#22 - 13pt 8 reb - 1 credited blocks* + draws 2 charges

[Rummpd]

:whine:flag::lobt2::blah

http://www.nba.com/games/20110409/UTASAS/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021001191#nbaGIboxscore

*He was screwed out of at least one block being counted as well and 5/7 shooting and even somehow made 2/4 FTs.

Bottom line - Pop frees Splitter and again he produces in about 18 minutes. Take that haters!

[toki9]

Yeah, he's pretty useless...he should sit all next year, too...

[stnick2261]

at the end of it all, I can imagine Pop turning to his assistant coaches and asking, "who's that tall guy? He's good"

[jeebus]

How did bonner do?

[Chomag]

Sit him for the rest of the year. He can't shoot 3's

[Sean Cagney]

BUTTTTTTTT BUTTTTTTTT we have BONNER! The guy who will do nothing in the playoffs at all if his shot is not falling (Even then he does nothing because it does not).

[Doctor J]

No...

1 Block + 3 Drawing Charges.

[siraulo23]

dont get your hopes up, splitter only getting minutes because dice didnt play

[Xevious]

How did bonner do?
He clanked about 20 threes to start the fourth. That's about all he contributed.

[Rummpd]

Bonner did alright for the 15 minutes then chucked about 5 straight misses on the threes, Blair did play well tonight as well. 12 and 7 and few real mistakes in 24 minutes or so. Blair a lot quicker and made some nice passes and is playing better again finally!

[Sean Cagney]

He clanked about 20 threes to start the forth. That's about all he contributed.


Sit him for the rest of the year. He can't shoot 3's

Well Bonner can't do that either late in the year so...... :depressed

[Chachachango]

The only thing i like about Bonner is the way he runs. It cracks me up every time.

[Xevious]

dont get your hopes up, splitter only getting minutes because dice didnt play
Quoted for truth. Splitter won't see any playoff minutes unfortunately.

[Rummpd]

Bonner 7 points 2 rebounds 1 for 6 on threes but of course got the 24 min. Sigh.

[Chomag]

dont get your hopes up, splitter only getting minutes because dice didnt play
Sadly I see it as this as well, Spurs are in rest the key people mode rigth now. Hopefully not but I guess we will see soon.

[Rummpd]

I don't know Pop rarely applauds anyone and he was on NBA TV applauding Splitter - he might just pull a rabbit out of the hat and insert Splitter when it counts in the playoffs, but lets hope it is not too late in a series.

[Warlord23]

Here's the deal ... about 20 games or so ago Pop would have thought about who he wanted in his 9-man playoff rotation ... he would have considered Tiago against Bonner and Blair (at least I hope he did) and decided that Tiago wasn't a part of his plans.

That moment right there sealed Splitter's fate this season. It doesn't matter if Tiago showed promise in the limited minutes he got since (which he has), or if Bonner sucked a garganutan amount of hind tit for the better part of a month leading up to the playoffs (which he has), Pop is not going to reverse his decision. That's just the way it is. Pop has decided, and come hell or highwater, he is going to go through with this.

[Holden_Caulfield]

he did play against al jefferson. pop will take that into consideration.

[Cessation]

That was some nice rotating of bigs by pop. I think blair should be starting, he definetly plays better. Splitter coming in for timmeh, was great to see. Bonner with the usual getting ready into playoff form game, 1-6 from three, lol.

[Capt Bringdown]

Not good enough, he made some mistakes.
He needs to get over himself because he's not ready. It takes a year to learn the system, too risky for him to be in the rotation this year. It's not fair to our other players who have been here longer for him to get an opportunity.

[Rummpd]

Sadly you are probably right.

[Frankie23]

It took some time to adjust, but now he's rebounding very well.. And his defense and intimidation are waaaay better than Bonner's..
He has a decent post game and he's a good pick and roll player. That is very important when 3s are not falling and the paint is lock for Tony or Manu..

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Tiago Splitter looks like a Brazilian Junkyard Dog.

If Junkyard Dog had not been taken as a nickname, it would be Splitter's.

That's how he plays. He just gets into tuthles left and right.

[Cessation]

It's obvious the Golden God, needs to be getting regular minutes, for spurs to be contenders.

[Capt Bringdown]

Seriously, I think it's possible that Splitter > Dice. When's the last time Dice drew a foul on anyone or took a charge? Dice is pretty much Kurt Thomas part 2. Splitter is something TD hasn't seen since the Admiral hung up his sneakers.

[DMC]

Bonner does run funny. He puts his head down and does the retard run (40 yard dash in any direction) and has to look up when he gets there to see where he is... then it's a couple seconds of "where am I supposed to be?" By then his guy has dunked the ball and he has to run back again.

[Bender]

How did bonner do?
splitter sizzled...
bonner fizzled...

[jag]

http://prosportsblogging.com/psb/uploads/2010/07/TiagoSplitter1.jpg

Release the chains, pop! Release the chains!!!!

[Chomag]

Best thing I'm seeing out of Splitter right now is how active he is on both sides of the court.

[Budkin]

The way Pop was reacting to Splitter's play tonight I think it might just be starting to get through to him.

[Xevious]

Bonner does run funny. He puts his head down and does the retard run (40 yard dash in any direction) and has to look up when he gets there to see where he is... then it's a couple seconds of "where am I supposed to be?" By then his guy has dunked the ball and he has to run back again.
:lol

[DMC]

Seriously, I think it's possible that Splitter > Dice. When's the last time Dice drew a foul on anyone or took a charge? Dice is pretty much Kurt Thomas part 2. Splitter is something TD hasn't seen since the Admiral hung up his sneakers.

Splitter is very very quick for his size. He was wide open on the pick and roll almost every time, because he sets a pick so high up and gets back the the rim super fast. Only a couple of times did anyone find him on the roll.

[Splits]

Most important stat of the night: Duncan played only 22min. This is because Splitter came in at the 4:00 mark of the 3rd, finished the game, played very good defense despite a red hot Al Jefferson, crashed the offensive glass, and scored at a very good rate going 5-7. Great game by Tiago, I'm sure Tim and Dice appreciate the rest.

[Cessation]

That splitter pnr will be so good, once they know how to get him the ball.

[midnightpulp]

Not good enough, he made some mistakes.
He needs to get over himself because he's not ready. It takes a year to learn the system, too risky for him to be in the rotation this year. It's not fair to our other players who have been here longer for him to get an opportunity.

Shut the fuck up.

Bonner could've invented the Spurs system for all I care. Point is, that faggot shouldn't see the floor unless it's for matchup purposes or in garbage time.

[Chomag]

Most important stat of the night: Duncan played only 22min. This is because Splitter came in at the 4:00 mark of the 3rd, finished the game, played very good defense despite a red hot Al Jefferson, crashed the offensive glass, and scored at a very good rate going 5-7. Great game by Tiago, I'm sure Tim and Dice appreciate the rest.

Agreed Splitter did a great job on Al. He did get schooled a couple of times but thats by one of the best lowpost players in the game today. Al can do that to just about anybody, so it's nothing for Splitter to be ashamed of.

[toki9]

The way Pop was reacting to Splitter's play tonight I think it might just be starting to get through to him.

Yeah...probably not...

[romad_20]

Shut the fuck up.

Bonner could've invented the Spurs system for all I care. Point is, that faggot shouldn't see the floor unless it's for matchup purposes or in garbage time.

:lol I think it was sarcasm

[toki9]

Shut the fuck up.

Bonner could've invented the Spurs system for all I care. Point is, that faggot shouldn't see the floor unless it's for matchup purposes or in garbage time.

I think Cap was being sarcastic...but I could be wrong...

[Mugen]

Shut the fuck up.

Bonner could've invented the Spurs system for all I care. Point is, that faggot shouldn't see the floor unless it's for matchup purposes or in garbage time.

Haha this is why gotta post upstairs more mid. I don't think anybody here really doesn't think Tiago would be a much better option than Bon Bon or Blair anymore.

[Bender]

I think Cap was being sarcastic...but I could be wrong...
he was.... I think he was paraphrasing Pop...

[midnightpulp]

I think Cap was being sarcastic...but I could be wrong...

Well then, my apologies to the good Captain.

[Splits]

Agreed Splitter did a great job on Al. He did get schooled a couple of times but thats by one of the best lowpost players in the game today. Al can do that to just about anybody, so it's nothing for Splitter to be ashamed of.

Duncan got scored on by Jefferson in 1-on-1 situations a couple of times as well. And he's the Spurs' best post defender. Definitely nothing to be ashamed of.

[jag]

I think Bonner gets too much hate on here. But to me he will always be a homeless man's Danny Ferry. Not so much because Danny was all that better, but he was hard nosed and didn't get punked out every game. I feel like the opposing team is always taking turns pooping on Matt. They pass him around like a prison bitch.

[Man In Black]

I did see Pop applaud Splitter late in the game. It's that same Pop clap that Pop had after Dyess made the LAL tap out that one game in Staples.

The guy today was "THE BRILLIANT BRAZILIAN."

[Cant_Be_Faded]

The way Pop was reacting to Splitter's play tonight I think it might just be starting to get through to him.

Pop was a little effusive with his clapping when Splitter found Blair for a layup in the 4th quarter.

We can only hope Splitter is used when we need him.

[toki9]

Maybe Pop's been sniffing ProActiv rather than using it topically...could explain many of his decisions...

[spursbird]

If Splitter learns jump shot and gets stronger, will he be the next Gasol?

[DMC]

Al Jefferson is a great player. It sucks he's on a team that's on the cusp instead of one that's either going to get a 1st overall or a playoff team. Getting scored on by Al is no different than getting out rebounded by Zach Randolph. That's what these guys do to everyone.

[DMC]

If Splitter learns jump shot and gets stronger, will he be the next Gasol?

Splitter will have a much better offensive game if he ever adopts the concept of not bringing the ball back down on his move to the rim, like Pau. Catch high, one or two steps and put it in. That's almost impossible to defend.

[Capt Bringdown]

Well then, my apologies to the good Captain.

Apologies accepted. I'm with Splitter all the way, I don't see anyone making a valid case for Bonnerball. Any move that makes us a better defensive team is the move to make.
All you have to do is look at what's happening on the court.
Pop has become lost in his own ideas/system.

[mingus]

part of me is starting to believe that Pop just isn't showing his hand before the playoffs. cause there's just no damn way he can't play him. no damn way. not saying i agree with this decision, but it'll be interesting. if it's true, it'll mean opposing teams will have to account for a dynamic that they did not see all season.

it'll be a surprise attack: Operation Tiago Splitter.

[jag]

If Splitter learns jump shot and gets stronger, will he be the next Gasol?

They're both tall, white and speak Spanish but that's about it. They're very different players. Splitter has good touch around the rim, but he is very hard nosed. Gasol is a finesse guy all the way and more skilled with finesse-type moves.

I'd love to see Tiago develop a jumper, but even still he would be very different than Gasol.

[Capt Bringdown]

part of me is starting to believe that Pop just isn't showing his hand before the playoffs. cause there's just no damn way he can't play him. no damn way. not saying i agree with this decision, but it'll be interesting. if it's true, it'll mean opposing teams will have to account for a dynamic that they did not see all season.

It is a pleasant daydream that Pop's going to unleash Splitter in the playoffs. That would be perhaps the coolest move ever, but it's just a dream.
Fun to think about though.

[jag]

It is a pleasant daydream that Pop's going to unleash Splitter in the playoffs. That would be perhaps the coolest move ever, but it's just a dream.
Fun to think about though.

Doesn't make sense to "hide" a guy during the season so you can use him for the playoffs, when you could be developing him and better preparing him for the talent he'll face in the postseason.

[mingus]

Doesn't make sense to "hide" a guy during the season so you can use him for the playoffs, when you could be developing him and better preparing him for the talent he'll face in the postseason.

true, but he's going against the best PF in history in practice. who knows.

[jag]

true, but he's going against the best PF in history in practice. who knows.

Good point... But nothing prepares you for games like playing in games. I can't imagine a better way to prepare for Bynum than seeing minutes against Bynum.

[roycrikside]

The thing is, I think McDonald is right. It's useless for people to bitch about Bonner when it comes to Tiago not playing. Bonner is the second string PF, Blair is the second string C. Splitter is third string to Blair, Novak is third string to Bonner.

Splitter needs to be getting Blair's minutes, IMO.

[duncan228]

Put this is the Blair thread, seems to go here too.


...I asked Coach Pop during his presser about lineups featuring DeJuan Blair and Matt Bonner, hoping to get some reasoning to pass along to y’all about why he plays them together. I got none.”Well, I don’t like those two together more than I do any other two, it’s just the way the substitutions go. They’re going to be on the floor together, whether I like it or not. You got to put two other guys in, and they’re the subs. If they’re doing well, I like it. If they’re not, I guess I don’t.”

Obviously, Coach Pop is being a little coy. There are reasons he likes playing Blair and Bonner together, but he’d rather not say too much. And asking Pop straight up why he likes to play Blair over Splitter will get me a death stare and no response. It’s not being brave enough to ask questions with Pop, that’s not that hard. It’s asking questions that will get you genuine answers that is difficult.

Pregaming: Spurs vs. Jazz (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/)
by Andrew A. McNeill
48 Minutes of Hell

[Knoxxx]

Seriously, I think it's possible that Splitter > Dice. When's the last time Dice drew a foul on anyone or took a charge? Dice is pretty much Kurt Thomas part 2. Splitter is something TD hasn't seen since the Admiral hung up his sneakers.

McDyess is waaay better than KT, but I would agree Splitter > Dice. The biggest myth in the league is Spurs don't have enough quality bigs, ridiculous.

[xellos88330]

I wouldn't doubt that if Bonner is clanking 3's in the playoffs, Splitter will get minutes. Pop is stubborn sure, but I think he understands that this could be Duncans last hoorah. If he really does care about Duncan, he will put Splitter in. Of course, only if it is necessary.

[DMC]

McDyess is waaay better than KT, but I would agree Splitter > Dice. The biggest myth in the league is Spurs don't have enough quality bigs, ridiculous.

It's not as obvious against teams like the Jazz, but when you are against the Lakers and Pau and Bynum are in the paint, and Odom is just outside of it, your "quality bigs" are suddenly Tim with some sporadic help from tall guys.

[ducks]

Bonner did alright for the 15 minutes then chucked about 5 straight misses on the threes, Blair did play well tonight as well. 12 and 7 and few real mistakes in 24 minutes or so. Blair a lot quicker and made some nice passes and is playing better again finally!

blair started

[Cessation]

CIA Pop getting ready to unleash the Golden God!!

[Mel_13]

Nice effort by Tiago tonight, the crowd was loving it. Pop was demonstrably happy as well.

Listening to the post game on the way home, it's pretty obvious that the coaching staff holds Tiago in very high regard. Some here like to compare Tiago's situation to Mahinmi, but there's really no comparison. When the assistant coaches were asked about Mahinmi last year, all you got were platitudes. They may just as well have been saying that he was polite and had a good personality, but it was clear that he was not going to play a role in his tenure as a Spur.

It's completely different with Tiago. Coach Brown was effusive in praising Tiago's toughness, physicality and big game experience. When asked directly if Tiago would have a role in the playoffs, he answered "definitely". I'm not holding my breath, but I believe that the staff is sold on Tiago's ability to step up and contribute when called upon.

[jag]

Obviously, Coach Pop is being a little coy. There are reasons he likes playing Blair and Bonner together, but he’d rather not say too much. And asking Pop straight up why he likes to play Blair over Splitter will get me a death stare and no response. It’s not being brave enough to ask questions with Pop, that’s not that hard. It’s asking questions that will get you genuine answers that is difficult.

Getting Pop to tell you what's really on his mind seems borderline impossible. It's been obvious for awhile that Pop just doesn't think Tiago is ready right now and we'll probably never know the reasoning behind that. There are a lot of factors that play in to all that.

[Knoxxx]

They're both tall, white and speak Spanish but that's about it. They're very different players. Splitter has good touch around the rim, but he is very hard nosed. Gasol is a finesse guy all the way and more skilled with finesse-type moves.

I'd love to see Tiago develop a jumper, but even still he would be very different than Gasol.

Splitter is a Pimp. I have to agree that Gasol is finesse when we stuck Splitter on him he didn't know what hit him. Really like the way Tiago put a body on him and knocks the ball away. Also how Jefferson coming at him didn't rattle him a tiny bit. He stayed after it and played strong down the stretch while Al's chodes shrank to microscopic proportions.

As far as Bonner its really simple. He misses his first 1 or 2 threes give him the quick hook. As long as he's hitting he can play 15 or more minutes, but don't give me 20+ minutes when he's 1-6 that's ludricous.

[jag]

When asked directly if Tiago would have a role in the playoffs, he answered "definitely". I'm not holding my breath, but I believe that the staff is sold on Tiago's ability to step up and contribute when called upon.

The significance of that role is what's really in question. It's hard to think it'll be more than what's been shown so far. I hope I'm wrong.

[Knoxxx]

It's not as obvious against teams like the Jazz, but when you are against the Lakers and Pau and Bynum are in the paint, and Odom is just outside of it, your "quality bigs" are suddenly Tim with some sporadic help from tall guys.

The Lakers are not your typical NBA team, they can play a huge quality front line that will give any team problems. And yes, I know the road goes through LA. That is the point, Splitter/Duncan can match up with Bynum/Gasol. Odom is a matchup problem for everyone, but Dyess is not a bad matchup there.

The way we will beat LA is TP will abuse Fisher, we'll rain 3s on them while playing up tempo utilizing our superior depth.

[Silver&Black]

dont get your hopes up, splitter only getting minutes because dice didnt play

THANK GOD!!!!! Dice > Splitter + Bonner

[ElNono]

Bonner 7 points 2 rebounds 1 for 6 on threes but of course got the 24 min. Sigh.

lol 2 boards in 24 mins

Gary Neal 3 boards in 24 mins :lmao

[ElNono]

When asked directly if Tiago would have a role in the playoffs, he answered "definitely". I'm not holding my breath, but I believe that the staff is sold on Tiago's ability to step up and contribute when called upon.

Passing the Gatorade can be considered a role...
I don't think anybody here would be surprised if he's deactivated when the playoffs roll around...

[mingus]

Good point... But nothing prepares you for games like playing in games. I can't imagine a better way to prepare for Bynum than seeing minutes against Bynum.

like i said from the start, i don't exctly agree with the strategy, just playing a little devil's advocate.

it's got to count for something that neither Gasol nor Bynum has seen Splitter. I'm NOT saying that Splitter = Gasol or Bynum, but Splitter is clearly someone you don't leave out of your strategizing if you're the other team's coach. he has the ability to change the game with his defense (i.e. taking charges everwhere, blocking shots, protecting the rim, holding Lamarcus Aldridge to one of his worse games this season) and team's aren't going to have a feel for him at all if it's the case that the Spurs are saving him.

also, i think everyone is in agreement that the Lakers have more talent than SA, whether Splitter is in the rotation or not, but maybe Pop thinks that he can level the playing field with surprise attack Operation Tiago Splitter.

:wakeup

remember, devil's advocate.

[jag]

Passing the Gatorade can be considered a role...
I don't think anybody here would be surprised if he's deactivated when the playoffs roll around...

http://images2.memegenerator.net/ImageMacro/5554023/Nice-job-Tiago-Now-get-Matt-a-sandwich.jpg?imageSize=Medium&generatorName=Wisdom-Pop

[analyzed]

we're not going anywhere in the playoffs unless we guard the paint ( as Bill Simmons says protecting the 6 feet of real estate under the basket is what determines playoff success). All I know is aside from Duncan , Splitter is our only legit and capable big man who can do a decent job of doing this . With either two of them out it's layup line galore.

[duncan228]

Spurs rookie Splitter gets down and dirty (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/04/09/spurs-rookie-splitter-gets-down-and-dirty/)
Mike Monroe

...“I got an opportunity to play today,” Splitter said, “and like I always do I try to go in there and defend and try hard. (Al) Jefferson was scoring every time, so I was kind of mad, but I tried to go to the other end and bang the rim and go after all the offensive rebounds and try to be smart.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/04/09/spurs-rookie-splitter-gets-down-and-dirty/

[analyzed]

So how does a player who Pop might consider his best blue collar worker in the team not play a role in the playoffs ? where winning and losing is dependent on controlling the paint ?

http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/coach-pop-postgame-0

[Juanobili]

http://images2.memegenerator.net/ImageMacro/5554023/Nice-job-Tiago-Now-get-Matt-a-sandwich.jpg?imageSize=Medium&generatorName=Wisdom-Pop

:lol

[rmt]

We can all hope that Splitter will be playing a role in the playoffs, but he won't. Remember he got only 3:48 playing SAC on a back-to-back while Bonner continues to get 25+mins. every night even when he's 1-6.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

:whine:flag::lobt2::blah

http://www.nba.com/games/20110409/UTASAS/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021001191#nbaGIboxscore

*He was screwed out of at least one block being counted as well and 5/7 shooting and even somehow made 2/4 FTs.

Bottom line - Pop frees Splitter and again he produces in about 18 minutes. Take that haters!

But, but, he's the worst pick since Darko! We should have given him to Houston!

Fuck the haters. When will these people learn that you have to be patient rookies?

[DMC]

Coach Pop's mailbag in November (I think) had this:

Travis Schrader
Location: San Antonio
Question: Hey Coach Pop, I know there was a lot of unfair expectations put on Tiago Splitter coming into this season. How do you feel he has handled the transition to the NBA? GP: He has done a very good job. He is a very frustrated player right now because he is not getting minutes. He comes in before and after every practice and works very hard. Missing training camp really hurt him, for a lot of reasons that are pretty obvious. He has been behind the power curve the entire year but he continues to work and we're trying hard to find him minutes and hopefully he'll be more of a significant factor by the time playoffs come. Pop


Hopefully Pop is still considering Tiago in the playoffs. Tony's response in tonight's post game video actually hinted at that.

If Splitter does well in the playoffs, he's in like Flynn.

[carina_gino20]

Pop praising Splitter? Then it's probably another DNP-CD next game.

[Fireball]

Bonner does run funny. He puts his head down and does the retard run (40 yard dash in any direction) and has to look up when he gets there to see where he is... then it's a couple seconds of "where am I supposed to be?" By then his guy has dunked the ball and he has to run back again.

LOL ... that was exactly my thought last night ... like a wide receiver running a special route. It looks as if he has to think about every move he is doing on the court.

[HarlemHeat37]

His charge rate continues to be very impressive..the only Spurs big that has had a comparable charge rate(relative to time on the court) during his time as a Spur(in the Duncan era) was Fab, and we all know the contributions that he made for this team..

I don't buy the "secret weapon" argument..a "secret weapon" for the playoffs is used by coaches, when it's in regards to "playbook material"..using different strategies against teams in the playoffs, despite not using that strategy during the regular season..

I've never heard of an NBA team hiding a player and using him for the playoffs..it makes a lot more sense to give said player NBA experience and recognition with officials..

Splitter is the 2nd best big man on the team IMO..he was soft in the 1st half of the year, especially on the boards, but he has clearly corrected both problems..what else does he have to do? I have absolutely no idea, tbh..he has clearly been the 2nd most productive big man on the team since Duncan's injury, arguably the #1 most productive big man on the team in that span(if you consider that Duncan missed time, due to his injury, obviously), yet he still can't earn PT..

While Bonner has been playing pathetic basketball for a month now, yet his PT has not changed whatsoever..

[++SaiNt TiAg0++]

The only thing i like about Bonner is the way he runs. It cracks me up every time.

yeah if you notice hes always panicking b/c he knows if his man gets the ball its automatic 2pts.

oh and btw he runs like hes on fire, its funny but damn i hate seeing him out there period

[MaNu4Tres]

http://images2.memegenerator.net/ImageMacro/5554023/Nice-job-Tiago-Now-get-Matt-a-sandwich.jpg?imageSize=Medium&generatorName=Wisdom-Pop

:lol

Jag pretty.much owns this thread tbh

[roycrikside]

His charge rate continues to be very impressive..the only Spurs big that has had a comparable charge rate(relative to time on the court) during his time as a Spur(in the Duncan era) was Fab, and we all know the contributions that he made for this team..

I don't buy the "secret weapon" argument..a "secret weapon" for the playoffs is used by coaches, when it's in regards to "playbook material"..using different strategies against teams in the playoffs, despite not using that strategy during the regular season..

I've never heard of an NBA team hiding a player and using him for the playoffs..it makes a lot more sense to give said player NBA experience and recognition with officials..

Splitter is the 2nd best big man on the team IMO..he was soft in the 1st half of the year, especially on the boards, but he has clearly corrected both problems..what else does he have to do? I have absolutely no idea, tbh..he has clearly been the 2nd most productive big man on the team since Duncan's injury, arguably the #1 most productive big man on the team in that span(if you consider that Duncan missed time, due to his injury, obviously), yet he still can't earn PT..

While Bonner has been playing pathetic basketball for a month now, yet his PT has not changed whatsoever..

The one example I can think of is the Pistons with Tayshaun Prince. When he was a rookie I think they had a high seed like a 2 or something and Chuck Daly was still the coach. Orlando had a real young dynamic Tracy McGrady, who was just murdering them and the series was 3-1 Orlando and he acted like it's over, telling the media he was relieved to finally moving past the first round after Game 4. In complete desperation Daly gave Prince a shot and he really made life difficult on McGrady (although it didn't help that guys like Drew Gooden and Gordan Gerecek went cold) and the Pistons came back to win the series in seven games.

Of course they weren't really hiding Prince as much as using him as a last resort. I think it will be the same way with Pop. Or maybe I'm just hoping it will be. If we're down in a series and the problem is CLEARLY the Blair-Bonner combo and the interior defense is dogshit, he might give Splitter a shot.

I think Pop's fear with Splitter is two-fold. One, I think he thinks the refs will give him even less respect with playoff fouls than they do for Bonner and Blair and two, I think he's afraid of Hack-a-Tiago on offense. So we'll see.

[Spursmania]

Here's the deal ... about 20 games or so ago Pop would have thought about who he wanted in his 9-man playoff rotation ... he would have considered Tiago against Bonner and Blair (at least I hope he did) and decided that Tiago wasn't a part of his plans.

That moment right there sealed Splitter's fate this season. It doesn't matter if Tiago showed promise in the limited minutes he got since (which he has), or if Bonner sucked a garganutan amount of hind tit for the better part of a month leading up to the playoffs (which he has), Pop is not going to reverse his decision. That's just the way it is. Pop has decided, and come hell or highwater, he is going to go through with this.

Sad but true:depressed

We all know Pop, he's not changing his stripes. He won't play Splitter until until we've lost a game and he throws him in for garbage minutes.

[rr2418]

The only thing i like about Bonner is the way he runs. It cracks me up every time.



Yeah, he runs like a typical white guy! :lol

[ChuckD]

I don't know Pop rarely applauds anyone and he was on NBA TV applauding Splitter - he might just pull a rabbit out of the hat and insert Splitter when it counts in the playoffs, but lets hope it is not too late in a series.

Pop's been applauding players more and more in recent years. I wouldn't read anything into it.

[rr2418]

Bonner has that "bouncy" run style. Look at his facial expression, he looks like he's putting alot of effort just to run down the court! :lol

[wildbill2u]

Bonner vs. Splitter is a false choice. They don't perform the same role at all--and Pop has made the decision that spreading the court with a 3 point shooter is most important for this offense to work. Bonner is more of a PF in the mode of Rasheed Wallace (without the athleticism).

The real question is whether Splitter gets Dice's or Blair's minutes in relief of Tim.
Each of those guys has some pro and cons.

Dice is a steady vet, good medium distance shooter and can play both ends of the court within the system. He's lost a step and probably can't play effective long minutes.

Blair brings energy and tough rebounding skills. Surprisingly good hands for a beast.

But he's a PF body forced to play center and his lack of height will never be overcome. He's just not going to be effective against the few top centers with a big height advantage over him. Positioning and a wide body can carry you against lightweights, but guys like Boozer, Gasol, and Howard salivate when they play against him.

Splitter, no matter what some think, can play the center position amd would be the best center (notwithstanding TD's refusal to acknowledge his true position) on the Spurs since Robinson. In Europe, in his earlier days he actually played out on the perimeter which is where he learned how to pick and roll and put the ball on the floor. But he's not much of a 3 point shooter so he can't fill a floor spreading role with 3s.

In his own way, he is more of a PF than a center, and I'd like to see him playing LA's front line WITH TIMMY. A front line of Timmy, Splitter and Jefferson would be formidable and is what we should have been working on all year to integrate him into the system. A pick and roll with Splitter and Timmy would be fun to watch since both pass well and are very smart players, seeing their options.

I think Splitter's limitations are mostly caused by lack of floor time this year. Pop says he isn't about winning every game, but developing the team for the playoffs--well, that's bullshit. Dice and Blair are known elements. You can't tell me that Splitter could have played some minutes in every game and substantial minutes in some without hurting the team. In fact, he might have showed his value early on.

Failure to Integrate Splitter into the system is solely on Pop. We'll see how far we can go using the Old Man and the Mighty Midget at center.

[jag]

I think Pop's fear with Splitter is two-fold. One, I think he thinks the refs will give him even less respect with playoff fouls than they do for Bonner and Blair and two, I think he's afraid of Hack-a-Tiago on offense. So we'll see.

Not sure I agree with this. I don't really see pop worrying about either one of these things.

1. If Splitter gets into foul trouble or has difficulty defending without fouling, you simply take him out of the game. It's not a reason to not play him at all.

2. Tiago is not a historically poor free throw shooter. The problems we're seeing now with Tiago at the line are due to the adjustments made to his mechanics. The coaching staff is obviously tinkering with his form. He can mess with that in practice all he wants, but the only way for him to truly work that out is to see free throws go in during game situations. He hasn't had many opportunities at the line because he hasn't seen much PT. The more time he sees at the line the more comfortable he will become with his new form. I don't think pop is worried about him seeing time at the line.

[ChuckD]

2. Tiago is not a historically poor free throw shooter. The problems we're seeing now with Tiago at the line are due to the adjustments made to his mechanics. The coaching staff is obviously tinkering with his form. He can mess with that in practice all he wants, but the only way for him to truly work that out is to see free throws go in during game situations. He hasn't had many opportunities at the line because he hasn't seen much PT. The more time he sees at the line the more comfortable he will become with his new form. I don't think pop is worried about him seeing time at the line.

Where to start? There is so much fail in that paragraph, it isn't even funny. He had ONE decent season shooting FTs in Europe, preceded by seasons ranging from the 30s to the 60s. He is MOST CERTAINLY a historically bad FT shooter. There is nothing in his in-game FT stroke that the Spurs have introduced. That stop/hitch is all his own, and according to Sean E, the Spurs ARE working with him on it, but he hasn't chosen to take that into the games yet. Shooting in the 50s, I don't see what he thinks he has to lose.

Splitter Stats from DX (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Tiago-Splitter-25/stats/)

[Strategic]

It's completely different with Tiago. Coach Brown was effusive in praising Tiago's toughness, physicality and big game experience. When asked directly if Tiago would have a role in the playoffs, he answered "definitely". I'm not holding my breath, but I believe that the staff is sold on Tiago's ability to step up and contribute when called upon.

You folks are great Spurs fans. This Splitter v. Bonner debate seems unfortunate to me because they represent different positions. Splitter is a solid center who should be sharing the position with Blair. Bonner is a 3 / 4 combination player who should be behind Duncan, McDyess, and Jefferson. The smearing of these position lines in the Spurs rotation is probably because of Duncan's ability to play two positions against any team on both ends of the floor, except of course like last season when the high pick and roll ate Timmy's lunch in the playoffs. If Popovich could have seen fit to go with Splitter instead of McDyess when he replaced Blair in the lineup..............only if. This would have forced Bonner to a 3 position situational sub.


:wakeup

[The Truth #6]

Pop's praise sounds forced, like a consolation for not playing him later.

[jag]

Where to start? There is so much fail in that paragraph, it isn't even funny. He had ONE decent season shooting FTs in Europe, preceded by seasons ranging from the 30s to the 60s. He is MOST CERTAINLY a historically bad FT shooter. There is nothing in his in-game FT stroke that the Spurs have introduced. That stop/hitch is all his own, and according to Sean E, the Spurs ARE working with him on it, but he hasn't chosen to take that into the games yet. Shooting in the 50s, I don't see what he thinks he has to lose.

Splitter Stats from DX (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Tiago-Splitter-25/stats/)

Since 2007 he's shot 65%, and even shot 79% from the line in his last season in Spain. I never said he was a historically good ft shooter. I understand that he's not a great ft shooter. But he's not this bad.

If his FT shooting form isn't even the same as it was earlier in the season, then how can you say the staff is working with him on his shot but he hasn't taken it into a game yet? That doesnt make sense, even for you. He stands there during every pregame shootaround shooting jump shots and free throws with one hand. His form during previous seasons and even during the beginning of this season looks nothing like it does now. I don't expect you to know that or even care because you don't like the guy.

In the past 3 seasons (1 Euroleague, 2 ACB) he's shot a combined 70.3% from the line. Last year alone (Euroleague and ACB combined) he shot 71.35%.

I don't think Pop is worried about Splitter getting time at the line when he's managed to shoot 70.3% from the line in the previous 2 years. There's also no reason to think he'll be stuck at the 54.2% from the line for the rest of his career. I don't expect you to agree seeing as how you've spent the entire season championing the idea that he is a soft player and a wasted pick.

[BRs.Ganso]

Since 2007 he's shot 65%, and even shot 79% from the line in his last season in Spain. I never said he was a historically good ft shooter. I understand that he's not a great ft shooter. But he's not this bad.

If his FT shooting form isn't even the same as it was earlier in the season, then how can you say the staff is working with him on his shot but he hasn't taken it into a game yet? That doesnt make sense, even for you. He stands there during every pregame shootaround shooting jump shots and free throws with one hand. His form during previous seasons and even during the beginning of this season looks nothing like it does now. I don't expect you to know that or even care because you don't like the guy.

In the past 3 seasons (1 Euroleague, 2 ACB) he's shot a combined 70.3% from the line. Last year alone (Euroleague and ACB combined) he shot 71.35%.

I don't think Pop is worried about Splitter getting time at the line when he's managed to shoot 70.3% from the line in the previous 2 years. There's also no reason to think he'll be stuck at the 54.2% from the line for the rest of his career. I don't expect you to agree seeing as how you've spent the entire season championing the idea that he is a soft player and a wasted pick.

Splitter is a 65% more free throw shooter

I will say for the 1,000 time

They are trying to correct Splitter's FT style, the biggest reason of his low percentage. :toast

[G-Dawgg]

Bonner's still better....

[ChuckD]

Since 2007 he's shot 65%, and even shot 79% from the line in his last season in Spain. I never said he was a historically good ft shooter. I understand that he's not a great ft shooter. But he's not this bad.

No, but you said he wasn't historically bad, which is wrong. If you took his whole career before that TINY little window that you used to show that he wasn't bad, it would be about spot on 54-55%. This year is not an aberration, it's his norm.

I do think he's soft. I don't think he's a wasted pick. He is in danger of slipping into Varajao bitch status, though. He needs to quit trying to draw charges from guards and attack them to block shots. That's what NBA bigs do.

[jag]

No, but you said he wasn't historically bad, which is wrong. If you took his whole career before that TINY little window that you used to show that he wasn't bad, it would be about spot on 54-55%. This year is not an aberration, it's his norm.

I do think he's soft. I don't think he's a wasted pick. He is in danger of slipping into Varajao bitch status, though. He needs to quit trying to draw charges from guards and attack them to block shots. That's what NBA bigs do.

By "tiny window" do you mean the last four years where he shot 65%? If you want to take stats from when he was 18-19 years old to justify that he's a bad free throw shooter, then so be it. But I have a feeling the last 2 years provide much better metrics to evaluate the type of player he is evolving into.

The fact that you use the charges he takes to show that he's a soft player is very telling when it comes to your lack of ability to evaluate anything on a basketball court.

[GabeIsGone]

No, but you said he wasn't historically bad, which is wrong. If you took his whole career before that TINY little window that you used to show that he wasn't bad, it would be about spot on 54-55%. This year is not an aberration, it's his norm.

I do think he's soft. I don't think he's a wasted pick. He is in danger of slipping into Varajao bitch status, though. He needs to quit trying to draw charges from guards and attack them to block shots. That's what NBA bigs do.

Why would you use stats from a players early years when they clearly have developed? In this case I think taking only a few years as a sample size would be more relevant. (which is still 100's of free throws)

And idk how drawing charges is playing soft. He plays to his strengths. Which in this case his footspeed> his vertical. Thus he tries (and succeeds) to get in front of players instead of rising above them. Due to his length he still affects LOTS of shots just by raising his hands, in a Duncan-like manner (though not as well of course, but still much better than Bonner/Blair).

[duncan228]

The Spurs worked out for less than 40 minutes as a team Sunday morning before they took the afternoon off to prepare for the season-ending road trip.

Rookie forward Tiago Splitter was the most dedicated worker as he spent an extra 35 minutes after practice working on his free-throw stroke. At times, up to five members of the Spurs’ coaching staff watched and analyzed as Splitter tried to get the kinks out of his struggling form from the line.

Spurs have light workout as they prepare for finishing road trip (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/04/10/spurs-have-light-workout-as-they-prepare-for-finishing-road-trip/)
Tim Griffin

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/04/10/spurs-have-light-workout-as-they-prepare-for-finishing-road-trip/

[Capt Bringdown]

Failure to Integrate Splitter into the system is solely on Pop. We'll see how far we can go using the Old Man and the Mighty Midget at center.

Excellent summary. This was a humongous mistake by Pop that cost us our best shot a title run since '07 IMO. Freezing out a serviceable 7-footer who rebounds and defends will likely be catastrophic to our title ambitions. I can't think of another NBA coach who would be so blind and rigid as to make such a move, can you?

[biskvito]

Splitter Stats from DX (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Tiago-Splitter-25/stats/)

One interesting thing, in these stats his lowest FT (38%) coincides with his lowest minutes (9). And his best FT (68% and 79%) goes with highest minutes (28) playing in Europe.

[Josepatches_]

They're both tall, white and speak Spanish but that's about it. They're very different players. Splitter has good touch around the rim, but he is very hard nosed. Gasol is a finesse guy all the way and more skilled with finesse-type moves.

I'd love to see Tiago develop a jumper, but even still he would be very different than Gasol.

Yes,they are pretty different.
Imo Splitter is a better defensive player in the post.He can rebound as well as Pau if not better
Also he had nice moves and fakes one vs one in the post.I'd say not much worse than Pau's ones who likes more to face the rim instead of backing down.

Obviously Pau Gasol is a better player overall.

[Josepatches_]

Splitter is a 65% more free throw shooter

I will say for the 1,000 time

They are trying to correct Splitter's FT style, the biggest reason of his low percentage. :toast

Imo the biggest reason is playing time.

We aren't stupid in Europe.He worked in his FT style a lot before.The biggest problem is that he needs to play to shoot FT.

If TD only could shoot one per game I'm sure his FT% would be lower.It's not the same to shoot one or five when you aren't good from the line.

[TD 21]

They should let Splitter revert to his previous form for the remainder of the season. It's too late to be tinkering, especially when he wasn't a complete liability before they started doing this. Now, he's clearly thinking too much and has no confidence.

I don't buy this as an excuse to not have him in the rotation. It's not like he's going to be playing the final 6-8 minutes of games anyway and his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. This team can't afford to be picky, not when they don't have another credible option, as far as protecting the rim goes, on the second unit. He is more than likely the second best big on the team. Playing him sparingly could be the difference between winning a championship or being eliminated by no later than the Conference Finals.

As far as Gasol, theoretically, Splitter may be one of the best Gasol defenders in the league. Look at the job he's done on Aldridge, who's similar in that he's long (not Gasol long, though, but few are), mobile and has good touch either with his back turned or facing. Splitter's long, mobile, physical and intelligent. I could see him giving Gasol trouble.

Splitter matches up better with Gasol than he does Bynum. Should the two teams meet, they should have Duncan defend Bynum almost exclusively and have McDyess/Splitter take turns on Gasol.

[DPG21920]

The fact he draws fouls at such a good rate is what needs to be the focus. I haven't looked at the numbers, but I would bet Tiago leads all bigs on the team in fouls drawn per minute.

[ace3g]

Spurs have light workout as they prepare for finishing road trip


Rookie forward Tiago Splitter was the most dedicated worker as he spent an extra 35 minutes after practice working on his free-throw stroke. At times, up to five members of the Spurs’ coaching staff watched and analyzed as Splitter tried to get the kinks out of his struggling form from the line.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/04/10/spurs-have-light-workout-as-they-prepare-for-finishing-road-trip/

[xtremesteven33]

Tiago can really contribute alot come playoff time. I think the first 2 rounds he has to play big so Tim doesnt have to carry too much of the load and he can conserve some energy for the Lakers in the WCF's and also the NBA Finals. So hooefully the first 2 rounds can give Splitter the confidence and experience he needs so we can be fully ready for the Lakers.

[rmt]

I think Pop's fear with Splitter is two-fold. One, I think he thinks the refs will give him even less respect with playoff fouls than they do for Bonner and Blair and two, I think he's afraid of Hack-a-Tiago on offense. So we'll see.

If I were Pop, I'd be worried less about the respect of the refs and more worried about the lack of respect that other players have for Bonner. "Throw the ball to whoever Bonner's guarding."

I also don't get Pop categorizing Splitter as a blue-collar worker/player. He seems much more talented (able to defend and run the pick and roll, post moves - which will get better with more exposure against NBA players). To me blue collar player implies some one who does the dirty work like Najera or Nick Collison - scrappers who only score off put-backs. If that's how he views him, then it's no wonder he's been sitting on the bench collecting DNP-CDs.

[coachmac87]

If I were Pop, I'd be worried less about the respect of the refs and more worried about the lack of respect that other players have for Bonner. "Throw the ball to whoever Bonner's guarding."

I also don't get Pop categorizing Splitter as a blue-collar worker/player. He seems much more talented (able to defend and run the pick and roll, post moves - which will get better with more exposure against NBA players). To me blue collar player implies some one who does the dirty work like Najera or Nick Collison - scrappers who only score off put-backs. If that's how he views him, then it's no wonder he's been sitting on the bench collecting DNP-CDs.

That's clearly how he views him. Splitter cant shoot, and Blair has better low post moves than Splitter. Only thing Splitter has that Bonner and Blair don't is the ability to defend. Something that wins championships.......C'mon POP!!!!!:bang

[Fireball]

and Blair has better low post moves than Splitter

:nope

[angelbelow]

The mans out of shape. leave him alone.

[#2!]

The mans out of shape. leave him alone.

That really has to be the reason he hasn't been getting many games above 20 minutes this season. Tiago doesn't have the physical stamina for the NBA game on an NBA schedule yet. Although Splitter runs hard every possession he's on the court for, I keep hearing people mention how gassed he is/looks (including TD most recently). Perhaps he could have built it up more if he weren't injured early on, or received more minutes cosistantly, but all that matters is that he's still working on it this late in the RS.

The best plan for making sure tiago is ready for this season's playoffs may be to bench him for stretches throughout the season, and bring him into the rotation late in the year. He was played more in games against guys he knows from international ball, to ensure he would be gaining comfortability every minute on court. This way he could learn the system and league slowly, as well as have plenty of juice for the PO.

I say all this with the understanding that (1) I am putting my hope into the hands of a possible idiot savant, and (2)Pop has to continue to give Splitter minutes to make this true.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

That's clearly how he views him. Splitter cant shoot, and Blair has better low post moves than Splitter. Only thing Splitter has that Bonner and Blair don't is the ability to defend. Something that wins championships.......C'mon POP!!!!!:bang

What?

Splitter has a nice hook, a counter with an up and under, shoots with both hands and has touch. Blair rushes every shot he takes and is a terrible finisher.

Then you start talking about pick and rolls....

If Blair is not beasting on the boards, Splitter is playing better.

[Fireball]

What?

Splitter has a nice hook, a counter with an up and under, shoots with both hands and has touch. Blair rushes every shot he takes and is a terrible finisher.

Then you start talking about pick and rolls....

If Blair is not beasting on the boards, Splitter is playing better.

thanks for detailing my :nope a little ...

[++SaiNt TiAg0++]

What?

Splitter has a nice hook, a counter with an up and under, shoots with both hands and has touch. Blair rushes every shot he takes and is a terrible finisher.

Then you start talking about pick and rolls....

If Blair is not beasting on the boards, Splitter is playing better.

not trying to be a dick but didnt you used to say splitter was worthless?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

not trying to be a dick but didnt you used to say splitter was worthless?

I do not think I ever said that.

My brother recently said that i was a Splitter fanboi.

Earlier in the year i did not know enough about him and was a bit worried after he got hurt right out the chute.

i have wanted him to succeed like no tomorrow. A mobile hard nosed big is a coveted commodity in the NBA.

Ever since he has been getting more minutes he has just impressed me more and more.

Now i have said that he looks lost on offense when he is not directly involved in pick and rolls. There are a lot of back screens and spacing issues that he has had but there is no question he has gotten better.

I have also felt that his core strength needs to be worked on. When guys would try to root him out and he would get bent at the waist, lose balance and literally flail his arms around. Thats a sign of a lack of strength in his bubble and core muscles.

But again he has improved about that.

Its obvious the guy works his ass off on and off the court. Barring injury he is going to be a huge assett for us going forward. Now whether or not Pop cashes in has yet to be seen.