Email sent to the Spurs after most frustration in 20 years of fanhood

[Rummpd]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/contact/club_directory.html

Sent by email to the link on other (have had a response from Spurs several years ago from an assistant coach to a similar email)


Dear Coach Gregg Popovich:

From the outside as a perspective of a decades long fan (who has also written formerly for a paid website on the NBA and loves your Spurs) can you explain why you do not play Splitter more, especially, after he truly produced several games in a row during Duncan's injury rising to the level of 10th on the rookie ladder on NBA.com this week? Mr. Splitter has proven himself in international level play and seems to bring the only other needed size up front besides Duncan and a game, but aging MyDysess can give on occasion.

Besides some nice numbers as far as rebounds, points and block shots or near blocks; he also shut down Lamar Aldridge two straight games - no small feat this year. Therefore, why was he not given a chance to help stop the Boston run of 14 points and/or be left in with Duncan to help shut down Rondo's drives or to send someone with true length out on Garnett toward the perimeter, if Duncan was not assigned to do so?


Along a similar line of thinking, can you explain why Mr. Bonner is playing so much even when his outside shot is not falling, as he seems to be (despite trying hard) a non effective one on one or help defender? You always stressed defense; what has changed? Splitter, Duncan, and MyDysess seem to cover some of these deficiencies; why then do Bonner and Blair play together so much? Mr. Splitter is not perfect and will develop to be even better with time, but he also in limited time has drawn 15+ offensive fouls, sets screens and is a wonderful passer much of the time.

Also, why do Duncan and Splitter seemingly never get to play legit minutes together? It seems if Splitter had started based on his fine 4 or 5 starts, Duncan and him could have teamed well together. Duncan can fire from the outside, Splitter lives around the basket on both sides, and both can defend the paint well. I recall, that Oberto, a similar type of player to Splitter internationally but not as talented in many ways; did the high and low with Duncan well as anyone in basketball, and I believe Ginobili, Parker and Jefferson would also benefit from having him up front.

Maybe you already have a plan to address some of these concerns - based on probable playoff matchups?


Thanks for lettting me sound off and any feedback from you your staff would be appreciated either to myself or to the local press that covers the team (I especially a fan of a Ms. Kori Elllis with spurstalk.com) Highest Regards, PDR (name supplied)

[DontStopBelieving]

Wow.

[Hooks]

Popovich's answer: "Because Splitter doesn't stretch the floor!"

[NRHector]

Pop response is gonna be "they made more shots"

[Giuseppe]

Come ta Pappy, Hector.

tee, hee.

[toki9]

Lack of corporate knowledge...snark...snark...don't want to be unfair to the team and to the kid by throwing him into an unfamiliar situation...snark...snark...snark...injuries...sna rk...snark...

[ElNono]

"It wouldn't be fair to Bonner or Blair, especially Matty who is a standup goof guy"...

[silverblk mystix]

I feel your pain and frustration...

Maybe all of us here can start firing off emails..even if it is in vain...there will be a record of all the requests that Pop had to play Splitter...

It sure couldn't hurt...

[GrandeDavid]

I was so irritated at the game tonight seeing Splitter benched the entire first three quarters. Pop is not that good of a coach. He's cruised on Duncan since 1998.

[NRHector]

Come ta Pappy, Hector.

tee, hee.hey I'm an adult stop stalking me :wow

[DMC]

Pop: "If I knew the answer to that I wouldn't need assistant coaches".

[4>0rings]

Stressing defense, plays bonner, stressing going to the hole, plays bonner.

:lmao

[toki9]

Stressing defense, plays bonner, stressing going to the hole, plays bonner.

:lmao

Here's one more: complain about shooting too many 3's in the 3rd, plays Bonner.

[NRHector]

Here's one more: complain about shooting too many 3's in the 3rd, plays Bonner.

my thoughts exactly :toast

[Spurologist]

:pop: Hopefully Splitter gets over himself in the playoffs

[ElNono]

:pop: Hopefully Splitter gets over himself watching the playoffs from the bench

fify

[LegendaryFan44]

I saw Splitter on the bench..he looked totally disillusioned..putting him in the game in the 3rd Q was a joke..fuckin play the guy like he is part of the team..

[Marcus Bryant]

Sincerely,
Spoiled Ass Fan of 20 Years

[baseline bum]

You didn't actually send that, did you?

[toki9]

I saw Splitter on the bench..he looked totally disillusioned..putting him in the game in the 3rd Q was a joke..fuckin play the guy like he is part of the team..

Yeah, I thought that was a desperation/dick move...

[baseline bum]

So is Splitter the new great white hope? Sort of our own Jimmer Fredette?

[alchemist]

:lmao

[toki9]

So is Splitter the new great white hope? Sort of our own Jimmer Fredette?

No...but he's a potentially helpful piece lying fallow on the bench...

[Spurminator]

You... sent... an EMAIL.... to POP... through NBA.com?


???

[FromWayDowntown]

Lamar Aldridge?

[der Kaiser]

you would have been better off writing some sort of death threat or terrorist threat than that weak stuff. At least those two options might get pops attention.

[ColinB]

Wow, that letter was more embarrassing than the last 5 games.

[Rummpd]

The email was not actually sent - as my rule is to wait 12 hours, read it the am, and then in a cooler moment this am it wilo be sent fwd, but with editing and alterations. Thanks for feedback from true Spurs fans. regards, PDR

[ChumpDumper]

That'll show 'im!

[easy7]

Spurs are trying to rope-a-dope... :hat

[wontstartdumbthreads]

The email was not actually sent - as my rule is to wait 12 hours, read it the am, and then in a cooler moment this am it wilo be sent fwd, but with editing and alterations. Thanks for feedback from true Spurs fans. regards, PDR

Here's a good rule: if you have to have rules about sending your emails, don't ever send them.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/contact/club_directory.html

Sent by email to the link on other (have had a response from Spurs several years ago from an assistant coach to a similar email)


Dear Coach Gregg Popovich:

From the outside as a perspective of a decades long fan (who has also written formerly for a paid website on the NBA and loves your Spurs) can you explain why you do not play Splitter more, especially, after he truly produced several games in a row during Duncan's injury rising to the level of 10th on the rookie ladder on NBA.com this week? Mr. Splitter has proven himself in international level play and seems to bring the only other needed size up front besides Duncan and a game, but aging MyDysess can give on occasion.

Besides some nice numbers as far as rebounds, points and block shots or near blocks; he also shut down Lamar Aldridge two straight games - no small feat this year. Therefore, why was he not given a chance to help stop the Boston run of 14 points and/or be left in with Duncan to help shut down Rondo's drives or to send someone with true length out on Garnett toward the perimeter, if Duncan was not assigned to do so?


Along a similar line of thinking, can you explain why Mr. Bonner is playing so much even when his outside shot is not falling, as he seems to be (despite trying hard) a non effective one on one or help defender? You always stressed defense; what has changed? Splitter, Duncan, and MyDysess seem to cover some of these deficiencies; why then do Bonner and Blair play together so much? Mr. Splitter is not perfect and will develop to be even better with time, but he also in limited time has drawn 15+ offensive fouls, sets screens and is a wonderful passer much of the time.

Also, why do Duncan and Splitter seemingly never get to play legit minutes together? It seems if Splitter had started based on his fine 4 or 5 starts, Duncan and him could have teamed well together. Duncan can fire from the outside, Splitter lives around the basket on both sides, and both can defend the paint well. I recall, that Oberto, a similar type of player to Splitter internationally but not as talented in many ways; did the high and low with Duncan well as anyone in basketball, and I believe Ginobili, Parker and Jefferson would also benefit from having him up front.

Maybe you already have a plan to address some of these concerns - based on probable playoff matchups?


Thanks for lettting me sound off and any feedback from you your staff would be appreciated either to myself or to the local press that covers the team (I especially a fan of a Ms. Kori Elllis with spurstalk.com) Highest Regards, PDR (name supplied)

Dear Greg,

As a lifelong Spurs fan and esteemed member of SpursTalk, I would like to apologize for a recent email sent to you from Rummpd. After two and a half wine coolers, he gets a little lubricated (figuratively...well maybe literally too) and says things without thinking. Please excuse him. As to his comments about formerly writing for a paid website, I am left scratching my head as I know your are. Anyway, hope you figure out your shit before the playoffs. Maybe if the Spurs win, you and me can drink some wine while Rummpd shoves the bottle up his ass.

Thanks!
wonstartdumbthreads

[spursbird]

I guess Pop is a member of Spurstalk

[baseline bum]

I'm going to write Pop an email begging him to bring Finley back. As shitty of a PF as he was, at least he hit a few big shots, including a gamewinner in Staples. Seems a much better option than sandwich boy.

[lefty]

I'm sure Pop didnt read it because he was too busy drawing plays for Bonner

[said7]

lol what's your letter to Santa look like?

[lefty]

Pop is either:

- overrated
- or going CIA Pop hardcore hardcore


There is no other way

[yavozerb]

That'll show 'im!

:lol....you just wasted 5-10 minutes of your life writing that email, good job. Damn, I just wasted a couple writing this, i'm out.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

:lol....you just wasted 5-10 minutes of your life writing that email, good job. Damn, I just wasted a couple writing this, i'm out.

It took you two minutes to crank that out?

[Kool Bob Love]

lol what's your letter to Santa look like?

http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/blog/images/2008/10/08/greggpopovich_2.jpg

[Rummpd]

Pop is worse than the belief in Santa could ever be - he is real, perhaps brilliant, but definetely stubborn.

[FromWayDowntown]

I'm more and more frequently astounded by the hubris of Spurs fans.

Actually, I'm not.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

:lmao

Hey, what's with your fascination with Japanese kiddie cartoons?
I heard a rumor that made you seem a little weird.

[said7]

http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/blog/images/2008/10/08/greggpopovich_2.jpg

LMAO n1 :lol

[The Truth #6]

Equating Pop not playing Tiago more to 20 year low point is really silly. Sort of outrageous actually.

We've had a great regular season, but it's falling apart now. Obviously that's frustrating.

Pop should play Tiago more, but I think he should be given credit for pushing this semi-flawed team to a great record. It's falling apart now but I don't think that's all on Pop. Some yes, but not all.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

Equating Pop not playing Tiago more to 20 year low point is really silly. Sort of outrageous actually.

We've had a great regular season, but it's falling apart now. Obviously that's frustrating.

Pop should play Tiago more, but I think he should be given credit for pushing this semi-flawed team to a great record. It's falling apart now but I don't think that's all on Pop. Some yes, but not all.

Did the team come in to this season semi-flawed? Or is it the inablility of Pop to make it work that makes them semi-flawed

Tony Parker
Manu Ginobli
Tim Duncan
Richard Jefferson
Antonio McDyess

That's a pretty good starting lineup. One of the best backcourts in the league. A great shotblocking, rebounding big man that still has some offensive game left. A servicable, tough minded PF with a nice shot. A athletic SF not too far removed from his prime.

Coming off the bench, an athletic backup to the PG and SG (Hill) who can score and play decent D, a three point specialist (Neal) who also happens to be a decent scorer from anywhere, Blair and Splitter.

On paper it should be good enough to compete for a title. Sure, some players are getting old, and some have some weaknesses. But you can say that about any team. With the lineup they have, they are underacheiveing. Forget about the record. The fact that none of the elite teams really fear them is indication enough of where they are. This is the kind of team that a truly great coach could take to the finals. Maybe Pop pulls one out of his hat and somehow it comes together.

[FromWayDowntown]

I wish someone would give the "Ellio[t]" effect to butchering of our Argentinian guard's name.

[Rummpd]

A recent email that was actually sent was very short and along the lines of that below, but thanks for all the over the top feedback, it was fun pulling a lot of "your chains" and hoping someone else would actually send one along that lines!


Attn: Gregg Popovich, Head Coach, SAS

Dear Coach Popovich:

Continued good luck to the Spurs as decades long loyal fan (even as you and the team, suffer through a rare losing streak.

Have you or your staff discused or considered Tiago's Splitter's recent string of solid (at least from an outside perspective) performances changing his "5th big" role to: 1) playing with Tim Duncan; 2) becoming the starter for some matchup situations this year including the playoffs; and/or 3) moving up in the rotation (for primarily defensive purposes)?

Good luck in the playoffs and highest regards, PDR

[baseline bum]

That's a good one. Here's the one I sent:

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

Attn: Gregg Popovich, Head Coach, SAS

Dear Coach Popovich:

I'm sure you're even more frustrated than all of us as we are seeing an amazing season seemingly coming apart in an instant. Have you considered doing something to shake the team up and back to life? Perhaps fire the coach? Maybe we gave up on James White too early; this team could really use some dunks in transition, as they're not scoring the easy baskets that were commonplace earlier in the season. And why doesn't Kerr play?

Regards,
Frustrated Spurs Fan

[wontstartdumbthreads]

A recent email that was actually sent was very short and along the lines of that below, but thanks for all the over the top feedback, it was fun pulling a lot of "your chains" and hoping someone else would actually send one along that lines!


Attn: Gregg Popovich, Head Coach, SAS

Dear Coach Popovich:

Continued good luck to the Spurs as decades long loyal fan (even as you and the team, suffer through a rare losing streak.

Have you or your staff discused or considered Tiago's Splitter's recent string of solid (at least from an outside perspective) performances changing his "5th big" role to: 1) playing with Tim Duncan; 2) becoming the starter for some matchup situations this year including the playoffs; and/or 3) moving up in the rotation (for primarily defensive purposes)?

Good luck in the playoffs and highest regards, PDR

You sent the email in the OP yesterday. I really doubt it was some big plan for an April Fool's Day joke and I have no doubt that you actually sent the original version.
As to the over the top feedback, how was anything in this thread more "over the top" than any other thread?
Face it. You sent a goofy ass email even after waiting 12 hours to send it. Maybe you were drunk. Maybe high. It's OK. From time to time, even I will say something stupid.

[Rummpd]

You sent the email in the OP yesterday. I really doubt it was some big plan for an April Fool's Day joke and I have no doubt that you actually sent the original version.
As to the over the top feedback, how was anything in this thread more "over the top" than any other thread?
Face it. You sent a goofy ass email even after waiting 12 hours to send it. Maybe you were drunk. Maybe high. It's OK. From time to time, even I will say something stupid.


Happy April Fools day to you too! Your name fits your lack of an IQ apparently.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

Happy April Fools day to you too! Your name fits your lack of an IQ apparently.

Thanks!
:flag:

[TampaDude]

Penis.

That is all.

[SA210]

Happy April Fools day to you too! Your name fits your lack of an IQ apparently.

Send both emails. I'm with you. :tu

[ElNono]

That's a good one. Here's the one I sent:

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

Attn: Gregg Popovich, Head Coach, SAS

Dear Coach Popovich:

I'm sure you're even more frustrated than all of us as we are seeing an amazing season seemingly coming apart in an instant. Have you considered doing something to shake the team up and back to life? Perhaps fire the coach? Maybe we gave up on James White too early; this team could really use some dunks in transition, as they're not scoring the easy baskets that were commonplace earlier in the season. And why doesn't Kerr play?

Regards,
Frustrated Spurs Fan

:lol

[Budkin]

Penis.

That is all.

:lol

[Venti Quattro]

I think it's time to click that send button! :lmao :lmao :lmao

[IronMexican]

:lmao

Holy smokes

[leemajors]

Really, it's just too easy. Go find his old Hoopsworld articles, they're... unique.

[John Basedow]

Really, it's just too easy. Go find his old Hoopsworld articles, they're... unique.

:lol

[hater]

Splitter blows too. Wake the hell up.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

:pop: It wouldn't be fair to the team..

[4>0rings]

http://www.stoopkids.com/chicago/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Bogans.jpg

Our center piece.

[Juanobili]

http://www.stoopkids.com/chicago/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Bogans.jpg

Our center piece.

we could've used those five 3's he hit last night :depressed

lol

[Axe Murderer]

did he really send this? :rollin

[ohmwrecker]

I'm more and more frequently astounded by the hubris of Spurs fans.

Actually, I'm not.

I am astounded that you have no clue what the word hubris means, yet still insist on using it in a sentence.

[leemajors]

I am astounded that you have no clue what the word hubris means, yet still insist on using it in a sentence.

He was spot on tbh, go hide.

[JamStone]

"Because he's Matt Bonner."

[ohmwrecker]

He was spot on tbh, go hide.

In reference to OP? No. Stupid, delusional, false sense of self importance maybe. Hubristic? No.

One has to be coming from a position of power and influence to display classic hubris. Hence, the tragic downfall.

Some internet sports blogger under the delusion that Pop would actually read and consider a poorly written e-mail does not qualify.

Thanks for the peanuts, though.

[leemajors]

In reference to OP? No. Stupid, delusional, false sense of self importance maybe. Hubristic? No.

One has to be coming from a position of power and influence to display classic hubris. Hence, the tragic downfall.

Some internet sports blogger under the delusion that Pop would actually read and consider a poorly written e-mail does not qualify.

Thanks for the peanuts, though.

–noun
excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance.

[ohmwrecker]

–noun
excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance.

Again, I know the definition. It is not applicable.

[ChumpDumper]

spurfan is pretty arrogant.

[ohmwrecker]

spurfan is pretty arrogant.

No more arrogant than Lakerfan, but a sense of self worth that is based on the success and/or failure of a basketball team, is delusional or false bravado at best. Using a term like hubris, in this instance, devalues the word.

[Doug Collins]

This is one of the most pathetic things I've ever read...unless it was a joke.

[ChumpDumper]

No more arrogant than Lakerfan, but a sense of self worth that is based on the success and/or failure of a basketball team, is delusional or false bravado at best. Using a term like hubris, in this instance, devalues the word.Since that's the definition, it looks like it already happened.

[Rummpd]

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/04/26/could-splitter-be-spurs-curve-ball/

[ChumpDumper]

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/04/26/could-splitter-be-spurs-curve-ball/Do you only see the threads you start?

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

There's always one.