Bonner's shot put shooting style...

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

...is why he misses shots when he tightens up and gets nervous. I've watched how he usually shoots long, and/or his shot flattens a little when he's trying too hard. It's the result of taking a shot from the chest, and pushing the ball out from your torso. You tend to overshoot the rim with that style when your adrenaline is running high. Your triceps are doing too much of the work. Because it's a larger arm muscle you can train a solid repetitive motion, but add a little too much juice and you start over-shooting the basket. When you try to compensate by letting off a little, all you end up doing is flattening your arc, not increasing your accuracy.

The other problem with Bonner is that people are starting to guard him a little bit now. Again, his low release point, despite his height, causes him to push off the shots too quickly in a lot of cases when he's actually being guarded.

He needs to relax and stop thinking. Since he can't retrain himself in 8 games to shoot with a higher release point and more wrist, a shot or three of scotch before the game and at halftime is what the Chopper recommends....perhaps even for Matt Bonner.

I think I'll email that suggestion to Pop right now.

[cherylsteele]

Yup....that'll make a difference by emailing Pop.
Although try it, what do you have to lose?

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I actually made that comment about email in reference to Rump's post.


I do plan to drink a lot during the playoffs however.

[cherylsteele]

I am not a big drinker, but this may drive me to drink.

[Old School 44]

The thing that's wrong is the Spurs (Pop's) shooting edict for three point shooters. "If your open from the 3-point line shoot it, or face being benched." This edict has given most of the players "threepointitis".

Bonner has bought into this edict and is the main carrier. Finley, Mason and Bogans had it before him. Manu and Neal have it. George Hill is recovering from it. Jefferson, a potential 20 point scorer/slasher, is in isolation because of it. Tony's starting to get it.

I can only count 4 players on the team that won't jack it up from 3 if open - Duncan, McDyess, Blair, Splitter. I'd like to see the Spurs play an entire game without shooting a three.

[ALVAREZ6]

Similar reason for why Manu is so streaky as a shooter from range as well....he has a set shot, not much of a jump shot from beyond the arc especially. Doesn't use his legs to elevate too much, shot is more reliant on the arms, and as you've already said ==== inconsistent. Manu is a streaky shooter, and I think this plays a decent role in that. Knowing he's so damn streaky...why the fuck does he feel the need to chuck 10 3s every damn game???

If it continues in the playoffs, I'm gonna rip my balls off and eat em. But I don't know why. Perhaps because it will kill their chances.

[WeNeedLength]

Similar reason for why Manu is so streaky as a shooter from range as well....he has a set shot, not much of a jump shot from beyond the arc especially. Doesn't use his legs to elevate too much, shot is more reliant on the arms, and as you've already said ==== inconsistent. Manu is a streaky shooter, and I think this plays a decent role in that. Knowing he's so damn streaky...why the fuck does he feel the need to chuck 10 3s every damn game???

If it continues in the playoffs, I'm gonna rip my balls off and eat em. But I don't know why. Perhaps because it will kill their chances.


Intense bro. I'd rather keep my balls, but that's just me.

I am indifferent as of right now about the Spurs. I have a feeling they will right the ship but if Bonner is going to be counted on for tons of minutes, I will not be confident going into the playoffs. :(

[ALVAREZ6]

...is why he misses shots when he tightens up and gets nervous. I've watched how he usually shoots long, and/or his shot flattens a little when he's trying too hard. It's the result of taking a shot from the chest, and pushing the ball out from your torso. You tend to overshoot the rim with that style when your adrenaline is running high. Your triceps are doing too much of the work. Because it's a larger arm muscle you can train a solid repetitive motion, but add a little too much juice and you start over-shooting the basket. When you try to compensate by letting off a little, all you end up doing is flattening your arc, not increasing your accuracy.

The other problem with Bonner is that people are starting to guard him a little bit now. Again, his low release point, despite his height, causes him to push off the shots too quickly in a lot of cases when he's actually being guarded.

He needs to relax and stop thinking. Since he can't retrain himself in 8 games to shoot with a higher release point and more wrist, a shot or three of scotch before the game and at halftime is what the Chopper recommends....perhaps even for Matt Bonner.

I think I'll email that suggestion to Pop right now.

By the way EHJ, solid analysis :tu I've have similar thoughts, but never focused in enough to analyze it like this. It became apparent to me Bonner blows cock when rushed by a defender, but I assume I dismissed any further thought due to the fact that I'm usually too busy bitching at that clown. For the reason in the bold, Bonner should shoot exclusively when he is wide ass open. That seems to give the best results, and did during this season, and when he was keeping the shot #s modest and unforced, they often went it and kept his confidence level high. Now he's shooting more and being a pussy.

I really really wish Pop were a decent enough coach to only use Bonner when he is hitting, or when the Spurs are up 20. If he misses his first 3 shots in any given game, it should be standard policy to pull his ass off the court.

[ALVAREZ6]

Intense bro. I'd rather keep my balls, but that's just me.

I am indifferent as of right now about the Spurs. I have a feeling they will right the ship but if Bonner is going to be counted on for tons of minutes, I will not be confident going into the playoffs. :(

I could also see it going either way, the Spurs are capable of upping their level of play in terms of shot selection and more focused and unlazy defense in the playoffs. But at the same time, there's a lot of things that need improvement...from the coach to the players. To top it off, this team has proven they're relatively weak mentally. And many nagging injuries with the older players on which this team relies the most on.

Just too many factors going into the playoffs that are pretty shaky right now for me to feel confident. When faced with adversity in the playoffs, I'm not confident with this team and coach to be able to cope with it. Just revisit last year...that shit was an embarrassment.

[xellos88330]

Wow. Finally some constructive criticism on Bonner rather than the usual "Bonner Sucks" posts.

Great thread!!!

[Bruno]

Maybe Bonner's shooting mechanic is prone to be hurt when he is nervous, but a professional basketball player paid $3M per year to do his job shouldn't get nervous. Bonner isn't a mentally strong player.

I agree with you on you second point. Bonner hasn't a quick release and he has a low release point. When you add that he can't drive to the basket efficiently, closing out on him isn't that hard for a team to do. Turning him into a non factor isn't that hard to do especially in playoffs when teams do a lot of adjustments to match up with their opponents.

I don't have a glimpse of hope regarding Bonner for the playoffs. It won't be pretty to see.

[Josepatches_]

The problem with his shot is that he isn't god.He can miss them so he can't shoot 7/6 threes per game.

Sometimes it seems that we are playing for Bonner and that's pretty stupid when you have TP,TD,Manu,Hill,Neal....

[diego]

Sometimes it seems that we are playing for Bonner and that's pretty stupid when you have TP,TD,Manu,Hill,Neal....

I always wonder how much this comes from Pop or the players themselves. Last night bonner hit two threes in a row, IIRC in the next 5 trips down they fed him for 3 more and he missed all 3. If the point is to establish the threat, to spread the floor, so that others can operate inside... why continue to feed him more looks? once he hits 1-2 (especially in a row) then you use him as a decoy right? bonner is a poor decoy because he is a horrible passer and terrible putting the ball on the floor. teams just call our bluff- pass it to bonner and if he cant get the shot up its a guaranteed fast break. and this is on the end of the court where he is mildly useful.

for specific situations, where you need a 3 or the other team is really camping in the paint, i can understand the use for bonner. but when the spurs are coming down and setting up bonner for open look after open look, its just mindboggling, and I wonder if the players are hoping for him to get hot and make it easy, or if Pop is calling for them to do it.

[Solid D]

I agree Chopper, except for the therapy/solution.

I think Pop needs to employ the following strategy:
After Bonner misses his first shot, Pop should call time-out immediately and replace Matt with Steve Novak. It will burn more timeouts but who needs timeouts if the Spurs are going to lose any way? Whenever Matt makes a shot, he gets a free Subway sandwich. It's all rather Pavlovian, really.

[Russ]

Since he can't retrain himself in 8 games to shoot with a higher release point and more wrist, a shot or three of scotch before the game and at halftime is what the Chopper recommends....perhaps even for Matt Bonner.

I think you're on to something. It might even give Bonner some swagger moving around the court.

If he's relaxed (drunk), Bonner might actually lean his shoulder into Artest as he passes by to line up for somebody's free throws. As it stands now, Bonner just has an ear to ear grin on his face as if to say, "Can you believe it? I'm standing right next to Ron Artest." And Artest is glaring at Bonner while he does a muscleman pose.

[TwelveGs210]

No, its not his style of shot that is the problem..

It's the fact that we are nearing the time when his 3 point shooting matters, he is just disappearing a little earlier this time around.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

I think you're on to something. It might even give Bonner some swagger moving around the court.

If he's relaxed (drunk), Bonner might actually lean his shoulder into Artest as he passes by to line up for somebody's free throws. As it stands now, Bonner just has an ear to ear grin on his face as if to say, "Can you believe it? I'm standing right next to Ron Artest." And Artest is glaring at Bonner while he does a muscleman pose.

No this is a horrible idea. 1) Bonner's defesne will be even worse and 2) Gary Neal will be distracted

[TwelveGs210]

On a side note..

WTF is Bonner even out there when he is PASSING up open 3's..Regardless of whether or not you are hot on the 3 point line, your JOB IS TO SPREAD THE FLOOR AND MAKE 3's..

Shooters need a short memory, if he is scared to miss 3's, and is pump faking and driving, he needs to be subbed as he is a 3 point specialist, nothing more.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

On a side note..

WTF is Bonner even out there when he is PASSING up open 3's..Regardless of whether or not you are hot on the 3 point line, your JOB IS TO SPREAD THE FLOOR AND MAKE 3's..

Shooters need a short memory, if he is scared to miss 3's, and is pump faking and driving, he needs to be subbed as he is a 3 point specialist, nothing more.

That shouldn't be a side point. It's to the point where I'm wondering if Pop is so stubborn that he's going to live or die with Bonnner. He (Bonner) never seems to be able to shoot his way back. The best shooters can start 0/2 but end up 3/6 or 3/7 and still remain dangerous at crunch time. I can't back this up but it seems when Bonner misses his first couple of shots, he's done. And you sure don't put the ball in his hands for a critical shot. On the other hand, if Neal goes 0/4, I still like his chances for hitting a game winning three.

[Strategic]

It's the result of taking a shot from the chest, and pushing the ball out from your torso.


Maybe while he was bending over to shoot so close to the sideline one of those giant men commented on his red asshole they're getting ready to twist one off in? Got the boy thinking about it.

[cd98]

I admit Bonner is an asset when he makes his threes. And sometimes you got to suffer games where he misses them. But in a situation where the other team is consistently isolating against him and scoring and Bonner isn't making shots, then he's a liability and we should try someone else, like Splitter.

[cd98]

A fair question: Would Blain earn more playing time by working on this three point shot? Splitter?

[cherylsteele]

That shouldn't be a side point. It's to the point where I'm wondering if Pop is so stubborn that he's going to live or die with Bonnner. He (Bonner) never seems to be able to shoot his way back. The best shooters can start 0/2 but end up 3/6 or 3/7 and still remain dangerous at crunch time. I can't back this up but it seems when Bonner misses his first couple of shots, he's done. And you sure don't put the ball in his hands for a critical shot. On the other hand, if Neal goes 0/4, I still like his chances for hitting a game winning three.
I agree.
If Pop is going to stick with 3 point shooters, I would much rather see Novak than Bonner, Novak at least makes an effort on "D" because he is a little more athletic.

[rvman21]

Any other coach would see this by now, if Bonner is missing put in Novak or splitter why not use all your weapons? what is Pops problem

[cherylsteele]

He has wine in the Gatorade bottle perhaps?

[Cessation]

Damn all this talk of useless roleplayers made me think how great, horry and bowen were in contributing to spurs success when they were winning championships.

[DMC]

Pop's "4 down" is a myth. It's actually a gang sign he's throwing. Often it's 3 down now for "Matt".

[wontstartdumbthreads]

Pop's "4 down" is a myth. It's actually a gang sign he's throwing. Often it's 3 down now for "Matt".

I don't know if I said this to you or someone else yesterday but
YOU are the worstest poster ever.

[DrSteffo]

It's not about style, It's mental. We have a very good team but instead of winners like Horry and Bowen we have soft players like Bonner and RJ.

Also we only have one SF leading us to play 3 guards leading us to lose games.

These are the two main concerns of mine. Feel free to have other concerns.

[lefty]

It's not about stye
It's not about mental

Bonner sucks, period

Useless piece of shit, GTFO, Ginger crap

[DrSteffo]

Tbh all Spurs players sucked the last few games except maybe Hill and Splitter and Dice.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I agree Chopper, except for the therapy/solution.

I think Pop needs to employ the following strategy:
After Bonner misses his first shot, Pop should call time-out immediately and replace Matt with Steve Novak. It will burn more timeouts but who needs timeouts if the Spurs are going to lose any way? Whenever Matt makes a shot, he gets a free Subway sandwich. It's all rather Pavlovian, really.

:lol Solid...love it my friend.

I think Pop should take it one step further and not let the players eat during the playoffs unless they make the proper play, put forth maximum effort, win, and then give them just enough food to keep them trying to earn more. Then, when the announcers say "the Spurs players look really hungry out there" what they'll really be saying is "the Spurs players look really hungry out there".

[cherylsteele]

Tbh all Spurs players sucked the last few games except maybe Hill and Splitter and Dice.
These players show they can play, and what does Pop do reduce minutes, especially Splitter, I think he could be like Fabbs only better, and Fabbs was solid, smart player, he made mistakes but Pop still used him alot.

[Solid D]

:lol Solid...love it my friend.

I think Pop should take it one step further and not let the players eat during the playoffs unless they make the proper play, put forth maximum effort, win, and then give them just enough food to keep them trying to earn more. Then, when the announcers say "the Spurs players look really hungry out there" what they'll really be saying is "the Spurs players look really hungry out there".

:lol

[20beastie45]

Bonner's shot put shooting style.....


Needs to be the least of his focus

D and Rebounding!!!

[spurtech09]

it was fine in early in the season when he was on fire.....now pop needs to put bonner on the bench and play splitter....atleast splitter can play some good d

[NZ Spurs]

Bonner gets his shot off plenty fast enough, especially when you consider where he catches the ball and where he starts his shot. He also uses plenty of wrist, otherwise he wouldn't get as much backspin on the ball.

[jeebus]

I see Bonner's gonna be playing meaningful minutes tonight. Hi 6th in a row!