and get someone in who can move his feet and keep his poise. Same with RJ and boxing out. If you're falling asleep at the wheel on basic boxouts (like he did early and often with Pierce), sit his ass down. Letting the opponent exploit the same weakness to big leads is dumbfounding to me. I'm not sure what the point is.

And yeah, I love to see more minutes for Splitter and Novak over Bonner and RJ. Pull the trigger on that already.....

I still believe but I think the key is the coaching staff reacting quicker to failings on defense and boxouts and holding guys accountable game to game.

Pop used to be like this. Demanding accountability on defense. I think he knows he doesn't have the personnel to pull that, and some of the players on this team need to be mentally pampered so they don't checkout.

At any rate, too late in the season for that now.

[AceProfits]

hey POP why did you play Blair with Duncan for 80% of the year if you aren't going to pair them again? Also Dice and Splitter looked pretty good together also.

[MaNu4Tres]

Start Splitter with Duncan is a start-- Have McDyess be the first big off the bench. Have Blair or Bonner see spot minutes depending on match-ups.

Neal and Manu are taking too many bad ill-advised long shots, which are often early in the shot clock as well; leading to to long-rebounds- easy transition points for the opposition. Go to the film room and re-evaluate every questionable possession by each player. Tighten up their leashes on the offensive end a little.

More size for as much of the 48 minutes as possible. Meaning more Splitter, and also meaning less line-ups or stretches with Neal and Hill manning the 2 and 3; or Blair/Bonner at the 4/5. Those two scenarios should never happen if your a team that cares about defense.

Go to Duncan more, and also implement offensive sets with Splitter getting the ball in the post on occasion. The offense has been progressively getting more perimeter oriented as the season has gone on. It seems our players are more content taking long-jumpers, rather than finding ways to get in the middle of the defense. Going to Splitter or Duncan early and getting them established would make things very easy on our overworked guards.

Those are on the top of my head for now..

[MaNu4Tres]

BTW- I personally believe Pop won't try to change anything and use the " We are who we are" excuse. Just saying..

[baseline bum]

Pop needs to rescind that awful "Malik Rose" type contract he gave Bonner.


Don't ever compare Malik to such a worthless player; Malik earned that contract, even if he didn't live up to it later on. The Bonner deal is way worse than even the Nesterovic contract. Charles Smith and Richard Jefferson are the only Spurs contracts in the same class as Bonner's.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Push the tempo more than ever. This team just sucks in the halfcourt, they need to push the tempo like they did at the start of the season. It would also make RJ more effective in a faster game.

[21_Blessings]

Play Splitter..

Yeah that's going to solve all their problems. :lmao

Spurs fan just has to accept the fact that they were never contenders to begin with. SAS's relevancy expired nearly 3 years ago.

[MaNu4Tres]

Don't ever compare Malik to such a worthless player; Malik earned that contract, even if he didn't live up to it later on. The Bonner deal is way worse than even the Nesterovic contract. Charles Smith and Richard Jefferson are the only Spurs contracts in the same class as Bonner's.

Malik's 7 year/42 million and Rasho's 6 year/48 million dollar deals were by far the worst of the Pop/R.C era.

[Silverheart80]

Yeah, I think at this point it's putting the best players on a given night around Duncan, Manu and TP. And like I said earlier, being quick to yank guys for failing on defense and rebounding. We're so used to the Spurs being built around an 8 to 9-man playoff rotation and a defensive philosophy at all costs. That's not the equation this year. If we've got a deep bench, then I say use it to change the pace more often and make up for the nights when Bonner and RJ are The Walking Dead on defense and boxouts.

It must make opposing teams SALIVATE to see both of those guys in the game. To this point in my life, Samaki Walker and Sidney Green were the two most braindead and impotent Spurs I've ever seen. Like Barkley says -- they were limo players -- as in the opposing team sends a limo to make sure they make it to the game because they can't wait to play 'em. Bonner and RJ are right there, neck and neck with those guys in Spurs history, IMO.

[Capt Bringdown]

At this point, Pop should simply try some new combinations.

Yes, but we know Pop isn't wired like that.

He's in a tough spot of his own making - standing pat and making changes share a high risk of not working. Now is not the time you want to be at a loss as to what works.

[HarlemHeat37]

Push the tempo more than ever. This team just sucks in the halfcourt, they need to push the tempo like they did at the start of the season. It would also make RJ more effective in a faster game.

I don't really know why they went away from this..I would understand if they were intending to play a more defensive-oriented style, they would like to slow it down, but it's not as if they have done that either..

They might as well have continued playing up-tempo basketball..

[baseline bum]

Malik's 7 year/42 million and Rasho's 6 year/48 million dollar deals were by far the worst of the Pop/R.C era.

Neither of those is comparable to Bonner for 8 years and trading Scola to give him that first contract.

[MaNu4Tres]

Neither of those is comparable to Bonner for 8 years and trading Scola to give him that first contract.

Actually, Pop shouldn't have listened to Larry Brown and not persuaded R.C and Spurs F.O to give Jackie Butler that 3 year deal worth roughly 9 million.

Even with Bonner signed, Spurs would have Scola right now if they avoided Jackie Butler.

[Silverheart80]

At any rate, too late in the season for that now.

I can't blame you for thinking it's too late in the season, but honestly I don't think it is. Before this season, I would've never thought Pop would play an offense-first philosophy like we've seen this year. That said, I'm hoping that means he's capable of retooling on the fly as well. I think the pieces are available to make up for deficiencies like Bonner and RJ on a given night, and winning playoff series around Tony, Tim and Manu but the supporting cast has gotta produce and be held accountable.

As far as guys being mentally fragile, I think the deal has to be "sack up....be a pro...tonight's not your night....you get another chance tomorrow night....defend, rebound, be ready."

Comes down to holding guys accountable in my opinion.

[toki9]

Start Duncan and Splitter and commit to playing Splitter about 20-25 minutes. Move McDyess to the bench. Not sure moving Manu to the bench would work since he probably should play with Splitter. I think the odd man out should be Blair. Until he can consistently make a jumper, he's too much of a liability. And Bonner has to play with either Duncan or Dyess so that he'd have a bit more room to shoot.

[DontStopBelieving]

Start Splitter with Duncan is a start-- Have McDyess be the first big off the bench. Have Blair or Bonner see spot minutes depending on match-ups.

Neal and Manu are taking too many bad ill-advised long shots, which are often early in the shot clock as well; leading to to long-rebounds- easy transition points for the opposition. Go to the film room and re-evaluate every questionable possession by each player. Tighten up their leashes on the offensive end a little.

More size for as much of the 48 minutes as possible. Meaning more Splitter, and also meaning less line-ups or stretches with Neal and Hill manning the 2 and 3; or Blair/Bonner at the 4/5. Those two scenarios should never happen if your a team that cares about defense.

Go to Duncan more, and also implement offensive sets with Splitter getting the ball in the post on occasion. The offense has been progressively getting more perimeter oriented as the season has gone on. It seems our players are more content taking long-jumpers, rather than finding ways to get in the middle of the defense. Going to Splitter or Duncan early and getting them established would make things very easy on our overworked guards.

Those are on the top of my head for now..

So simple:bang

[rmt]

Please don't remind me that we could have Scola now instead of worthless Bonner. Don't know why Pop can't see that the opponents just go at Bonner when he's in the game.

Pop has created this mess that he's in by not integrating Splitter. He has ridden the Bonner wagon and doesn't have any options now except continuing to play Bonner or watching Splitter make rookie mistakes that could have been corrected in the regular season with PT. With Splitter playing, the interior defense would be better, there wouldn't be a need for so much help defense scrambling all over the court and leaving wide, wide open shooters.

I'm afraid it's too late but to roll with what we've got. Bonner - stop hesitating and shoot the ball.

[toki9]

I don't really know why they went away from this..I would understand if they were intending to play a more defensive-oriented style, they would like to slow it down, but it's not as if they have done that either..

They might as well have continued playing up-tempo basketball..

Maybe Pop's been trying to implement more of a half-court game in anticipation of the playoffs...

[ElNono]

I can't blame you for thinking it's too late in the season, but honestly I don't think it is. Before this season, I would've never thought Pop would play an offense-first philosophy like we've seen this year. That said, I'm hoping that means he's capable of retooling on the fly as well. I think the pieces are available to make up for deficiencies like Bonner and RJ on a given night, and winning playoff series around Tony, Tim and Manu but the supporting cast has gotta produce and be held accountable.

As far as guys being mentally fragile, I think the deal has to be "sack up....be a pro...tonight's not your night....you get another chance tomorrow night....defend, rebound, be ready."

Comes down to holding guys accountable in my opinion.

It's the pounding-the-rock philosophy... you're not going to change now, but keep pounding and hope the stone breaks... the problem is that we're hitting it with a plastic hammer...

[SenorSpur]

It's the pounding-the-rock philosophy... you're not going to change now, but keep pounding and hope the stone breaks... the problem is that we're hitting it with a plastic hammer...


:lol

[TheGoat21]

Play our best players more minutes

Allen 41 min Jefferson 36 min
Rondo 41 min Parker 35 min
Pierce 37 min Ginobili 33 min
Davis 32 min Duncan 33 min
Garnett 28 min Dice 27 min

Defense goes up. No more Bonner/Blair pairing.

Alot of these teams we have been playing lately are playing their best players heavy mins. When the playoffs come around and we start upping our best players mins things will start to look alot different.

[5in10]

-I cant stand watch Jefferson anymore, every time he starts to dribble and it looks like hes gonna drive and possibly draw a foul, he fucking passes the ball back out, thats not what were fucking paying him for. I would rather him take it to the rim rather than pass it out, even if he misses.

-Splitter first big off the bench or start. He would at least give our bench a defensive kick, similar to what asik gives the bulls, and TBH I would rather toss the ball down to him against second units, then watch neal and company jack up long jumpers. If our second unit played defense it would allow GH3 to get into the open court where he thrives. Its better than our bench trading bucket for bucket.

-Hill needs to realize he can beat people off the dribble, for christ sakes his measurements in the combines were similar to Russell Westbrook, the kid is fucking athletic.

-Pop just needs to give in. We get it, hes smarter than all of us, but everyone and their mother can see where riding bonner is gonna take us, and that Tiago must play.

[024]

REALISTICALLY, shut down the team like boston did last year. limit the core to under 30 minutes and start running some secret drills that will magically improve the defense.

[toki9]

Seems like the majority here believe in more minutes for Splitter...we can't all be wrong about this, can we? Can someone start a poll on this? I'm just curious as to how strong this opinion is among the fanbase.

[Spursmania]

Pop will never play Splitter over Bonner. It's no use getting pissed about it. Just accept it.
Fucking Pop.

[HarlemHeat37]

Seems like the majority here believe in more minutes for Splitter...we can't all be wrong about this, can we? Can someone start a poll on this? I'm just curious as to how strong this opinion is among the fanbase.

The fanbase seemed to be split on Splitter, prior to Duncan's injury..

Then he played a great stretch of games, against touch competition, where he proved that he should be playing..generally, when you play well, you earn minutes, in every sports league, in life in general..

Following his stretch of games, it seems like virtually the entire fanbase was convinced that he could help..unfortunately, the most important decision maker isn't convinced, or has a hidden agenda..

[DMC]

We aren't going to have a contending team for a few years unfortunately. We are going to go through what Houston has been going through, for a while. Regular season notwithstanding, we are not going to be the presence in the league in the next 10 years that we were the previous 10, because there is no hidden rookie Tim Duncan out there who will sign for 500K.

[ElNono]

The fanbase seemed to be split on Splitter, prior to Duncan's injury..

Then he played a great stretch of games, against touch competition, where he proved that he should be playing..generally, when you play well, you earn minutes, in every sports league, in life in general..

Following his stretch of games, it seems like virtually the entire fanbase was convinced that he could help..unfortunately, the most important decision maker isn't convinced, or has a hidden agenda..

:lol stirring the pot :stirpot:

I think Pop is really high on the veteran pecking order... Other vets already went through the "initiation process" of "getting over themselves", a mandatory part of the Spurs "program". Only league vets have been able to avoid it (Finley, Dice, RJ).

Gary Neal seems to be the exception to the rule, but I think it stems mostly out of necessity for a good shooter.

[cherylsteele]

They have solid roster but the issue is it is not being utilized properly.

Is Pop the problem? I'd say it is sure looking that way.

[NRHector]

The fanbase seemed to be split on Splitter, prior to Duncan's injury..

Then he played a great stretch of games, against touch competition, where he proved that he should be playing..generally, when you play well, you earn minutes, in every sports league, in life in general..

Following his stretch of games, it seems like virtually the entire fanbase was convinced that he could help..unfortunately, the most important decision maker isn't convinced, or has a hidden agenda..if he has a hidden agenda, he's a dumbass, becuase he's jeopardizing the last chance for Tim to get another ring if the Spurs don't get HC

[rmt]

Hill needs to drive the ball every chance he gets. I think he did it once today and beat everyone down the court. He gets so passive when he's playing with TP or Manu.

[LongtimeSpursFan]

The fanbase seemed to be split on Splitter, prior to Duncan's injury..

Then he played a great stretch of games, against touch competition, where he proved that he should be playing..generally, when you play well, you earn minutes, in every sports league, in life in general..

Following his stretch of games, it seems like virtually the entire fanbase was convinced that he could help..unfortunately, the most important decision maker isn't convinced, or has a hidden agenda..

I was excited just like everyone else to see Splitter get some minutes in this big game. But in a stretch of about five minutes he missed a rotation on defense and then failed to put in a rebound after a miss shot. It was then that I could see why Pop would have some hesistations about giving Splitter minutes that we all yearn for.
We as fans have nothing to lose. We can bitch and scream about who we think should play and then if that person doesnt do well we have nothing to lose. Pop on the other hand has games to win or lose and as a coach he cant be as foolish as we can.

[MannyIsGod]

No one is going to agree, but I think the best chance they have to win a title is to be the new Phoenix Suns and to embrace it. They need to pick up the pace the way they did earlier in the year and they have to do best to push that will onto other teams in the playoffs when the game slows down.

The Spurs have slowed down their pace as the season has gone on and they've played worse. They just are not going to be a great defensive team and thats become really really obvious.

The only hope is to play extremely good and efficient offense because they're not very good defensively and playing Splitter isn't going to change that.

[ElNono]

No one is going to agree, but I think the best chance they have to win a title is to be the new Phoenix Suns and to embrace it. They need to pick up the pace the way they did earlier in the year and they have to do best to push that will onto other teams in the playoffs when the game slows down.

The Spurs have slowed down their pace as the season has gone on and they've played worse. They just are not going to be a great defensive team and thats become really really obvious.

The only hope is to play extremely good and efficient offense because they're not very good defensively and playing Splitter isn't going to change that.

Teams prepare and counter for that though, just like the Spurs prepared and countered the old Suns... it was a surprise when the season started... now it's not new anymore...

[Mugen]

I was excited just like everyone else to see Splitter get some minutes in this big game. But in a stretch of about five minutes he missed a rotation on defense and then failed to put in a rebound after a miss shot. It was then that I could see why Pop would have some hesistations about giving Splitter minutes that we all yearn for.
We as fans have nothing to lose. We can bitch and scream about who we think should play and then if that person doesnt do well we have nothing to lose. Pop on the other hand has games to win or lose and as a coach he cant be as foolish as we can.

Yeah cuz throwing him out there in the 4th during desperation time is the right way to see what Splitter can provide....


Pop fucked up by not giving him minutes early and riding with Bonner and Blair for too goddamn long

[rmt]

I was excited just like everyone else to see Splitter get some minutes in this big game. But in a stretch of about five minutes he missed a rotation on defense and then failed to put in a rebound after a miss shot. It was then that I could see why Pop would have some hesistations about giving Splitter minutes that we all yearn for.
We as fans have nothing to lose. We can bitch and scream about who we think should play and then if that person doesnt do well we have nothing to lose. Pop on the other hand has games to win or lose and as a coach he cant be as foolish as we can.

He need a crash course - as much playing time so that he can learn from his mistakes. There's the rest of the regular season, hopefully the first and second rounds until the Lakers when he's needed. Doesn't look like DAL is going to beat LA (if Spurs maintain #1). What's the alternative? Bonner? We know that's not going to work.

There's enough bitching already and it's just a regular season game. Imagine when it's a playoff game. I guess we'll be resigned by then.

[MannyIsGod]

Teams prepare and counter for that though, just like the Spurs prepared and countered the old Suns... it was a surprise when the season started... now it's not new anymore...

Teams prepare and counter for everything. Thats pretty much not the point. The team doesn't have the right players to play a defense first game and their best hope, IMO, is to run much more.

Will it win them a title? I don't know, but you're not going to win any titles playing a defensive game withe the players we have.

[cherylsteele]

I know this is being said at nauseum on this forum, and I am not saying anythin new that has not already been said.

Splitter does not need to start although he should, but he needs more real minutes and not just mainly garbage time minutes, if isn't starting, McDyess should, he should be the first big off the bench; and yes he need to play alongside Duncan even more.

It is not a coincidence the Jeff Green scored all 8 of his only points at will when Bonner was guarding him. I don't know if Splitter or Blair would have made a difference but IMHO that is where the game was lost tonight. The Spurs were up 4 or 5 I think, and the momentum turned in favor of the Celtics, and that was the game. When Bonner is in the game and misses more than 2 in a row at this point, Pop needs to pull him, unfortunately that is happening that I can see at this point. At this point the only thing Bonner needs to be doing is selling Beer in the nosebleed seats, but alas they would still pass him the ball to shoot.

It is becoming more and more apparent Pop is gone away from the defense first mentality that he had during the championship run. Ownership needs to confront him about this, but I think Holt won't I don't think.

[benefactor]

I agree with the others that say running more is basically the Spurs only chance. It's never worked for any team in the playoffs...but it gives them a better shot than what they are doing now.

[quentin_compson]

It really is a difficult situation.
But it was pretty alarming to see against the Celtics that the Spurs simply couldn't get a stop when they so desperately needed one. So, one thing could be to try and make the defense as strong as possible, which means: Start Splitter or bring him in as the first big off the bench, limit the Blair/Bonner combo to as few minutes as possible.
Another possibility is to push the tempo again. It worked earlier this season, it might work again. If the Spurs play slower halfcourt offense, they tend to get static and predictable these days.

[objective]

the only puncher's chance they'd have is to start Splitter, cut Bonner down to a situational shooter who is out of the rotation, and cut down on RJ's minutes with either the marginal Green or fat Anderson getting the bulk of that time and hoping their hunger and hustle is worth more than RJ's soft lapses.

But none of that is going to happen.

It's going to be more of "5th Big Bonner", who by the way is playing more minutes this year than last. It's going to be more DNPs and "set-up to fail" games for Splitter. There's going to be more of RJ at the 4. There's going to be more garbage like Novak inbounding with less than a second (when if you need a tall guy to inbound, Splitter is a damn, damn good passer). There's going to be more IGNORE games. Such as Novak outplaying Bonner so bad that Pop has to ignore him and bench him. Same with Green and Anderson with RJ. Splitter and everyone not named Duncan.

The only switch Pop might make is to bench Manu, and it won't make that big of a difference.

repeating myself from a couple of weeks back (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5058010&postcount=106):

The Spurs are frauds who win games based on good health and the individual efforts of the big three with some regular season help from Gary Neal. That won't be good enough to win a title. They still have choke artists and disappearing acts like Bonner and Jefferson getting ready for playoff mode, they still don't have enough size without an established Splitter, and have unproven playoff commodities like Neal who could pull a Roger Mason, though I feel Neal's game is more well-rounded and can avoid a complete disaster.

[Slippy]

Dice as a starter isn't working. Not handling extra mins well, just looks tired and has no lift on his jumper. Did look better when playing limited mins. Tony and Manu are having to deal with extra attention , more-so in the 4th when Dice is least fresh.

Bonner is hurting the team on D. Rondo said how "they kept it simple" running 1 play . That was around the time he was involved on a switch. With Bonner on the court Spurs struggle to get stops. If they do it's usually by luck.

There has to be another adjustment.

[silverblk mystix]

I was excited just like everyone else to see Splitter get some minutes in this big game. But in a stretch of about five minutes he missed a rotation on defense and then failed to put in a rebound after a miss shot. It was then that I could see why Pop would have some hesistations about giving Splitter minutes that we all yearn for.
We as fans have nothing to lose. We can bitch and scream about who we think should play and then if that person doesnt do well we have nothing to lose. Pop on the other hand has games to win or lose and as a coach he cant be as foolish as we can.

I see your point regarding Splitter making a mistake or two...but which is worse...playing with heart and defending and moving your feet and being a presence that can alter shots?

or being in the right place, making the right rotations...but still being scored upon at will by EVERY player that wants to?

Bonner might not miss rotations ...but it is like he is invisible because NO NBA player hesitates to take him to the rim as soon as he sees Bonner guarding him...and what does Bonner do...gets in position...moves his feet...raises his hands straight up...and gets scored on...never even TRIES to block the shot...just leaves his hands straight up...has ANYONE ever seen Bonner actually try to block or change the shot? No.

Finally, the Spurs coaching staff has had since LAST FUCKING SUMMER...to integrate Splitter into the offense & defensive schemes...but they didn't...months upon fuckin' months of fuckin' complacency...there is no excuse for NOT having Splitter up to speed by now-that is all on the coaching staff.

You are telling me you can have a coach for shooting, a coach for every fuckin' thing you can think of---and ALL of them together could not have Splitter up to speed????

Give me a fuckin break... Splitter was absolutely right in spending a couple of more years overseas...I used to be pissed at Splitter for making the Spurs wait...but now I see how he has been mis-handled and it makes me sick.

[vanvannen]

The Spurs need to find a way to counter when other teams clog the lane. Tony was having a party in the first 2Q then suddendly they start playing a zone and we cannot score anymore. Also RJ has to start attacking the rim hard, he is the only athetic player than can actually dunk in traffic, enough with the soft layups already.
Too many freaking jumpshots are killing us. At this point it is pretty obvious the refs will not call illegal defense ever again, at one point last night Garnett was so lost under their own basket he literally was turning his head left and right to find his guy and nothing. It's frustrating.

[DBMethos]

There's no magical cure for the lack of perimeter D on this squad, so we pretty much have to give up on that this year. However, starting Splitter with Duncan can go a long way towards setting the defensive tone on the interior. Then Dice can resume his usual bench role (where he plays better anyway, and has his whole career) and try to make up for the deficiencies of Blair/Bonner (who should never play together, ever again). If a team is hitting their jumpshots, good for them. I'll take my chances with that over a 7 game series rather than allowing mediocre big men to have a field day against our interior (inferior?) D. In other words, it's better to have 1/2 of the D be fairly solid than both parts being half-assed.

[cherylsteele]

I was excited just like everyone else to see Splitter get some minutes in this big game. But in a stretch of about five minutes he missed a rotation on defense and then failed to put in a rebound after a miss shot. It was then that I could see why Pop would have some hesistations about giving Splitter minutes that we all yearn for.
We as fans have nothing to lose. We can bitch and scream about who we think should play and then if that person doesnt do well we have nothing to lose. Pop on the other hand has games to win or lose and as a coach he cant be as foolish as we can.
If Pop is going to stick with the 3-pt shooter lineup, I would much rather see Novak on the floor than Bonner at the point. Novak IMO, has shown that he is willing to make an effort on the defensive end of the court.

Bonner being on the floor is the reason the Spurs lost this game, along with many other games, his defense, and lack of offense doomed the Spurs. It was like he was a spectator at a parade, and Bonner was just watching it. His man pretty much scored at will.

Bonner made several mistake in the meat of the game. When Splitter came into the game it was pretty much already lost at that point, he was basically getting garbage minutes. Splitter making a couple of mistakes in garbage time vs Bonner making then and turning momentum is comparing apples to oranges, besides when Splitter had his chance starting he played well overall and IMO, showed he deserves more than garbage time minutes. Bonner on the other hand showed he doesn't even deserve garbage minutes.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

No one is going to agree, but I think the best chance they have to win a title is to be the new Phoenix Suns and to embrace it. They need to pick up the pace the way they did earlier in the year and they have to do best to push that will onto other teams in the playoffs when the game slows down.

The Spurs have slowed down their pace as the season has gone on and they've played worse. They just are not going to be a great defensive team and thats become really really obvious.

The only hope is to play extremely good and efficient offense because they're not very good defensively and playing Splitter isn't going to change that.


Said the same thing on page 3 :toast

[DPG21920]

Right now, it's on Manu. He has been pretty damn bad for months now. I thought he might be saving himself, but it appears he is legitimately out of gas. Spurs have no shot if Manu doesn't have another level. That is the only real important issue IMO.

[temujin]

Win 2/3 games to make sure to be ahead of Dallas (far from obvious right now) and just rest the whole crew after that.
Parker Manu Duncan Neal Hill. Dice.
Just everybody.
The #1 spot is gone now.

Bonner is getting ready for a huge run of missed shots in the PO.
As usual.
No Bonner in the PO, please.
Minimal jefferson, who is possibly even worse than Bonner.

Those two are losers.
Always been.
You can twist either way, but they never won an important game in their own life.

Spurs are not going past the first round with those two playing 25/30'.

[ogait]

Right now, it's on Manu. He has been pretty damn bad for months now. I thought he might be saving himself, but it appears he is legitimately out of gas. Spurs have no shot if Manu doesn't have another level. That is the only real important issue IMO.

I'll split that between Duncan and Ginobili.

Duncan migth have looked decent yesterday but being guarded by Glen Davis or Andrew Bynum are two completely different things. That's the real issue.

Tony Parker is the only one of the big 3 playing at, or at least near, his normal level. He's doing his job carring the Spurs early offence as usual untill the opossing team adapts.

Ginobili just looks pathetic rigth now, at least untill he finds out there's more to basketball than shooting 3's.

But yeah, a lot being talked about Blair, Splitter, Bonner, RJ. It's time for the big guys to come and play.

[coachmac87]

What about sending Manu to the bench???? Start Hill at the 2. It would get either RJ or Hill involved in the game, and the Spurs are really tough to beat when one of them + Big 3 are rolling...

[rvman21]

less Bonner more Splitter, that's it, why can't pop see that

[wontstartdumbthreads]

I can't think of a bigger "underdog" NBA champion than the Spurs would be this year. Detroit? Houston? I think this year's Spurs would be an even greater suprise. Even with the record they had.

Maybe they need to dig up the dead body of Rudy T, or yank him out of the bar, to give the "Never underestimate" speech to the Spurs.

[Giuseppe]

Because "you" saw it first.

tee, hee.

[The Truth #6]

I think Pop went to his "playoff rotation" way too soon. In fact, I'm not sure if that even plays to our strengths by shortening our rotation. But now that's he shaken things up, will he keep shaking by going back to starting Blair or even starting Splitter? That seems unlikely. Though that's what I would think would be better than continuing to start Dice.

[mingus]

The defensive strategy and rotations were shit yesterday. I don't buy that this team can't play great defense. Popovich's gameplan and rotations yesterday just weren't conducive to great defense. We saw more Bonner/Blair and even though Rondo was making us pay by giving him all day to shoot, he kept that strategy (doesn't that remind you of how we did the same thing to Felton in the game vs. NY? where he had a career offensive night bec. we let him shoot?)

[marinoman]

Here's what you do:
Play Bonner, if he misses two shots, sit him for the rest of the game. It tarts with Bonner and ends with Bonner. If he's making shots then we are good but if he isn't, he's done and so is the team. He screws up too much for us to be effective. Tiago is coming to form now and Bonner plays more, WTF?


Nothing. They lose and the window closes.


Try again with first round exit.


Spurs suck yeah, but I think they can take an inexperienced Portland or Memphis team but it will probably take 7 games. And we will lose to OKC in the 2nd round.


2nd round?!?!?! :lol

I never post usually just read, but u knee jerkers should be embarrassed. Spurs r having a rough stretch at a bad time thats it. Suddenly this team cant get out of the 2nd round or even the first? I used to read u guys sayin Tiago has an awkward hook shot and is useless, no its for the love of God start him. If and when the Spurs make the West Finals and give the Lakers all they want and more, dont say u know it. A short month ago so many said Pop clear cut coach of the year for changing our offense, now he jus doesnt have it anymore huh. Interesting.

[Cessation]

I think spurs can make it to wcf, but thats it, with the current rotation. Even if changes are made, I believe its too late, won't be time to develop championship chemistry.

[duncan228]

Is SA spurred to panic yet? (http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/04/01/is-sa-spurred-to-panic-yet/)
Fran Blinebury
Hang Time Blog
NBA.com

SAN ANTONIO – Two weeks ago, the Spurs were zeroing in on maybe winning the most games in the Tim Duncan Era.

Now they’re suddenly trying to snap the longest losing streak since the season before Duncan arrived in San Antonio.

How quickly things change.

It might not be time yet for the citizens of the Alamo City to jump off the River Walk into the river, but you can be sure some are inching closer and closer to the edge.

Panic?

Not the Spurs.

“It’s simple enough,” said Duncan. “We put ourselves in this position. Luckily, we’ve played great basketball all season and we’ve given ourselves a lead on the rest of the league. We’ve given some of that back, but we still have enough.”

Do they?

If the sizzling Lakers close out the regular season without dropping another game, the Spurs would have to win six of their final seven to guarantee holding onto the No. 1 seed.

Starting tonight in Houston, are there six wins in a Spurs’ slate that has home games against Phoenix, Sacramento and Utah and road games at Phoenix, Atlanta and the Lakers?

While the five-game losing streak is their longest since the 1996-97 season, four of those losses came with Duncan sidelined by injury and the first three were all close. Only the Celtics dropped the hammer on the Spurs.

“Of course, we want to be number one,” said Manu Ginobili. “It’s not that we want to give it away because we like to be underdogs. No, no, we want to win it.”

How quickly things change.

The Spurs can’t really let this get away. Can they?

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/04/01/is-sa-spurred-to-panic-yet/

*********************

Their fans may but Spurs are not going to panic (http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/01/their-fans-may-but-spurs-are-not-going-to-panic/)
Kurt Helin

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/01/their-fans-may-but-spurs-are-not-going-to-panic/

[SenorSpur]

Despite the offseason moves the team made, even with the addition of Splitter, I've always been uncomfortable with the obvious skill set deficiencies of this group versus the power teams of the NBA. The Fakers have been the "gold standard" for the NBA for the past 2 seasons. It seems to me that the logical solution would be to try and upgrade the roster to counter them.

We all saw what OKC did at the trade deadline. They knew they had to get bigger. They did. The Celitcs got much bigger over the offseason and looked to be ready to match up against the Fakers - until they mysteriously traded away Kendrick Perkins. Say what you want about the Mavs, but they also knew they needed to get bigger, they did. How did Pop counter over the summer - by getting smaller.

All of those teams took steps in that direction of adding size. Time will tell as to whether it was enough. My issues with Pop is that he responded by getting smaller, upgrading the offense and allowing team defense to continue to slip.

Early on, it appeared that RJ had underwent a transformation. Instead, he's resorted back to 2010 form. Instead of acknowledging the obvious flaws in Bonner and allowing him to walk, Pop rewarded him with a new contract, more playing time and ridiculous defensive responsibilities. Bonner simply does not deserve a role on this squad. I don't blame him so much as I do Pop. His steadfast support of Bonner is indicative as just how far he's compromised his much-talked about defensive priniciples.

How Pop could've resigned himself to enter the season with roster that featured an undersized frontline, while giving Duncan very little help, is beyond me? Watching the Spurs fade down the stretch, while watching the Fakers do what champions do - dial it up - only confirmed by early suspicions about what Pop has allowed. He's failed to mitigate the defensive slipppage, he's failed to provide Duncan with adequate frontline support in his waning years, and he's failing to extend this window of opportunity.

Therefore, I'm lowering my expectations - drastically. I'm no longer worried about home court advantage. If the Spurs somehow salvage themselves to advance to the WCF - and an ultimate date with the Fakers - I'll consider that as a successful run.

[lefty]

We just need to stack a little

[Chomag]

Despite the offseason moves the team made, even with the addition of Splitter, I've always been uncomfortable with the obvious skill set deficiencies of this group versus the power teams of the NBA. The Fakers have been the "gold standard" for the NBA for the past 2 seasons. It seems to me that the logical solution would be to try and upgrade the roster to counter them.

We all saw what OKC did at the trade deadline. They knew they had to get bigger. They did. The Celitcs got much bigger over the offseason and looked to be ready to match up against the Fakers - until they mysteriously traded away Kendrick Perkins. Say what you want about the Mavs, but they also knew they needed to get bigger, they did. How did Pop counter over the summer - by getting smaller.

All of those teams took steps in that direction of adding size. Time will tell as to whether it was enough. My issues with Pop is that he responded by getting smaller, upgrading the offense and allowing team defense to continue to slip.

Early on, it appeared that RJ had underwent a transformation. Instead, he's resorted back to 2010 form. Instead of acknowledging the obvious flaws in Bonner and allowing him to walk, Pop rewarded him with a new contract, more playing time and ridiculous defensive responsibilities. Bonner simply does not deserve a role on this squad. I don't blame him so much as I do Pop. His steadfast support of Bonner is indicative as just how far he's compromised his much-talked about defensive priniciples.

How Pop could've resigned himself to enter the season with roster that featured an undersized frontline, while giving Duncan very little help, is beyond me? Watching the Spurs fade down the stretch, while watching the Fakers do what champions do - dial it up - only confirmed by early suspicions about what Pop has allowed. He's failed to mitigate the defensive slipppage, he's failed to provide Duncan with adequate frontline support in his waning years, and he's failing to extend this window of opportunity.

Therefore, I'm lowering my expectations - drastically. I'm no longer worried about home court advantage. If the Spurs somehow salvage themselves to advance to the WCF - and an ultimate date with the Fakers - I'll consider that as a successful run.

I agree with you for the most part , but anything less then a title would be very disappointing as this is most likely the Last shot the Spurs will have at it with Duncan and long after.

[DrSteffo]

Play some D for a change?

[jjktkk]

Despite the offseason moves the team made, even with the addition of Splitter, I've always been uncomfortable with the obvious skill set deficiencies of this group versus the power teams of the NBA. The Fakers have been the "gold standard" for the NBA for the past 2 seasons. It seems to me that the logical solution would be to try and upgrade the roster to counter them.

We all saw what OKC did at the trade deadline. They knew they had to get bigger. They did. The Celitcs got much bigger over the offseason and looked to be ready to match up against the Fakers - until they mysteriously traded away Kendrick Perkins. Say what you want about the Mavs, but they also knew they needed to get bigger, they did. How did Pop counter over the summer - by getting smaller.

All of those teams took steps in that direction of adding size. Time will tell as to whether it was enough. My issues with Pop is that he responded by getting smaller, upgrading the offense and allowing team defense to continue to slip.

Early on, it appeared that RJ had underwent a transformation. Instead, he's resorted back to 2010 form. Instead of acknowledging the obvious flaws in Bonner and allowing him to walk, Pop rewarded him with a new contract, more playing time and ridiculous defensive responsibilities. Bonner simply does not deserve a role on this squad. I don't blame him so much as I do Pop. His steadfast support of Bonner is indicative as just how far he's compromised his much-talked about defensive priniciples.

How Pop could've resigned himself to enter the season with roster that featured an undersized frontline, while giving Duncan very little help, is beyond me? Watching the Spurs fade down the stretch, while watching the Fakers do what champions do - dial it up - only confirmed by early suspicions about what Pop has allowed. He's failed to mitigate the defensive slipppage, he's failed to provide Duncan with adequate frontline support in his waning years, and he's failing to extend this window of opportunity.

Therefore, I'm lowering my expectations - drastically. I'm no longer worried about home court advantage. If the Spurs somehow salvage themselves to advance to the WCF - and an ultimate date with the Fakers - I'll consider that as a successful run.

Its not that simple just to add size. You need size with talent. Dallas added more size and that size didn't do a thing last night against the Lakers. I don't think LA is afraid of the Mavs size. You can add big man after big man to try and match the Lakers size, but you still need to out score the Lakers if you want to get past them in the playoffs. No matter who the Spurs could of realistically picked up, if the big 3 aren't hitting on all cylinders in the playoffs, as well as RJ, Hill, Neal, and Bonner scoring, the Spurs won't have a chance against the Lakers in the playoffs.

[MannyIsGod]

Right now, it's on Manu. He has been pretty damn bad for months now. I thought he might be saving himself, but it appears he is legitimately out of gas. Spurs have no shot if Manu doesn't have another level. That is the only real important issue IMO.

I don't have much faith in Manu playing better. Tim and Tony, yes, but not Manu. Manu doesn't have the same type of gas tank other players have and thats been evident throughout his career. I think we all knew playing him more minutes was a gamble and a sign of desperation this year, but it may not have played out as we had all hoped in the end.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepukku

[cherylsteele]

I don't have much faith in Manu playing better. Tim and Tony, yes, but not Manu. Manu doesn't have the same type of gas tank other players have and thats been evident throughout his career. I think we all knew playing him more minutes was a gamble and a sign of desperation this year, but it may not have played out as we had all hoped in the end.
I am going to keep thinking you are wrong.......I hope.

[DPG21920]

I agree. I am concerned about a few other things, but the only real thing that concerns me is Manu. Many of us have pointed out the team has legit problems and looks out of gas, especially Manu. But many didn't want to believe it.

Manu is not in a slump. He is playing the only way he can it appears. He's not holding back. I expected RJ to be shit, what I did not account for was the massive drop off in Manu's play and it has me extremely worried.

I think Tim has been fine. I think TP has been really good. Manu worries me. If he has something left, the team will get to the WCF for sure, even with RJ being RJ and Bonner playing.

I agree with the pace. They need to pick it up. They are exceptional when they do (if Manu is playing well).

[mytespurs]

What do spurs do now-work through it. Thinggs will get better....hopefully

[slick'81]

they need to play tiago next to timmy

[Mugen]

I agree. I am concerned about a few other things, but the only real thing that concerns me is Manu. Many of us have pointed out the team has legit problems and looks out of gas, especially Manu. But many didn't want to believe it.

Manu is not in a slump. He is playing the only way he can it appears. He's not holding back. I expected RJ to be shit, what I did not account for was the massive drop off in Manu's play and it has me extremely worried.

I think Tim has been fine. I think TP has been really good. Manu worries me. If he has something left, the team will get to the WCF for sure, even with RJ being RJ and Bonner playing.

I agree with the pace. They need to pick it up. They are exceptional when they do (if Manu is playing well).

IF we wrap up HC by the Laker game then that should give Pop a chance to rest them for a full week before the POs. Hopefully, that allows them to catch a second wind before the 1st round.

Even when hes's out of gas or injured, Manu has shown the ability to have big games. Granted, no where near as consistently as we need to make a legit run but thats when other guys have to step up.

I've given up on RJ/Bonner but still think that George's play is crucial to this team. He needs to really be aggressive and stop deferring any time hes out there with TP/Manu.

We just need Manu fresh to close games. We dont need him to carry us all game. Only one that can even remotely do that now is TP.

[DPG21920]

Spurs need Manu to have something left in the fourth and to shoot a better percentage while drawing fouls at a better rate.

[TMTTRIO]

Manu may be out of gas but that doesn't excuse him for his bad decisions or the chucking up of several 3 pointers when his shot is really not going down. He can still at lest play better.

[Man In Black]

Perhaps we just wait and see what happens after each injured guy get's his legs back? I can't do anything about Jefferson and Bonner, but to be honest...if one would've asked this forum if the Spurs were in 1st place in the West this late in the season, would you take that over the debacle of a season that we saw last year? We'd all, okay the bulk of us, would've said,"1st place is unreal."
We've had a taste of 1st for awhile and I don't think they're giving it up and the way that RJ & Bonner are playing doesn't mean instant loss...IF the big 3 and everyone else plays big. It sucks, it seems as if we got 2 HITA players intead of 1.

[spurtech09]

are all laker fan base thugs?I know jason terry is an asshole for what he did to steve blake....but I thought there was going to be a riot lastnight at the staple center...the lakers are thugs and so are the laker fans....and the lakers are suppose to be the face of the nba....

[TMTTRIO]

We have some games this week I think we can manage without Manu. Maybe we could sit him out Tuesday and Thursday and that would give him a week to rest up.

[Koolaid_Man]

They're obviously at a desperation point right now..they need to re-tool, obviously..what can they do?..

This thread isn't for meltdowns, btw, there will be many threads for that type of discussion..this thread is to discuss potential strategies that utilize the Spurs current personnel..

- Run the offense through Duncan..it doesn't matter how much he has declined, Spurs need to force-feed him the ball..this team needs some kind of semblance of an interior game..this team is shooting too many stupid jump shots, they're too soft with their shot selection..they need to force it inside to him..

- Play Splitter..obviously..you don't play him for 1 minute and take him out if he plays bad..it doesn't matter now, he's bigger and more mobile than Bonner and Blair, this team clearly needs size and mobility from their bigs..

What else?..

throw in the fucking towel