"It wouldn't be fair to the team."

[dallasmaverickslose]

Can somebody please explain to me what Pop is trying to say by this? I really don't understand how that's an appropriate answer for not giving Tiago any playing time.


:flag:

[itzsoweezee]

It means, "my system is more important than individual ability."

This is the simulator crew's philosophy. A coach who's actually played at a high level would know better.

[Budkin]

Can somebody please explain to me what Pop is trying to say by this? I really don't understand how that's an appropriate answer for not giving Tiago any playing time.


:flag:

He said this because Tiago missed training camp whereas others didn't and put in the hard work. So Tiago playing would not be fair to those that were there since day one. It's a stubborn idiotic philosophy considering the circumstances.

[ManuBalboa]

This team played hard all year. They deserve a long off-season for rest.

[roycrikside]

When did Pop say that? If someone actually asked him about Tiago and Pop actually said that, then the owner should fire him on the spot or the players should just stage a mutiny.

That "dance with the ones that you brung" mentality is corny sports movie bullshit. A real coach is ruthless and just plays his best players, period. By not doing so, you are doing a disservice to the players by depriving them of a chance to win. Players respect a coach less if he isn't actually HELPING them win instead of being a nice guy to the veterans. Seriously, ask the San Francisco Giants if they thought Bruce Bochy was being "fair to the team." He literally played whoever was hot every day and they won the title.

[Bill_Brasky]

If this is a real Pop response to a Tiago question(I seriously doubt he would say anything that retarded), then wow. Losing isn't fair to them either.

[itzsoweezee]

If this is a real Pop response to a Tiago question(I seriously doubt he would say anything that retarded), then wow. Losing isn't fair to them either.

He said it earlier in the season. The point was, Tiago doesn't know the "system," therefore, playing would hurt the team. Obviously, Popovich values "corporate knowledge" more than ability.

[ElNono]

If this is a real Pop response to a Tiago question(I seriously doubt he would say anything that retarded), then wow. Losing isn't fair to them either.

“He’s used to playing a lot of minutes and being a big part of what’s going on,” Popovich said. “That’s not happening for him right now, and I’m not in a position to give him 30 minutes to get him going. That’s not fair to him or to the whole group.”

link (http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/07/tiago-splitter-understandably-a-bit-frustrated-with-his-lack-of-playing-time/)

[Bill_Brasky]

“He’s used to playing a lot of minutes and being a big part of what’s going on,” Popovich said. “That’s not happening for him right now, and I’m not in a position to give him 30 minutes to get him going. That’s not fair to him or to the whole group.”

link (http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/07/tiago-splitter-understandably-a-bit-frustrated-with-his-lack-of-playing-time/)

And that was back in December........

Fuckin wow man, if we had just started getting him regular PT and worked into the rotation back then imagine how much better we'd be.

[Solid D]

I think it says Pop doesn't think Tiago has the defensive system down yet.

It's starting to look like "Mr. Potential" is relegated again to waiting to hit his peak.

[ElNono]

I think it says Pop doesn't think Tiago has the defensive system down yet.

It's starting to look like "Mr. Potential" is relegated again to waiting to hit his peak.

I agree, but to say that either Bonner or Blair can defend this front court even having "the defensive system down" is just being in denial.

[ManuBalboa]

Spurs' Defensive System:

http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/34/3446/LE2HF00Z/posters/vega-pablo-corral-bullfighter-holds-his-red-cape-before-a-bull.jpg

[Solid D]

Spurs' Defensive System:

http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/34/3446/LE2HF00Z/posters/vega-pablo-corral-bullfighter-holds-his-red-cape-before-a-bull.jpg

Lol It seems like it sometimes

[mingus]

He said this because Tiago missed training camp whereas others didn't and put in the hard work. So Tiago playing would not be fair to those that were there since day one. It's a stubborn idiotic philosophy considering the circumstances.

not only that, but because it's a philosophy that is bullshit. he's played danny green and Novak a bunch of times since they've been here.

[DPG21920]

Solid D, what is your take on that excuse from Pop? What is your opinion on whether or not Tiago deserves minutes?

[pgardn]

I have never seen that in the context given.

And why did Pop let a rookie who had never played pro ball start next to David Robinson, and then actually give him enough time on the floor to become rookie of the year?

Why did he put Parker on the floor as a teenager? And then pull him late in games?



I want to see Splitter as much as anyone. Especially early guarding Gasol. I dont think Pop trusts him. As the other poster stated quite correctly imo, you put the best TEAM on the floor and try to win in the playoffs.

[Solid D]

Solid D, what is your take on that excuse from Pop? What is your opinion on whether or not Tiago deserves minutes?

Well, I gave my brief opinion earlier in this thread:

I think it says Pop doesn't think Tiago has the defensive system down yet.

It's starting to look like "Mr. Potential" is relegated again to waiting to hit his peak.

At this point, Pop needs to try something different to see if he can get a lead to work with. Tiago makes sense because of his size. I don't want to see Tiago closing out games because I have always thought he was a huge underachiever and lacks the competitive fire to do whatever it takes to win. This goes back to watching him lots and lots of times over the years.

[Spurs da champs]

Well, I gave my brief opinion earlier in this thread:


At this point, Pop needs to try something different to see if he can get a lead to work with. Tiago makes sense because of his size. I don't want to see Tiago closing out games because I have always thought he was a huge underachiever and lacks the competitive fire to do whatever it takes to win. This goes back to watching him lots and lots of times over the years.

What makes you think he lacks the competitive fire to win? He never plays!

[DPG21920]

Thanks. I saw you give your take on what you thought Pop meant by his comment, but not your take on the matter.

[DPG21920]

What makes you think he lacks the competitive fire to win? He never plays!

He said it's from watching him play overseas numerous times.

I don't agree with it entirely, but I haven't watched nearly as much as Solid probably.

[coachmac87]

Yeah its not fair for the team, becasue they alwasy have to make up for Bonners shitty defesne. It puts more pressure on the rotations and double teams, it's easy to defend when you put man on man and don't have to double. Are we the only team that doubles Marc Gasol??? Just don't get it.

[Obstructed_View]

Corporate knowledge = knowing when to call a timeout

Corporate knowledge = getting off a shot at the end of a game instead of dribbling into a double team

[Warlord23]

They may be laying down like bitches to the 8th seed, but at least they'll lay down with Pop's principles still intact. 4 rings baby!

[Spurs da champs]

He said it's from watching him play overseas numerous times.

I don't agree with it entirely, but I haven't watched nearly as much as Solid probably.

Honestly overseas is no where near as competitive as the NBA. And every-time he's been on the floor he's been hustling so I still don't see where he lacks that 'edge'?

[TD 21]

I think it says Pop doesn't think Tiago has the defensive system down yet.

It's starting to look like "Mr. Potential" is relegated again to waiting to hit his peak.

I know you're just hypothesizing, but if this is actually his thought process, then he needs to be shot. This is not about a defensive system. This is about being able to single cover the post without getting destroyed. Splitter is the only big outside of Duncan who has any chance of playing adequate straight up defense on Gasol. His presence in tandem with Duncan would allow Duncan to slide over and cover Randolph. That would allow the Spurs to stay at home on the Grizzlies extremely limited perimeter players.

I have no confidence in Splitter getting a chance in game four. But I'm hoping that, since Pop basically went away from Blair in the second half and went to a three big rotation, he'll come to his senses and insert Splitter into the rotation.

[Obstructed_View]

He said it's from watching him play overseas numerous times.

I don't agree with it entirely, but I haven't watched nearly as much as Solid probably.

Must have missed when he was outplaying Marc Gasol overseas.

Numerous times.

[Spurs da champs]

Pop will never get over himself. Might as well change the page to "gone fishng".

[senorglory]

not only that, but because it's a philosophy that is bullshit. he's played danny green and Novak a bunch of times since they've been here.

I enjoy how quickly Novak gets a shot up, and jacks it without hesitation. Some of that needs to rub off on Bonner.

Just saying.

[xellos88330]

It wouldn't be fair to the fans if this team exits the first round without him exhausting every option.

[senorglory]

Must have missed when he was outplaying Marc Gasol overseas.

Numerous times.

oh christ. this series is depressing.

[objective]

Pop changed his mind on giving Novak opportunities after Novak proved he could do Bonner's job at 1/4th the cost, and do it better.

[TampaDude]

Pop will flush this golden opportunity for #5 right down the fucking toilet while Splitter watches from the bench.

[Solid D]

Must have missed when he was outplaying Marc Gasol overseas.

Numerous times.

Marc is a good player. He hasn't been tabbed for greatness like Tiago, but when matched up with Splitter, it is a very good matchup. I'm not sure what games you are referring to unless you are just thinking about Tau's success as compared with Barca or Girona, when Marc played there, but head to head it's certainly not a mismatch in favor of Splitter in recent years.

Here's a recap of a matchup between the two players from March, 2007 prior to Marc coming to play in the NBA.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Marquee-Matchup-Marc-Gasol-vs.-Tiago-Splitter-1951/

Marquee Matchup: Marc Gasol vs. Tiago Splitter by: Luis Fernández - Director of International Scouting March 25, 2007 In terms of the 2007 NBA Draft, there’s not a better big-men matchup in the Old Continent than the one we saw this weekend between Marc Gasol and Tiago Splitter. They backed up the hype by delivering strong performances, actually one of their best showings this season for both players.

The Setting:

Fontajau arena in Girona hosted a regular-season showdown between two of the top three teams in the ACB League, Tau Vitoria, second but with the same record as #1 ranked Real Madrid, and Akasvayu Girona, third prior to this game. Both teams have been very successful in their European tours; Tau has qualified for the Euroleague quarter-finals with home-court advantage, while Akasvayu has clinched a spot in the FIBA EuroCup Final Four. Still, both squads were dealing with some bad momentum in the ACB League: Akasvayu had lost its previous three games at home, while Tau was winless on the road over the last four games. So it was an important game to change gears and strengthen the team’s position in the standings.

The Participants:

Marc Gasol is one of the reasons why Akasvayu Girona is having such a strong season so far. In just a few months he has gone from total oblivion in F.C.Barcelona to one of the hottest and steadiest centers in the ACB league while on loan in Girona. Entering the game, he was averaging 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in less than 23 minutes per game, while shooting 59% from the field.

Tiago Splitter has been delivering in the ACB League for some seasons now, and after his health issues with chronic lumbago in his back, he seems back in shape, fresh off his season-high scoring mark in the previous ACB game (22 points vs. Menorca). Prior to this game, he was averaging 10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in less than 23 minutes, shooting 60.6% of accuracy from the floor, indeed very similar numbers to Gasol’s.

The Outcome:

Tau Vitoria dominated the scoreboard for most of the game, including the first minutes. Tiago Splitter started for Tau as usual, while Gasol waited in the bench for his opportunity. The Brazilian had his share of responsibility for that strong start, with 6 early points. As usual, Tiago got open looks near the basket while playing without the ball, often after pick and roll settings, and was being fouled on many occasions to avoid easy baskets. He particularly shined in a one-on-one low post situation against Dalibor Bagaric that Splitter easily resolved with a right-handed jump hook.






Although playing center on the offensive end, on defense Tiago handled the opponent power forward for the most part, and his usual match-up was the veteran Euro star Gregor Fucka, a very skilled and versatile 7-1 big. Splitter did a nice job on him whenever the Slovenian came close to the basket (either in the low post or in slashing moves), but he conceded too much space for the easy jumpers that Fucka can consistently knock down. Still, it could have very well been a coach decision, as there wasn’t much of an adjustment, with the priority apparently placed on locking down the lane against the super-sized Akasvayu frontcourt.

Gasol entered the court mid-way the first quarter and soon showed his improved conditioning as he dunked the ball off a pick-and-roll play in a fairly quick move, also drawing a foul from Splitter, who was a bit late on the defensive rotation. On defense, he regularly took care of Tiago. Still, the only face-to-face duel they displayed in the first quarter took part on the other end of the floor, as Splitter eventually guarded Marc after a defensive rotation. Tiago stayed very aggressive, pushing Gasol out of the paint (certainly not an easy task), so when Marc received the ball in the post, the opposition he was facing, the fact that a teammate was open in the perimeter and his own passing skills invited him to send the ball back out.

Gasol took over the second quarter with his rebounding production and passing game that provided nice offensive fluidity to his team. He also scored off offensive rebounds (on one occasion delivering a nice put-back dunk) and cuts that left him open near the basket. In one of these situations he netted the ball against the opposition of Splitter, who just stood with his arms raised; on other occasion, he easily converted a right-handed hook. Still, he mostly focused on passing the ball, being generous almost to a fault. Splitter enjoyed his only minutes of rest in the game during this quarter.

Tiago came back strong in the third. Although he missed the lone jumper he took all game long early (he passed up on various open looks from the mid-range distance) he soon recovered to amass 10 points in the quarter. The Brazilian suffered from the length of his rivals all game long, as Akasvayu regularly filled both inside positions with seven plus footers, but he tried to adjust. After being blocked by Bagaric once as he tried to go up from under the rim, in the following opportunity he had a clear option next to the basket against the Croatian he opted to use his right hand as shield and release a short left-handed shot with nice touch and good result. However, he repeated this formula once again in the last quarter and wasn’t successful with the shot. Back to the third period, Tiago also had a great tip-in by quickly anticipating Bagaric’s rebounding move.

With Luis Scola in foul trouble, coach Maljkovic decided to leave Splitter alone in the frontcourt and surround him with small perimeter players. They suffered with the defensive rebounds, but also enjoyed more spaces on the offensive end. Matched up against Gasol, Splitter beat him in the low post with some nice moves, again looking very reliable with his right-handed jump-hook. He also took advantage of his superior quickness over Gasol from the high post to put the ball on the floor with his left hand and score a right-handed lay-up. As for Marc, it wasn’t his best quarter, although he forced Scola to foul him early on after putting the ball on the floor and beating him off the dribble when the Argentinean was guarding Gasol too close around the three-point line.

Tiago played the entire second half, and managed to stay active all game long, but he lost a lot of accuracy from the field in the last quarter, missing shots and being blocked twice, once surprisingly by point guard Victor Sada as he tried a reverse layup (to be fair, Sada is a long and athletic defensive-minded point guard, able to deliver those kind of plays), and another by Gasol himself, who was just standing with his arms high as Tiago tried to attack the basket. On the defensive end, as Akasvayu was playing with only one big, he matched-up against the athletic wing Dainius Salenga for a couple of minutes with mixed results: Splitter perfectly stopped him on a slashing attempt, but arrived late to contest a three-point shot that went in.






Meanwhile, Marc was trying to be more productive from the low post, always against the Brazilian. He netted a right-handed hook right as the shot-clock ran out once, but the possession had already run out. He missed another hook shot, although he probably was a bit far from the basket; and he forced a foul on Splitter as he tried to release a short shot off a nice post move. He was attacking Splitter spinning going to his right shoulder, but since he doesn’t have much of a left-handed hook, opted for a shot.

Tau kept the game under control and came away with the victory, not allowing Akasvayu to ever get ahead in the score during the last three quarters.

Final Stats:

Marc Gasol: 29 minutes, 16 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 blocks, 5/6 FG, 6/7 FT

Tiago Splitter: 36 minutes, 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 6/16 FG, 8/10 FT

Preliminary Conclusions:

Both Splitter and Gasol were cornerstone pieces for their teams, and we can’t really call anyone the winner here. Certainly Marc committed fewer mistakes, but the Brazilian was more of an inside reference for Tau and took more risks.

It wasn’t a matter of this game alone, but Marc Gasol is a very reliable player with an excellent basketball IQ. He’s one of those guys who always seems to be in the right place and rarely forces plays. He will pull the trigger if he sees a clear option; otherwise, he prefers to pass the ball, which he does really well. It was pretty obvious in this game.

Standing over seven feet, Gasol displays an excellent combination of strength and aggressiveness to operate in the lane. As we saw against Tau, he establishes and holds his position on a regular basis, becoming a serious threat both in terms of scoring and passing, which often ultimately ends up unbalancing the entire opposing defensive scheme. He’s not the most skilled low post guy around, but he uses his body very well and stays physical on his match-up. He’s steadily gaining accuracy with his right-handed hook, although as he showed in this game, he doesn’t seem to have much ability finishing with his left and prefers to go for the turnaround jumper. Indeed, he has some range and decent accuracy with his shot, even if he didn’t put it on display in this game.

Sometimes he gives up a decent scoring option and prefers to pass the ball, usually looking for an open teammate on the perimeter. Gasol is not one of these impressive post passers a la Divac or Sabonis. You will rarely see him delivering flashy assists; indeed, despite his excellent passing performance against Tau, he only added one assist to his stat-sheet. Actually, that’s more or less his average. He’s more of a passer within the flow of the game, showing a quick mind, a good basketball IQ and very nice court awareness. His passes might result in open baskets, but not necessarily for the man receiving the ball, but perhaps after the next pass.

The downside of the aforementioned physical strength for Gasol is his well-known poor conditioning and lack of athleticism. Ever since he came back from Memphis almost four years ago (apparently the Tennessee diet wasn’t too keen on him), he has steadily improved his conditioning, and even if he can’t be considered an athletic player, his mobility has significantly improved, even exceeding some expectations. Still, his lack of quickness eventually gets exploited in extended half-court sets, when his opponent takes him out of the paint or in pick-and-roll situations. Gasol makes up as much as he’s able to with very nice positioning and good use of his body. Despite the few rejections he had on Tau players, he’s not much of a shot-blocker (averaging one per game) due to his limited athleticism. Still, his positioning, good hands and effort reaps a nice amount of rebounds for him every game

Will this make the cut in the NBA? It very well could, although on a nightly basis it would also depend on which particular rivals he faces. Anyway, this game has only solidified his draft stock, and the way he’s playing in the world’s toughest domestic league outside the NBA could make teams take a long look at him at the late first round.


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


For Tiago Splitter, this performance only confirms that he’s going through his sweetest part of the season, after delivering his second consecutive 20 plus point performance in the ACB League. It also shows that he’s ready for the biggest showcase he will enjoy, the Euroleague Final Four, providing Tau beats Olympiacos in the quarter-finals. NBA executives will be out in Athens in droves in early May, so a strong performance there could be huge for his draft stock.

The best news about his game revolves around his low post abilities. He looks more comfortable there every day, and as we have been predicting for some time now, he’s becoming a serious threat from the paint in one-on-one settings. It’s possible mainly thanks to his improved right-handed jump hook, that has gained accuracy and some elevation. Now he doesn’t need to always beat his match-up to look for the layup, but he will just release his jump hook over him.

On the negative side, apart from his well-known struggles with his mid-range jumper, it’s a bit concerning to see the problems he eventually shows converting his off-the-ball moves into easy points under the rim. He usually suffers against bigger players, and it was particularly obvious facing Akasvayu Girona, a team that featured three players who are over seven-feet, sharing both inside positions for most of the game. There are a couple of key factors working here. First, Splitter is a bit slow taking the ball up when he decides to attack the basket. Second, he’s not great at playing above the rim, as he lacks some leaping ability. The result was being blocked four times and crediting a poor 6/16 from the field. It might also be a sign that his back is not completely healed.

We’re also seeing how his rivals blatantly opt to foul him rather than concede two easy points. Obviously they prefer to send him to the free-throw line, where he’s not the most reliable shooter-- although he’s slowly improving, getting close to the 60% mark in the ACB League. With Tiago there’s also a small risk of fouling him and still seeing him convert for the And-1, as he’s not very strong keeping control of the ball once he’s fouled.

The rest was there, such as good defense, good movement without the ball (particularly setting picks), and nice activity and stamina—as he stayed very active for the entire 36 minutes he played. He proved once again to be capable of successfully becoming the inside reference of a top-European team such as Tau Vitoria.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Marquee-Matchup-Marc-Gasol-vs.-Tiago-Splitter-1951/#ixzz1KV9iWrK9
http://www.draftexpress.com

[Spursfan 87]

This team played hard all year. They deserve a long off-season for rest.

:lol

[Obstructed_View]

Marc is a good player. He hasn't been tabbed for greatness like Tiago, but when matched up with Splitter, it is a very good matchup. I'm not sure what games you are referring to unless you are just thinking about Tau's success as compared with Barca or Girona, when Marc played there, but head to head it's certainly not a mismatch in favor of Splitter in recent years.

Someone posted up the stat lines from both of them head to head. I never said it was a mismatch, I said Splitter outplayed him. Unless what they posted was incorrect, he did.

[Solid D]

As I said before, Pop needs to try something different to try to establish a lead in these games, instead of playing uphill all game long. Splitter is a good player, so he deserves some floor time.

Now, with regard to Tiago's game versus Gasol's...here are their averages from the FIBA 2010 WCs. Gasol had a better supporting cast than Tiago, but they had very similar numbers.

FIBA World Championships 2010

Tiago -- Marc
12.8 PPG 12.8
5.2 RPG 6.4
2.2 ORPG 2.3
3.0 DRPG 4.1
1.8 ASPG 1.2
54.7% FG2P 58.7%
0% FG3P 0%
70.4% FT 56.3%

They didn't meet in the WCs.

[LakerHater]

Thats his way of sayin that he wont play him!!

[ALVAREZ6]

Wow. I never really imagined myself despising Greggory so much as I do these days. I used to love that coach, but right about now I want the man to jump off of a very tall surface and plummet to his death.

[DMC]

It says "we want to move Splitter" and "we don't want to move him for nothing". If they can/did get to playoffs without him, why have him out there killing his value? Other teams would balk at him right away with his FT doinking and clumsy offense. Keep him on the bench, get him in training and play him next season. Mid season comes around, if he's not doing really good, get something for him.

Also, Marc Gasol isn't the same player he was overseas. Tiago is.

[ALVAREZ6]

It says "we want to move Splitter" and "we don't want to move him for nothing". If they can/did get to playoffs without him, why have him out there killing his value? Other teams would balk at him right away with his FT doinking and clumsy offense. Keep him on the bench, get him in training and play him next season. Mid season comes around, if he's not doing really good, get something for him.

Also, Marc Gasol isn't the same player he was overseas. Tiago is.

And there's another key difference: one player has had plenty of time to gain experience on the NBA court, and the other is apparently shunned from it.

[Blackjack]

No Splitter, allowing the team to play without 2 of the Big 3 for stretches during the playoffs ...

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRQ5fA33Q0On4TzQ-HRA_IFTuIHLiXrqftdb_NerAKBaUb75-XDjg

Just waiting for the movie.

[Solid D]

If the Spurs were taking on the LA Lakers in the Western Conference finals and had a choice between the 2 players, who would you pick to play with the Spurs going forward, Tiago Splitter or Marc Gasol?

Rules: based on "it is, what it is"...excuses such as "well, if Pop had played Splitter more" cannot be included here.

[Obstructed_View]

If the Spurs were taking on the LA Lakers in the Western Conference finals and had a choice between the 2 players, who would you pick to play with the Spurs going forward, Tiago Splitter or Marc Gasol?

Rules: based on "it is, what it is"...excuses such as "well, if Pop had played Splitter more" cannot be included here.

Splitter.

[Solid D]

:lol Well, okay then. Nice obstructed view.

[SequSpur]

WTF? You ask Solid D for an opinion? you want the company line, ask him...

Pop is a fucking idiot. This team is going nowhere unless something magical happens tomorrow morning when they wake up....

[Solid D]

WTF? You ask Solid D for an opinion? you want the company line, ask him...

Pop is a ******* idiot. This team is going nowhere unless something magical happens tomorrow morning when they wake up....

I see you read threads about as closely as you watch games, my friend. :lol

[SequSpur]

Why read them? Bonner this, Pop this...waste of time...

Spurs suck balls right now...same shit, different day, different game...didn't do anything to address their problems from the last two years......

But Bonner gets more and more playing time... I really don't get it.

[Solid D]

Someone posted up the stat lines from both of them head to head. I never said it was a mismatch, I said Splitter outplayed him. Unless what they posted was incorrect, he did.

That would interesting to see, once you locate what someone once posted. My impressions are purely visual observations from watching them play over the past several years...plus something tangible...a head-to-head report from 2007 produced by DraftExpress. I'm just saying, he/she who has eyes...let them see.

[Solid D]

Someone posted up the stat lines from both of them head to head. I never said it was a mismatch, I said Splitter outplayed him. Unless what they posted was incorrect, he did.

That would be interesting to see, once you locate what someone once posted. My impressions are purely visual observations from watching them play over the past several years...plus something tangible...a head-to-head report from 2007 produced by DraftExpress. I'm just saying, he/she who has eyes...let them see.

[Fpoonsie]

Did the idiot OP actually provide a link for this quote ST seems to be losing their shit over?

I have yet to see one...

Edit: Nvm. Saw Nono's link...though, I'm not sure what relevance it still carries 5 months later.

[mingus]

It says "we want to move Splitter" and "we don't want to move him for nothing". If they can/did get to playoffs without him, why have him out there killing his value? Other teams would balk at him right away with his FT doinking and clumsy offense. Keep him on the bench, get him in training and play him next season. Mid season comes around, if he's not doing really good, get something for him.

Also, Marc Gasol isn't the same player he was overseas. Tiago is.

You realize how fucking dumb the reasons you gave were for not playing Splitter, right? Holy Shit.

[Obstructed_View]

:lol Well, okay then. Nice obstructed view.

You fail the second you have to ask such an idiotic, loaded question. It frankly doesn't deserve an honest answer because it's not an honest scenario.

There's absolutely nothing in Splitter's past to indicate that he couldn't be on the floor playing against Gasol in this series, and your TLDR breakdown doesn't change that one iota. Gasol doesn't play for the Spurs, and nobody can do anything about that. Unfortunately, Splitter doesn't play for the Spurs, and that's on one guy.

[Obstructed_View]

WTF? You ask Solid D for an opinion? you want the company line, ask him...

Pop is a fucking idiot. This team is going nowhere unless something magical happens tomorrow morning when they wake up....

I didn't ask him for an opinion. He still thinks the Spurs force baseline. :lol

[George Gervin's Afro]

Could our defense be any worse with another 6'11 guy out there?

[TampaDude]

The average Euroleague game is about 3 times more intense, more physical, and better defense than the average regular season NBA game.

This ain't the regular season anymore. If you really think Euroleague is more intense and physical than the NBA playoffs, you ain't been watching, son. :lol

[Genjuro]

Once again, no head to head. Splitter was a power forward at that time, not a center.
Splitter played center. He defended the power forward position against Akasvayu Girona back in that season because the 7-1 Gregor Fucka was the most dangerous frontcourt player in that team, and happened to play PF. In the following season, Splitter did match up against Gasol.

It would be amazing how consistently wrong you are if you didn't do it on purpose just for the sake of entertaining us.

[InTheCrust]

Splitter played center. He defended the power forward position against Akasvayu Girona back in that season because the 7-1 Gregor Fucka was the most dangerous frontcourt player in that team, and happened to play PF. In the following season, Splitter did match up against Gasol.

It would be amazing how consistently wrong you are if you didn't do it on purpose just for the sake of entertaining us.
:lmao

[jsandiego]

We are not down 2-1 in this Series because our rookie center is not getting minutes. We are losing 2-1 because TP's offensive game has been unstable, and Manu missed Game 1. We played one of our worst games of the year in Game 3 and STILL almost won. We had the lead in Game 1 with a minute left.

Throwing a couple minutes Splitter's way is different than out-and-out replacing Bonner's spot in the rotation, which is what many seem to be implying should be done. You just don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

[ALVAREZ6]

What if Dwight Howard decided to join the Spurs but missed training camp due to minor injuries. Would it also be fair to the team to have him ride the bench in the playoffs?


Kill yourself Greggory.

[TJastal]

I know you're just hypothesizing, but if this is actually his thought process, then he needs to be shot. This is not about a defensive system. This is about being able to single cover the post without getting destroyed. Splitter is the only big outside of Duncan who has any chance of playing adequate straight up defense on Gasol. His presence in tandem with Duncan would allow Duncan to slide over and cover Randolph. That would allow the Spurs to stay at home on the Grizzlies extremely limited perimeter players.

I have no confidence in Splitter getting a chance in game four. But I'm hoping that, since Pop basically went away from Blair in the second half and went to a three big rotation, he'll come to his senses and insert Splitter into the rotation.

He's had 85 games now to come to his senses

[Solid D]

:lmao

Euro newb. His last name is pronounced Foo-tsh-ka

[Solid D]

He still thinks the Spurs force baseline. :lol

Come on, OV. If newer members to SpursTalk think you are serious, you are just going to confuse them and do them a disservice.

[ElNono]

What if Dwight Howard decided to join the Spurs but missed training camp due to minor injuries. Would it also be fair to the team to have him ride the bench in the playoffs?

Kill yourself Greggory.

tbh, if Dwight Howard decided to join the Spurs I wouldn't give a shit if they lose to Memphis this season... :lol

[Solid D]

I didn't ask him for an opinion.

Look, I gave DPG21920 my opinion because he asked for it. I actually like Tiago Splitter and he is likely going to prove to be worth his modest contract arrangement. I just think that he has limitations as a producer in crunch time. Eventually, Pop will give Tiago a chance to prove himself in the USA in key games. I would like to see him play tonight, in fact.


Must have missed when he was outplaying Marc Gasol overseas.

Numerous times.

This post right here needs actual support. "I heard" or "read it somewhere" is not good support for your post (guess).

You can do better. I've seen you do better.

[ChumpDumper]

Rage blinds posters to the fact that others may actually agree with them.

[lefty]

What if Dwight Howard decided to join the Spurs but missed training camp due to minor injuries. Would it also be fair to the team to have him ride the bench in the playoffs?


Kill yourself Greggory.
That's why I have switched teams

Phil Jackson would have played Splitter

[Obstructed_View]

Look, I gave DPG21920 my opinion because he asked for it. I actually like Tiago Splitter and he is likely going to prove to be worth his modest contract arrangement. I just think that he has limitations as a producer in crunch time. Eventually, Pop will give Tiago a chance to prove himself in the USA in key games. I would like to see him play tonight, in fact.



This post right here needs actual support. "I heard" or "read it somewhere" is not good support for your post (guess).

You can do better. I've seen you do better.

I didn't say "I heard", nor did I say "I read it somewhere". It was posted on this forum. If you wish to refute it, use the search function. The thread is likely still active.

Meanwhile, the only thing more stupid than not playing Splitter because he missed training camp or because he's out of game shape (of course he is NOW), would be because someone thinks he might not be able to produce in crunch time based on a four year old write up from Draftexpress. Obviously Pop was going off that when he put Splitter in the first half of all those games Duncan missed only to leave him out of the game in the second half when the Spurs gave the games away.

[Solid D]

I didn't say "I heard", nor did I say "I read it somewhere". It was posted on this forum. If you wish to refute it, use the search function. The thread is likely still active.

Meanwhile, the only thing more stupid than not playing Splitter because he missed training camp or because he's out of game shape (of course he is NOW), would be because someone thinks he might not be able to produce in crunch time based on a four year old write up from Draftexpress. Obviously Pop was going off that when he put Splitter in the first half of all those games Duncan missed only to leave him out of the game in the second half when the Spurs gave the games away.

I just posted that write-up because it was recapping one of relatively few games where one could assert that Splitter was "outplaying" Marc Gasol. There was a game later the next season, in Nov. of 2007, where Tau played Girona and Gasol scored 19 and Splitter scored 13. You just have to substantiate. That's all I'm asking.

Secondly, my opinions of Splitter are not based on box scores or what someone at SpursTalk posted. They are based on what I've seen over the years. What's so difficult to understand about that?

[Obstructed_View]

My opinions of Splitter are based on his play for the Spurs this year, where he's been an excellent defender, has drawn fouls on both ends of the floor at a ridiculous rate, and has been, well, tall. Seems foolish to think he wouldn't have value playing ten minutes a game in this series.

I went and found the post for you. If it's incorrect, then I apologize for not verifying the numbers in it.


I think Splitter and Gasol had four major face-to-face games back in Spain.

Season 2006/07, Splitter was playing for Tau Vitoria, a team that led the regular season (ended up losing in semifinals against Barcelona), teaming up in the paint with Luis Scola, that season's MVP. Gasol was playing his first season for Akasvayu Girona (weak playoff team) on loan from Barcelona. It was his blossoming campaign after being in Ivanovic's doghouse back in Barcelona.

First game, in Vitoria: http://www.acb.com/fichas/LACB51080.php
- Splitter: 13 points (5/5 FG), 7 rebounds, 24 minutes.
- Gasol: 10 points (5/9 FG), 5 rebounds, 24 minutes.

Second game, in Girona: http://www.acb.com/fichas/LACB51229.php
- Splitter: 20 points (6/16 FG), 10 rebounds, 36 minutes.
- Gasol: 16 points (5/6 FG), 13 rebounds, 2 blocks, 29 minutes.

Season 2007/08, Scola leaves Tau, and Splitter remains as the team anchor in the paint as they win the ACB League. Gasol becomes the league's MVP and his team enters again in the playoffs for another early exit (of course Tau teams were much stronger than Akasvayu's).

First game, in Girona: http://www.acb.com/fichas/LACB52004.php
- Splitter: 14 points (6/11 FG), 9 rebounds, 30 minutes.
- Gasol: 10 points (3/11 FG), 4 rebounds, 28 minutes.

Second game, in Vitoria: http://www.acb.com/fichas/LACB52187.php
- Splitter: 13 points (4/8 FG), 4 rebounds, 24 minutes.
- Gasol: 19 points (9/13 FG), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 37 minutes.

For me it is obvious that Splitter should at least get a try on these series when Duncan is on the bench, particularly in the place of Blair, who looks extremely overwhelmed by the Grizzlies size.

[Josepatches_]

He said it's from watching him play overseas numerous times.

I don't agree with it entirely, but I haven't watched nearly as much as Solid probably.

I did and I don't agree.

I watched him a lot because he played all these years in my country.

He will be a big improvement and surely he could be as good as Marc gasol can be.Maybe not today or this year because he's out of rhythm but he can close the gap next year.

[Josepatches_]

Splitter played center. He defended the power forward position against Akasvayu Girona back in that season because the 7-1 Gregor Fucka was the most dangerous frontcourt player in that team, and happened to play PF. In the following season, Splitter did match up against Gasol.

It would be amazing how consistently wrong you are if you didn't do it on purpose just for the sake of entertaining us.


True.

[ffadicted]

“He’s used to playing a lot of minutes and being a big part of what’s going on,” Popovich said. “That’s not happening for him right now, and I’m not in a position to give him 30 minutes to get him going. That’s not fair to him or to the whole group.”

link (http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/07/tiago-splitter-understandably-a-bit-frustrated-with-his-lack-of-playing-time/)

It means that he doesn't feel like he can play splitter big minutes and get good results, thus it's not fair to the team to bring them down.

In Pop I trust

[ALVAREZ6]

That's why I have switched teams

Phil Jackson would have played Splitter

:lol :lol :lol

'atta boy

[ALVAREZ6]

"It wouldn't be fair to the team."


:lmao :lmao :lmao

I still can't believe you said this Greggory, do you really think everyone took that as a legitimate answer? You are such a cock gobbler. Have fun not playing Splitter and leading your #1 seed to a first round exit. If the Spurs lose, I'd like to hear your response on the same subject in the final game post game press conference:

It wouldn't have been fair to the team to advance.