Q&A: What does Pop do now?

[ace3g]

By Jeff McDonald and Mike Monroe
[email protected]

It has been two weeks since the Spurs were bounced from the playoffs by the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. That has given coach Gregg Popovich, in between haunting the bookstores and restaurants of New York City, sufficient time to ponder what went right in 2010-11, what went wrong, and how the Spurs should proceed. In an exclusive sit-down Thursday with E-N staff writers Jeff McDonald and Mike Monroe, Popovich shared some of those thoughts:

Q: Your team won 61 games, earning the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, then lost in the first round of the playoffs. What’s the takeaway from that?

A: The most hurtful part, the toughest part to get over, is to have played so well all year, and for everybody to have their minutes watched and with all the care the staff had, and then to have Timmy (Duncan) lose his rhythm those eight or nine games at the end of the season (after spraining his ankle). And then to have Manu (Ginobili) go out the last game (with a sprained elbow).

It’s just a crushing “poor me” sort of feeling. You say, “My God, how can this happen?” Because no matter how you slice it, if Manu ain’t healthy historically we go nowhere.

That’s the part that is most disappointing. It’s that fate got us, in that degree.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/05/12/qa-what-does-pop-do-now/

[Em-City]

great interview...

agree abt the manu injury

agree abt the 4-spot

would love to find out who those 'untouchables' are... i wonder if he includes parker? (i hope so)

[TD 21]

Some surprising things . . .

1. This is the first time that I can remember (at least recently) Pop not pulling the "the better team wins 7 game series/we were beat by a better team" card. It's clear he feels strongly that they should have won that series and he's even pulling the injuries/rhythm card, which I also can't remember him doing.

2. He flat out called out Jefferson, Parker, Bonner, Blair and either Hill or Neal, while giving Duncan and Ginobili a pass.

3. He said he'll do "everything humanly possible to become a more elite defensive team". A clear admission that they don't have the personnel to be that. As opposed to the past few seasons, when he's ignored that and pretended that if they just focus on it and work hard at it, it'll just happen.

4. He made it clear he doesn't view Splitter as being able to play the four, by saying, if he starts, Duncan moves back to the four. Which makes no sense. Sounds like he's not comfortable with him starting and obviously can't be with Blair/Bonner.

I suspect they'll pursue Varejao, attempt to offload Jefferson (and if successful, pursue Battier) and are open to moving Bonner, Blair and Anderson. If they're unable to trade for Varejao or another starting caliber big, I could see them pursuing Turiaf.

[ginobilized]

The untouchables are Bonner, Matt, #15, and the Red Rocket
not necessarily in that order

[arles]

The untouchables are Bonner, Matt, #15, and the Red Rocket
not necessarily in that order

:lmao :rollin

[wunderkindepiphany]

We have one of the very best coaches in the league and everybody wants to shit on him cause he deflects media bullshit with sarcasm and plays Bonner too long. You know, when he finally does leave San Antonio, well see how well the next guy fills his big ass shoes.

[dbestpro]

We have one of the very best coaches in the league and everybody wants to shit on him cause he deflects media bullshit with sarcasm and plays Bonner too long. You know, when he finally does leave San Antonio, well see how well the next guy fills his big ass shoes.

If the next guy has a young TD level player to work with I venture to say he will do quite well as long as he doesn't lose his basketball mind towards the end of said player's career.

[wunderkindepiphany]

Van Gundy has Dwight Howard and he hasn't done shit, according to some peoples what have you done for me logic. Players with tds mentality and skillset dont come around, often. Plus its unlikely, considering our standings, that well aquire a player of his level, soon. Conjecture is fun though.

[Venti Quattro]

Resign, or get fired. Seriously.

[DMC]

Pop cannot say they were beaten by a better team because he was a 1 seed beaten by an 8 seed. It would be absurd to suggest the 8 seed in the NBA is better than the 1. It throws a monkey wrench in the seeding values.

[DMC]

Resign, or get fired. Seriously.
LOL

How many consecutive years with a winning road record?

How many consecutive years making the playoffs?

Best record in the West, one shy of the league?

4 fucking championships?

fired? LOL...

This aint the Lakers.

[Splits]

If the next guy has a young TD level player to work with I venture to say he will do quite well as long as he doesn't lose his basketball mind towards the end of said player's career.

This is ignorant at best, retarded most likely. Think about how many teams have had a dominant inside presence and didn't win jack shit. Think about how many times Dirk has been into the playoffs and how many coaches he has gone through and doesn't even have one ring, much less four. Malone, Barkley, Baylor, Ewing. All HoFers. All 0 rings.

The city of San Antonio owes Gregg Popovich a debt of gratitude that can never be fully expressed. The man has blessed our small little town, and small market owner with limited resources, with amazing success. How many other teams can you name that had one legit superstar surrounded by "mediocre" players and won 3 chips. And by mediocre I mean Manu, as much as we love him, has only made 2 all-star games and Tony just 3.

Our "big 3" is feeble in comparison to other dynasties. But somehow Pop managed to put the pieces in place, surround his superstar through the draft with late round picks, develop unknown players (hi Bruce), and accomplish something utterly unprecedented in NBA history.

Q: In the history of the NBA, which teams have won more chips?
A: 3 Lakers, Celtics, Bulls.

None of those small markets. None of those with less talent.

Anyone who hates on Pop is a fucking moron. The only possible comparison in recent history is the Rocket's two chips with Hakeem. And last I checked 4>2.

[Splits]

LOL

How many consecutive years with a winning road record?

How many consecutive years making the playoffs?

Best record in the West, one shy of the league?

4 fucking championships?

fired? LOL...

This aint the Lakers.

+eleventybillion

[silverblk mystix]

This is ignorant at best, retarded most likely. Think about how many teams have had a dominant inside presence and didn't win jack shit. Think about how many times Dirk has been into the playoffs and how many coaches he has gone through and doesn't even have one ring, much less four. Malone, Barkley, Baylor, Ewing. All HoFers. All 0 rings.

The city of San Antonio owes Gregg Popovich a debt of gratitude that can never be fully expressed. The man has blessed our small little town, and small market owner with limited resources, with amazing success. How many other teams can you name that had one legit superstar surrounded by "mediocre" players and won 3 chips. And by mediocre I mean Manu, as much as we love him, has only made 2 all-star games and Tony just 3.

Our "big 3" is feeble in comparison to other dynasties. But somehow Pop managed to put the pieces in place, surround his superstar through the draft with late round picks, develop unknown players (hi Bruce), and accomplish something utterly unprecedented in NBA history.

Q: In the history of the NBA, which teams have won more chips?
A: 3 Lakers, Celtics, Bulls.

None of those small markets. None of those with less talent.

Anyone who hates on Pop is a fucking moron. The only possible comparison in recent history is the Rocket's two chips with Hakeem. And last I checked 4>2.

In other words...

I am a fuckin' moron who is terrified of change and just want to keep losing and watching while other franchises go with youth and eliminate the spurs every season.

[Splits]

In other words...

I am a fuckin' moron who is terrified of change and just want to keep losing and watching while other franchises go with youth and eliminate the spurs every season.

Another horrible post which nobody will agree with. Has anyone ever laughed or agreed with anything you have ever written? You are the worst poster on this board. You bring nothing. No intelligence. No uniqueness. No thought. No humility. No ingenuity. No agreement.

All you do is monitor the board for the most ridiculously negative arguments, change the order of the words so as to phrase other people's criticisms and make them your own, and then paste them in an incoherent way.

Never any intelligent rebuttal.

Never any analysis or critique.

All you will ever get from this a-hole is regurgitated drivel about how Pop should be fired and Bonner is the only reason the Spurs didn't win 82 games and lost to the Grizz.

Well done. You've made quite a name for yourself.

[Bruno]

First, props to the E-N for this interview.

Second, :bang
Pop is still so delusional.

I hope what he said in this interview is just for PR purpose and that he has, in fact, a whole different assessment about the team. It would be great if he had realizes all the mistakes he has done lately whether as the unofficial GM or as the coach.

[spurs10]

That was a great interview. I think everything Pop said was dead on, especially regarding Manu. I, too, believe we'd still be playing right now had 'fate' not stepped in and our two best players gotten injured. Glad to hear him talk about the bigs. He knows Matt and Blair aren't going to be our starters. If Tim stays at the 5 neither is Tiago, though our best case scenario right now is Tiago and Tim. Sounds like they'll be shopping for a big this summer. As TD21 mentioned, Varejoe sounds like a possibility. Also like the idea of Battier in silver and black, but dealing RJ is not likely.
Something's got to give. Pop sounds like he's on it. Thanks for posting this. I appreciate all of you that recognize what Pop has given San Antonio.

[Fabbs]

^ :lol right on Silver.

Or, "Since Pop coatailed to 4 'Ships, all reasonable efforts to gain another one should cease and desist. We should rest on the 4 till all eternity. 4 is still better then some other franchises have done. (Who did not have multiple HOF players to coach.)

[Fabbs]

We need to know who is going to be our starting four. Is it DeJuan Blair? Is it (Tiago) Splitter, where Timmy’s the four and Splitter’s the five? Is it Matt Bonner?

Your credibility rating remains at zero, Popped.

[Splits]

Damn, I've been season-trolled. I thought all this time that this silverblck-mystic fuck was posting her real thoughts, and now I find out the actual worst poster on ST has her back. I've been pwned by trolls.

[Fabbs]

"Because no matter how you slice it, if Manu ain’t healthy historically we go nowhere...........I contend if Manu was healthy, we’d still be playing. I don’t have any doubt we’d still be playing." CIA Popped.

Why did you insert him in the lineup vs Phx on the last day of reg season if you thought the Spurs had no chance without him? To pursue the #1 overall seed? WGAF if you aren't even past the 1st round.

[Nathan89]

We have one of the very best coaches in the league and everybody wants to shit on him cause he deflects media bullshit with sarcasm and plays Bonner too long. You know, when he finally does leave San Antonio, well see how well the next guy fills his big ass shoes.


Van Gundy has Dwight Howard and he hasn't done shit, according to some peoples what have you done for me logic. Players with tds mentality and skillset dont come around, often. Plus its unlikely, considering our standings, that well aquire a player of his level, soon. Conjecture is fun though.

I like how some people want act like Pop is some kind of genius that is head and shoulders above every other professional coach because he has four rings. The fact is Pop himself gives all the credit to Tim Duncan and the supporting cast because he knows a coach can only do so much but in the end you can't win without talent.

Since you brought up the fact that Van Gundy hasn't done shit with Dwight Howard, I would like to remind you that they went to a championship and lost to a far superior team. For you to bring this up suggests that you think Pop could have already won a championship if he were the coach of the Magic with D.Howard. That is an absolutely idiotic thought. So why did you bring Howard and Stan up if Pop couldn't have done any better? Please don't tell me you think Pop could have won a ring already. However if you want to make me laugh do tell.


Pop cannot say they were beaten by a better team because he was a 1 seed beaten by an 8 seed. It would be absurd to suggest the 8 seed in the NBA is better than the 1. It throws a monkey wrench in the seeding values.

I agree that he wouldn't admit this even if he thought it. However, I am not so sure he really does think Memphis was the better team.


This is ignorant at best, retarded most likely. Think about how many teams have had a dominant inside presence and didn't win jack shit. Think about how many times Dirk has been into the playoffs and how many coaches he has gone through and doesn't even have one ring, much less four. Malone, Barkley, Baylor, Ewing. All HoFers. All 0 rings.

The city of San Antonio owes Gregg Popovich a debt of gratitude that can never be fully expressed. The man has blessed our small little town, and small market owner with limited resources, with amazing success. How many other teams can you name that had one legit superstar surrounded by "mediocre" players and won 3 chips. And by mediocre I mean Manu, as much as we love him, has only made 2 all-star games and Tony just 3.

Our "big 3" is feeble in comparison to other dynasties. But somehow Pop managed to put the pieces in place, surround his superstar through the draft with late round picks, develop unknown players (hi Bruce), and accomplish something utterly unprecedented in NBA history.

Q: In the history of the NBA, which teams have won more chips?
A: 3 Lakers, Celtics, Bulls.

None of those small markets. None of those with less talent.

Anyone who hates on Pop is a fucking moron. The only possible comparison in recent history is the Rocket's two chips with Hakeem. And last I checked 4>2.

Pop is a good coach but that doesn't mean he would have led any of the teams with the HoFers you mentioned to win a championship. I would say it is highly unlikely that Pop would have been able to produce more than the zero rings they actually did produce. On the other hand I do think many coaches would be able to coach the Spurs with Tim Duncan and the supporting cast to a few championships. Just because he has four rings doesn't mean his basketball knowledge and implementation of that knowledge is far superior to other professional coaches.

[rmt]

"The thing that’s frustrating about that is, we were in position to win every single game at the end of the game, in the fourth quarter."

This is incorrect. They were totally blown out in game 4 and they lost comfortably in game 6. The other 4 games were toss-ups where either team could have won.



"Q: Based on that reading of the series, is there anything you’d do differently?

A: I feel good about that assessment. I wouldn’t change the game plan a lick. There’s nothing we’d do differently."

So, he wouldn't have played Splitter from game 1? He'd have continued to watch Bonner/Blair get abused by Randolph/Gasol?



"Secondly, for personal reasons I felt very uneasy all year long with our spotty defense that could not be consistently relied upon in fourth quarters. It drove me crazy. I think I just need to do whatever I need to do — personnel-wise, or drill-wise or demand-wise — to go from the middle of the pack back to four, five, six, seven, somewhere in there."

He didn't realize (before he re-signed Bonner) that a Bonner/Blair combo wasn't going to cut it defensively against the playoff teams? They won't get to 4-7th defensively with Bonner and Blair playing major minutes.

I am happy that he will be stressing defense more next year, but he needs to look in the mirror and admit his own short-comings with regard to who he put on the floor and how many minutes they played this past year and in the playoffs. It wasn't all on poor play by the players - part of it was the coaching and the decisions he made.

[rmt]

"Because no matter how you slice it, if Manu ain’t healthy historically we go nowhere...........I contend if Manu was healthy, we’d still be playing. I don’t have any doubt we’d still be playing." CIA Popped.

Why did you insert him in the lineup vs Phx on the last day of reg season if you thought the Spurs had no chance without him? To pursue the #1 overall seed? WGAF if you aren't even past the 1st round.

Not even for the #1 overall seed - it was for a chance to tie for the #1 overall seed - an improbable chance to flip a coin :bang

[silverblk mystix]

Pop:Is it MATT BONNER?

That is as far as anyone has to read to discover that Pop is still delusional.

If you keep supporting him...go ahead...but be prepared to keep losing...that is just plain common sense.

Anyone with a brain can see that players like Bonner will never be enough against playoff teams with young athletes that can ball.

Pop is still trotting out that 1950's bullshit that athlete's aren't necessary...that a player with intelligence and character can help more than an athlete. Well of course...if the athlete in question is dumber than a bag of rocks...but today's athletes are not only athletic...but also have smarts,character and discipline.

Why continue to depend on a BONNER with no athletic ability, no balls, short arms and no fuckin' mental toughness when other teams just attack and destroy him at will?
To prove what?

That nice guys CAN succeed? That character guys who suck off the coach can implement that coach's system without ever making a mistake or take a bad shot.....while LOSING?

I tried very hard to keep supporting Pop for years and years...

Once upon a time I believed in Pop and pounding the rock and all that hoo-rah spurs philosophy crap...until I opened my eyes and thought to myself;

hmmm...

It appears that Pop stresses defense and will jump on your shit if you miss a defensive rotation...that is good...b-but wait...Finley fucks up left and right...and Pop seems to just overlook it. Is it because Nellie recommended Finley? Is it cause Pop loves Finleys jump shot? Why is it that Bruce Bowen is in the doghouse...yet Finley is spared?

I kept watching...and wondering....

Why is Pop trying to match up with other teams going small by going smaller? Why is Naz'r, Rasho, and any other bigs...rotting on the bench while teams continually drive in for layups? Why is Bogans a centerpiece of a defense that can't stop anyone? Why?

This continued and got worse with Bonner....who ANYONE could see was getting killed each and every time he stepped on the floor? Why? Why would you continue to overplay a guy who does nothing but get killed on defense...yet you continue to lie to yourself that defense is the first priority? Why?

Finally, this past season...

To me...after being a diehard spurs fan since the red,white & blue ABA days...through thick and thin...through suffering through elimination after elimination....through all that...why was this season ---for me---

the absolute worst?

This season I found myself...unhappy...AFTER A WIN!!!!

Each time that the spurs won...I found myself unhappy???? I could not understand why????


Then it hit me....


This season the spurs acquired a big man...finally...

Tiago Splitter....


Finally...Pop will go back to the defensive schemes that won the spurs 4 titles....championship spurs defense is back!!!!!!

Except...Pop refused to play him....Pop buried him on the bench...Pop at first blamed Tiago's injuries....then blamed Tiago missing training camp....then blamed the complicated spurs system as too complicated for rookies....then Pop just buried him.

Even when Tiago got healthy and was fresh from not playing all season...still...Pop would not play him.
Each victory was more of the same...yay...we won...but we played no defense...Bonner played 30 minutes and Tiago got another DNP....the worst thing was that you could not really be mad at Pop...because...hey--we are winning...but still no defense. No presence down low...no blocked shots--except for Timmy...no dominance.


The wins were not even satisfying....was I just a hater? Did I just fall out of love with my team that I had supported in good times and bad since 1973? (When they were the Dallas Chapparrals)....

The reason was that I just saw through the fact that Pop was not helping the team but hurting it. That the spurs were winning ---in spite of Pop---NOT BECAUSE OF HIM.

This is the truth if anyone wants truth.

If you want to continue losing in the first or second round...or worse...then keep believing in Pop...he was once great but now is just old and senile.

[SenorSpur]

Kudos to McDonald and Monroe for this interview. So much to dissect.

I disagree wholeheartedly with the following comments:

"Timmy’s not Timmy, like he used to be. But that’s not why we lost the series." Huh? Pop must be drinking his own Kool Aid - and in large quantities. That's like the equivalent of him stating that "Timmy contributions over the past 13 years we're not necessarily the reason for the four NBA championships that we've won." Are you kidding me? If he truly believes this, he's delusional.

It was disheartening to hear him somewhat dismiss the youth and athleticism issue. "I don’t care about the age, the “athletic” thing. I care about performance." He should care about it - much. If the opposition has more talent, athleticism and skill, on both ends of the court, than you, it's likely that you're going to lose. If the opposition is better defensively, quicker to rebounds and loose balls, while running rings around your older, aged players on offense, you're going to lose - and not even an abundance of performance and corporate knowledge can overcome that.

"That team won 61 games. I contend if Manu was healthy, we’d still be playing. I don’t have any doubt we’d still be playing." Uh no, Pop. Your record was fool's gold. The factors of a declining Duncan, a porous defense and a trio of inconsistent, non-contributing role players was bound to catch up with you eventually.

On whether they can contend next season, "we’re either good enough to continue to contend, or we’re not. But I don’t see us being less of a team next year as this year, even if it stays exactly the same. So long as we’re healthy." If the roster stays EXACTLY the same, you WILL NOT contend. And health is only part the equation. An immediate power forward upgrade must be acquired (either via draft or free agency) to help mitigate the Duncan decline. Unless that happens, and if there aren't substantial improvements on defense, and if Pop keeps rolling out RJ and Bonner (with Hill on road games), they'll have a decent record, an average season and will likely flameout again in the playoffs.

I agree with him on the following statements:

"Richard (Jefferson) played well the first two games, then he was MIA. Tony (Parker) was absent the first three or four games, MIA. Then off the bench, you’ve got two or three other players that don’t show up." He's surprisingly dead-on, but I wanted to hear him call out Bonner and Hill by name.

"We’re playing under the (salary) cap. We don’t have 90 million frickin’ dollars. We’re playing with minimum (salary) people off the bench." That's true. Therfore, it's even more vital that the Spurs get consistent production from role players. Because they have a slim financial margin of error, there is no room or reason to house, inconsistent, non-performing role players. They simply cannot afford that luxury. RJ, Bonner and Hill exemplify this trio of non-performers. They can probably live with Hill's shortcomings because he's young enough to overcome himself. However at this point, RJ and Bonner are what they are and at should be moved off the roster.

"I felt very uneasy all year long with our spotty defense that could not be consistently relied upon in fourth quarters. It drove me crazy. I think I just need to do whatever I need to do — personnel-wise, or drill-wise or demand-wise — to go from the middle of the pack back to four, five, six, seven, somewhere in there." He should've felt uneasy, because the deficiencies were obvious and eventually came back to haunt this team. I'm glad to hear the he's is at least verbally committed toward molding the team back into an elite defensive squad. However, for this to be true, it has to be more than lip service - which is all that it's been so far. It also cannot occur with one-dimensional, offensive players. He also must find a way to mitigate the decline of Duncan, in this area. Thus the need for the upgrade at power forward. There is no mystery around how to accomplish this - ACQUIRE BETTER DEFENSIVE PLAYERS.

On roster improvements, "we’d like to find another skilled athlete to add to the mix. Our biggest need right now is a starting four (power forward). We need to know who is going to be our starting four. Is it DeJuan Blair? Is it (Tiago) Splitter, where Timmy’s the four and Splitter’s the five? Is it Matt Bonner? Do you need to make a trade? We’re investigating all those areas.". The hole here is as obvious as a pimple of the rear end. I hope that Pop does consider giving Tiago a chance to start alongside Duncan next season. Whle I agree with his comments, it did, however, make me a bit nervous to hear him even make a passing reference to Matt Bonner here. Don't even think about it. :bang

[J_Paco]

This is ignorant at best, retarded most likely. Think about how many teams have had a dominant inside presence and didn't win jack shit. Think about how many times Dirk has been into the playoffs and how many coaches he has gone through and doesn't even have one ring, much less four. Malone, Barkley, Baylor, Ewing. All HoFers. All 0 rings.

The city of San Antonio owes Gregg Popovich a debt of gratitude that can never be fully expressed. The man has blessed our small little town, and small market owner with limited resources, with amazing success. How many other teams can you name that had one legit superstar surrounded by "mediocre" players and won 3 chips. And by mediocre I mean Manu, as much as we love him, has only made 2 all-star games and Tony just 3.

Our "big 3" is feeble in comparison to other dynasties. But somehow Pop managed to put the pieces in place, surround his superstar through the draft with late round picks, develop unknown players (hi Bruce), and accomplish something utterly unprecedented in NBA history.

Q: In the history of the NBA, which teams have won more chips?
A: 3 Lakers, Celtics, Bulls.

None of those small markets. None of those with less talent.

Anyone who hates on Pop is a fucking moron. The only possible comparison in recent history is the Rocket's two chips with Hakeem. And last I checked 4>2.


You're fucking retarded if you believe Manu and Tony are just mediocre. They comprise one of the greatest backcourt duos in NBA history, dipshit. Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are the only combo that compare off the top of my head. Manu is a sure-fire HOF'er and Tony needs a few more ASG nominations, but I believe he'll be enshrined as well.

Also, Bruce wasn't a complete unknown before he got here. He was basically Raja Bell, a journeyman who needed to find the right atmosphere to let his (limited) talent shine, before he made it to Phoenix.

[TJastal]

Pop:Is it MATT BONNER?

That is as far as anyone has to read to discover that Pop is still delusional.

If you keep supporting him...go ahead...but be prepared to keep losing...that is just plain common sense.

Anyone with a brain can see that players like Bonner will never be enough against playoff teams with young athletes that can ball.

Pop is still trotting out that 1950's bullshit that athlete's aren't necessary...that a player with intelligence and character can help more than an athlete. Well of course...if the athlete in question is dumber than a bag of rocks...but today's athletes are not only athletic...but also have smarts,character and discipline.

Why continue to depend on a BONNER with no athletic ability, no balls, short arms and no fuckin' mental toughness when other teams just attack and destroy him at will?
To prove what?

That nice guys CAN succeed? That character guys who suck off the coach can implement that coach's system without ever making a mistake or take a bad shot.....while LOSING?

I tried very hard to keep supporting Pop for years and years...

Once upon a time I believed in Pop and pounding the rock and all that hoo-rah spurs philosophy crap...until I opened my eyes and thought to myself;

hmmm...

It appears that Pop stresses defense and will jump on your shit if you miss a defensive rotation...that is good...b-but wait...Finley fucks up left and right...and Pop seems to just overlook it. Is it because Nellie recommended Finley? Is it cause Pop loves Finleys jump shot? Why is it that Bruce Bowen is in the doghouse...yet Finley is spared?

I kept watching...and wondering....

Why is Pop trying to match up with other teams going small by going smaller? Why is Naz'r, Rasho, and any other bigs...rotting on the bench while teams continually drive in for layups? Why is Bogans a centerpiece of a defense that can't stop anyone? Why?

This continued and got worse with Bonner....who ANYONE could see was getting killed each and every time he stepped on the floor? Why? Why would you continue to overplay a guy who does nothing but get killed on defense...yet you continue to lie to yourself that defense is the first priority? Why?

Finally, this past season...

To me...after being a diehard spurs fan since the red,white & blue ABA days...through thick and thin...through suffering through elimination after elimination....through all that...why was this season ---for me---

the absolute worst?

This season I found myself...unhappy...AFTER A WIN!!!!

Each time that the spurs won...I found myself unhappy???? I could not understand why????


Then it hit me....


This season the spurs acquired a big man...finally...

Tiago Splitter....


Finally...Pop will go back to the defensive schemes that won the spurs 4 titles....championship spurs defense is back!!!!!!

Except...Pop refused to play him....Pop buried him on the bench...Pop at first blamed Tiago's injuries....then blamed Tiago missing training camp....then blamed the complicated spurs system as too complicated for rookies....then Pop just buried him.

Even when Tiago got healthy and was fresh from not playing all season...still...Pop would not play him.
Each victory was more of the same...yay...we won...but we played no defense...Bonner played 30 minutes and Tiago got another DNP....the worst thing was that you could not really be mad at Pop...because...hey--we are winning...but still no defense. No presence down low...no blocked shots--except for Timmy...no dominance.


The wins were not even satisfying....was I just a hater? Did I just fall out of love with my team that I had supported in good times and bad since 1973? (When they were the Dallas Chapparrals)....

The reason was that I just saw through the fact that Pop was not helping the team but hurting it. That the spurs were winning ---in spite of Pop---NOT BECAUSE OF HIM.

This is the truth if anyone wants truth.

If you want to continue losing in the first or second round...or worse...then keep believing in Pop...he was once great but now is just old and senile.

+1000

Every single popsucker on this website should be put in a straightjacket eyelids held open with pins and forced to read this post 100X out loud till they understand why the team is going nowhere with Pop at the helm.

And every single thing you mentioned in this post connected on some level. Thank you for taking the time, and damn good read bravo!

[pancakechef]

No one can answer this question: With arguably the best Spurs roster on paper, why does POP continue to blow big leads, lose when it counts, make proper adjustments?

Anyone who is still on the "pop thing" must not watch basketball

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

no one can answer this question: with arguably the best spurs roster on paper, why does pop continue to blow big leads, lose when it counts, make proper adjustments?

Anyone who is still on the "pop thing" must not watch basketball

wtf?

[Warlord23]

A rare Pop interview which features candid basketball talk rather than Pop being a sarcastic smartass :tu

1. He acknowledges that they need to be better on defense, while simultaneously discussing the possibility of Bonner being the starting 4. These 2 statements are hard to reconcile. Let's hope he's playing up Bonner's trade value with these comments.

2. It's not as if Manu was completely ineffective. If Manu being at 70% or less means a quick exit for the Spurs (to a team that didn't have Rudy Gay), then we need to get more talent to contend. It isn't as if they were outdone by Rondo, Pierce and Allen - it was Conley, Sam Young and Tony Allen FFS.

3. "I feel good about that assessment. I wouldn’t change the game plan a lick. There’s nothing we’d do differently. It’s the playoffs. Players have to step up and play." Scary. Of course, he did try and change his "game plan" by putting Splitter in alongside TD.

[GrandeDavid]

I'm very surprised at Pop's boldness in straight up saying that had Manu not gotten injured the Spurs would've beaten Memphis. That's out of character.

I just think that even with a healthy Manu how would the Spurs have won that series playing 4 on 5? I mean it's obvious that Rich Jefferson did not/cannot play high intensity basketball.

[SenorSpur]

I'm very surprised at Pop's boldness in straight up saying that had Manu not gotten injured the Spurs would've beaten Memphis. That's out of character.

I just think that even with a healthy Manu how would the Spurs have won that series playing 4 on 5? I mean it's obvious that Rich Jefferson did not/cannot play high intensity basketball.

^ this

His statements about Memphis are both disengenious to the Grizz and highly unlikely. Unless Duncan was somehow able to "turn back the clock" and somehow transform himself into the best big in the series (throwing up 20 & 10), there's no way.

[Fabbs]

Jeffery McDonald had earlier emailed me and said oftentimes Popped makes comments on the side that do not get printed. I asked him to please elaborate on what his love affair with giving Matt Bonner significant playoff minutes and role is. ... (Also said before that Mike Finley 2008 09 1/2 10)
Stay tuned. If there is a response.

[joshdaboss]

I wonder how much of this is Popovich trying to save his own ass. Trying to deflect the fact he was, again, outcoached by a rookie head coach in the NBA playoffs. For the 2nd time, he had the team with immensely more talent, and somehow managed to lose.

[Fabbs]

I wonder how much of this is Popovich trying to save his own ass. Trying to deflect the fact he was, again, outcoached by a rookie head coach in the NBA playoffs. For the 2nd time, he had the team with immensely more talent, and somehow managed to lose.
99.99999%?
:toast

[cantthinkofanything]

No one can answer this question: With arguably the best Spurs roster on paper, why does POP continue to blow big leads, lose when it counts, make proper adjustments?

Anyone who is still on the "pop thing" must not watch basketball

Great point. I'm shocked that the Spurs were ever able to even have a winning season. let alone a title, trotting out Robinson and Elliott with Duncan.

Or those dark years where we had to put a young Tony Parker and green Manu, next to the Big Fundamental.

Now when we are finally able to land big names like Bonner, Jefferson, and Quinn, we can't even get out of the first round.

[Giuseppe]

I'm very surprised at Pop's boldness in straight up saying that had Manu not gotten injured the Spurs would've beaten Memphis. That's out of character.

Once Pop crossed over after searching & finding Neal on a police blotter it was Katie bar the door.

His character is like AWOL.

[Spurs Brazil]

Great interview

Props to the EN guys.

I'm glad Pop want the team to get better on D

[++SaiNt TiAg0++]

We need to know who is going to be our starting four. Is it DeJuan Blair? Is it (Tiago) Splitter, where Timmy’s the four and Splitter’s the five? Is it Matt Bonner?

Your credibility rating remains at zero, Popped.

i called this exact scenario right here, lol i had said =for all we know matt could be starting next year= thats how crazy pop is 4 that bitch bonner, and everyone ignored me because they knew it wasn't so far fetched, its just pathetic for pop to resort to bonner starting next to a 36 year old duncan ? thats the defensive upgrade?

shit i know hes crazy.., but he cant be this crazy. pop just isnt the same coach/intense leader i remember, however what bad ass coaches do we have lined up for the position?? no one . so yes im thankful pop is changing his tone lets just pray peter holt got wasted and let pop hear what the fans were saying , & hopefully hes done treating tiago like a piece of shit and play that DEFENSIVE 7footer.

HOWEVER :toast i was pleased with the interview, i mean really pleased i wasnt expecting pop to drop the al bundy attitude w/ the "we had bad luck" garbage! :wow and i guess ill stick up for pop 2day and say:

i also believe he threw matt's name out there as a starter, mainly because he didnt want to hurt that losers feelings or anyone hes thinking of trading(im laughing in disbelief b/c the bonner nightmare continues if im wrong).

i have a good feeling hes been bothered by spurs haters/spurs fans and all say they were too small/killed in the paint. ..it seems like he has already trying to make up for being such an idiot this season, and i bet everyone is asking pop who they'll get this summer to fix what happened, and wheres the defense! so hes definitely feeling the heat. (nagging fans is worse than espn or local news because you hear it daily)

its now been 4 long defeated years and it seems like he's heard alot of shit from us fans, im just glad i didnt hear the whole "we lost due to the stars not being aligned just unfortunate/well be right there next year same team" oh never mind he's still using that shit,sorry

i mean yes! manu's important...ok but for him to not have a 2nd playmaker and still be in this predicament/situation un-adressed w manu???? reinforce the team with tough mental/ phys talent players at least one that can fill for manu (thats why you let j.anderson b 6th man, play the talent dumbass, dont bench the kid who averaged a block or 2 at sg and played good 2 GREAT D !! of course BENCHED after returning from injury??)

remember pop goes to h.e.b he goes and puts gas like a normal person and i bet a few ppl good ppl told him the truth and talked defense when they saw him.anyway there seems to be a good defensive make over coming this summer and thats all we wanted as SPURS FANS (we the so called "pop haters)

so im pretty happy to hear hes at least talking defense making it non optional. and that in itself gives me satisfaction knowing bonner is somewhere reading this . (hell probably text pop after reading lol)
matt-:madrun>:cell

bonner: :nerd"already working out and studying bowen film tonight when i get home, so am i starting or untouchable ? " coach pop::pop: "great honey,of course you're starting!!you're a heck of a basketball player i mean AMAZING!i had to throw some names out there so they get off our backs and you'll never be "untouchable" esp when im attacking/penetrating the taint ... paint ..taint either way you suck at stopping penetration :pop:
great idea matt & perfect jargon to tell the news herd {mike mon~douche/andrew monaco} they always feed my bullshit to spursfans!!"


POP&Matt::makeout :fishing SPURS FANS: if matt starts: :meeting: :spless: :sick :cuss :drunk :makemyday :pctoss :cry :flipoff :hang (spur fans begin mass suicide :shootme lol) sorry was bored guys

[silverblk mystix]

+1000

Every single popsucker on this website should be put in a straightjacket eyelids held open with pins and forced to read this post 100X out loud till they understand why the team is going nowhere with Pop at the helm.

And every single thing you mentioned in this post connected on some level. Thank you for taking the time, and damn good read bravo!

:toast

Try telling any of this to that SPLITMAN 4evah popsucker...he thinks Pop is questioned or doubted for no reason at all...but there are many reasons...

...and doubting or questioning Pop has nothing to do with being ungrateful for what Pop has done or has nothing to do with hating the spurs...

[coachmac87]

Look Pop just admitted Spurs first priority is a starting Pf. It's not going to be Blair, Bonner or Splitter..Pop only mentioned those people because as of now those are the only bigs left. He pretty much said that they will look for a trade to improve, because unless Duncan restructured his contract Spurs can't make a difference in FA. I look for RJ and Blair with Dice expiring contract to be moved for the next BIG. Spurs then use their FA $$ towards a Prince or Battier type player, somebody who is a vet and defensive minded. Pop must have a defensive toy on the wing. Splitter backs up Timmy while Bonner remains the 3pt specialist, people are gonna hate to hear this but Bonner is almost certain to comeback because he is under contract and unless some team wants him in a trade he ain't goin nowhere.

[TJastal]

:toast

Try telling any of this to that SPLITMAN 4evah popsucker...he thinks Pop is questioned or doubted for no reason at all...but there are many reasons...

...and doubting or questioning Pop has nothing to do with being ungrateful for what Pop has done or has nothing to do with hating the spurs...

splitman 4evah strikes me as a closet laker fan who decided to climb up here and vent some frustration on anyone he could find. Since we question Pop's decisions, we've already got a bullseye so it was just natural.

[SenorSpur]

Jeffery McDonald had earlier emailed me and said oftentimes Popped makes comments on the side that do not get printed. I asked him to please elaborate on what his love affair with giving Matt Bonner significant playoff minutes and role is. ... (Also said before that Mike Finley 2008 09 1/2 10)
Stay tuned. If there is a response.

What's really funny about Pop's long leash for Bonner, is that he normally doesn't give a long leash to players, who have clearly underperformed.

Hedo Turkoglu, a far better player than Bonner, was only given a year to prove himself. Same for the likes of Nazr Mohammed , Francisco Elson & Kurt Thomas, who were given roughly 1 or 2 seasons to clearly demonstrate that they could become regular contributors.

The point being is that all these players were acquired via trade or free agency. They were given a window to demonstrate their wares, then were moved out.

Only Bonner, like Finley before him, has been given the red carpet "royal" treatment by Pop. The coach has continued to force-feed him minutes and entrust him with defensive assignments, when clearly his skills, physical limitations and on-court deficiencies indicated otherwise.

Bonner, unlike Finley, has proven to be a continuous, royal playoff choker, and he keeps getting a pass from the coach, along with being rewarded with a 4-yr extension.

The decision by Pop to continue investing money and years into an end-of-the-bench player like Bonner, forcing him into a prominent rotation role, where he obviously cannot succeed, and yet expecting different results clearly demonstrates that Pop has lost his mind.

[portnoy1]

The solution is pretty obvious for Pop. Trade for Chris Kaman(Theirs your starting C) Sign and Trade for Krilenko(He can replace RJ and can play the 4 when Pop wants to go small) Sign TJ ford. Keep Duncan/Ginobili/Splitter/Neal/Novak/Parker????? everybody else can be traded and replaced in some way.

[TheManFromAcme]

LOL

How many consecutive years with a winning road record?

How many consecutive years making the playoffs?

Best record in the West, one shy of the league?

4 fucking championships?

fired? LOL...

This aint the Lakers.

gotta agree with you here DMC

You couldn't just put anyone at the helm and Spurs fan has a terrible memory. What's next? Bob Hill got cheated out? :lol

The man brought 4, again 4 championships with rotations with personnel that would have had other coaches pulling their hair :bang

This guy is a shoe in HOF.

[Fireball]

Van Gundy has Dwight Howard and he hasn't done shit, according to some peoples what have you done for me logic. Players with tds mentality and skillset dont come around, often. Plus its unlikely, considering our standings, that well aquire a player of his level, soon.

In other words: Dwight Howard is not and will never be as good as Tim Duncan. I agree on that.

I liked what Pop said in this interview. Its gonna be interesting what happens in the next months ...

[TJastal]

What's really funny about Pop's long leash for Bonner, is that he normally doesn't give a long leash to players, who have clearly underperformed.

Hedo Turkoglu, a far better player than Bonner, was only given a year to prove himself. Same for the likes of Nazr Mohammed , Francisco Elson & Kurt Thomas, who were given roughly 1 or 2 seasons to clearly demonstrate that they could become regular contributors.

The point being is that all these players were acquired via trade or free agency. They were given a window to demonstrate their wares, then were moved out.

Only Bonner, like Finley before him, has been given the red carpet "royal" treatment by Pop. The coach has continued to force-feed him minutes and entrust him with defensive assignments, when clearly his skills, physical limitations and on-court deficiencies indicated otherwise.

Bonner, unlike Finley, has proven to be a continuous, royal playoff choker, and he keeps getting a pass from the coach, along with being rewarded with a 4-yr extension.

The decision by Pop to continue investing money and years into an end-of-the-bench player like Bonner, forcing him into a prominent rotation role, where he obviously cannot succeed, and yet expecting different results clearly demonstrates that Pop has lost his mind.

I have a theory, Senorspur. Pop was so shamed over the whole Scola incident he cannot let Bonner go until he "proves" to the world he made the right choice in obtaining Bonner instead. Don't matter that poor Tim Duncan who has done such great things for the franchise in his career (elevated the franchise value over 300 million dollars since he was signed), now must spend significant minutes with this putz on the floor. This is all about Pop and his stubborn pride to not admit to his mistake. Pop simply doesn't give a shit about the spurs, or any of his players. Just a narcissistic douchebag reveling in all the attention he's gotten by riding the coattails of Tim Duncan for the past decade.

[cantthinkofanything]

The man brought 4, again 4 championships with rotations with personnel that would have had other coaches pulling their hair.

LOL...what??? "Personnel that would have other coaches pulling out there hair." You mean having two of the most dominant post men in NBA history that are low key and not driven by ego and willing to be coached. Or maybe one of the quickest point guards in the world in his prime. Or maybe a foreign player that has won at every level. Not to mention all the other pieces of which almost all were coachable and not trouble makers.

I give all the credit in the world for the FO and Pop for finding some of those players. But to make it seem like Pop molded a ragtag bunch of scrappy players into world champions makes me snort beer out my nose.

[Spurtacus]

Q: If you do talk trades, are there any players you’d consider untouchable?

A: Yeah, there are several untouchables, but I won’t name them.

Bonner. :smchode:

[TheManFromAcme]

LOL...what??? "Personnel that would have other coaches pulling out there hair." You mean having two of the most dominant post men in NBA history that are low key and not driven by ego and willing to be coached. Or maybe one of the quickest point guards in the world in his prime. Or maybe a foreign player that has won at every level. Not to mention all the other pieces of which almost all were coachable and not trouble makers.

I give all the credit in the world for the FO and Pop for finding some of those players. But to make it seem like Pop molded a ragtag bunch of scrappy players into world champions makes me snort beer out my nose.

..start snorting the brew then pal because that's what happened (I strongly suggest a smooth Boddingtons Ale...creamy and stout and won't harm your nose hairs)

take a step back and look at your past rosters beyond Manu, Tony, Bruce and Tim......I mean are you really questioning this?

I am propping Pop because of his ability to mold a contender post-Robinson when many doubted the Spurs team

[rmt]

Pop:Is it MATT BONNER?

That is as far as anyone has to read to discover that Pop is still delusional.

If you keep supporting him...go ahead...but be prepared to keep losing...that is just plain common sense.

Anyone with a brain can see that players like Bonner will never be enough against playoff teams with young athletes that can ball.

Pop is still trotting out that 1950's bullshit that athlete's aren't necessary...that a player with intelligence and character can help more than an athlete. Well of course...if the athlete in question is dumber than a bag of rocks...but today's athletes are not only athletic...but also have smarts,character and discipline.

Why continue to depend on a BONNER with no athletic ability, no balls, short arms and no fuckin' mental toughness when other teams just attack and destroy him at will?
To prove what?

That nice guys CAN succeed? That character guys who suck off the coach can implement that coach's system without ever making a mistake or take a bad shot.....while LOSING?

I tried very hard to keep supporting Pop for years and years...

Once upon a time I believed in Pop and pounding the rock and all that hoo-rah spurs philosophy crap...until I opened my eyes and thought to myself;

hmmm...

It appears that Pop stresses defense and will jump on your shit if you miss a defensive rotation...that is good...b-but wait...Finley fucks up left and right...and Pop seems to just overlook it. Is it because Nellie recommended Finley? Is it cause Pop loves Finleys jump shot? Why is it that Bruce Bowen is in the doghouse...yet Finley is spared?

I kept watching...and wondering....

Why is Pop trying to match up with other teams going small by going smaller? Why is Naz'r, Rasho, and any other bigs...rotting on the bench while teams continually drive in for layups? Why is Bogans a centerpiece of a defense that can't stop anyone? Why?

This continued and got worse with Bonner....who ANYONE could see was getting killed each and every time he stepped on the floor? Why? Why would you continue to overplay a guy who does nothing but get killed on defense...yet you continue to lie to yourself that defense is the first priority? Why?

Finally, this past season...

To me...after being a diehard spurs fan since the red,white & blue ABA days...through thick and thin...through suffering through elimination after elimination....through all that...why was this season ---for me---

the absolute worst?

This season I found myself...unhappy...AFTER A WIN!!!!

Each time that the spurs won...I found myself unhappy???? I could not understand why????


Then it hit me....


This season the spurs acquired a big man...finally...

Tiago Splitter....


Finally...Pop will go back to the defensive schemes that won the spurs 4 titles....championship spurs defense is back!!!!!!

Except...Pop refused to play him....Pop buried him on the bench...Pop at first blamed Tiago's injuries....then blamed Tiago missing training camp....then blamed the complicated spurs system as too complicated for rookies....then Pop just buried him.

Even when Tiago got healthy and was fresh from not playing all season...still...Pop would not play him.
Each victory was more of the same...yay...we won...but we played no defense...Bonner played 30 minutes and Tiago got another DNP....the worst thing was that you could not really be mad at Pop...because...hey--we are winning...but still no defense. No presence down low...no blocked shots--except for Timmy...no dominance.


The wins were not even satisfying....was I just a hater? Did I just fall out of love with my team that I had supported in good times and bad since 1973? (When they were the Dallas Chapparrals)....

The reason was that I just saw through the fact that Pop was not helping the team but hurting it. That the spurs were winning ---in spite of Pop---NOT BECAUSE OF HIM.

This is the truth if anyone wants truth.

If you want to continue losing in the first or second round...or worse...then keep believing in Pop...he was once great but now is just old and senile.

Great post - my feelings exactly. The greatest regret I have this year is that our second best defensive big was sitting on the bench all year. In previous (recent) years, at least they didn't have the personnel but to have it and not use it is inexcusable. And what a waste of an opportunity in a year when LA and BOS are out of the playoffs and there are no other teams with championship experience left :bang

[Warlord23]

..start snorting the brew then pal because that's what happened (I strongly suggest a smooth Boddingtons Ale...creamy and stout and won't harm your nose hairs)

take a step back and look at your past rosters beyond Manu, Tony, Bruce and Tim......I mean are you really questioning this?

I am propping Pop because of his ability to mold a contender post-Robinson when many doubted the Spurs team

I personally think the "old Pop" of the championship years deserved his accolades - he brought out the best in his players by emphasizing defense and toughness. He turned role players like Bowen, Malik Rose and Nazr into important contributors that helped win championships. He may not have had the most talent, but he made up for that with his "pound the rock" approach.

It's just that the "new Pop" is completely different. He awards playing time for reasons other than on-court performance/potential. He's done a U-turn on the type of role players he wants on his team of late.

He was great till 2005. After that it's been a steady decline.

[cantthinkofanything]

take a step back and look at your past rosters beyond Manu, Tony, Bruce and Tim......I mean are you really questioning this?


Oh I get it now. It also made me realize what a genius Phil Jackson.

I also stepped back and looked at the Laker roster without Kobe, Shaq and Pau.

And then I stepped back and looked at Chicago witout Jordan and Pippen.

And then I carried it back to note the genius of Riley by examing the 80's Lakers without Magic, Kareem, Worthy, and Cooper.

Then there were those crappy Boston lineups after you look past Bird, McHale, and Parish.

Man, all of the great teams had great coaches that were able to offset their sorry rosters with better motivation and game planning.

[elemento]

We all have to appreciate what Pop and our FO have done so far. And I think most of us appreciate that. But that does not mean that we cannot criticise them we they make dumb moves. And when i say that, I mean in-court and off-court moves.

The fact that the Spurs won 4 titles with Pop and Buford does not turn them into untouchable gods.

Of course we applaud good moves, but as fans, we have the right to criticise when they make dumb moves. When they first brought Jefferson, most of us thought it was a good move, a nice gamble. But after 1 season with Dick, we knew he was not the player we were looking for.

Yeah, most of new Spurs players have a better 2nd year, but that does not mean that we have to give a bad fit 39m for a second try.

Our draft picks were just fine. The problem was the off-season moves, especially after the Scola gift.

[cantthinkofanything]

We all have to appreciate what Pop and our FO have done so far. And I think most of us appreciate that. But that does not mean that we cannot criticise them we they make dumb moves. And when i say that, I mean in-court and off-court moves.

The fact that the Spurs won 4 titles with Pop and Buford does not turn them into untouchable gods.

Of course we applaud good moves, but as fans, we have the right to criticise when they make dumb moves. When they first brought Jefferson, most of us thought it was a good move, a nice gamble. But after 1 season with Dick, we knew he was not the player we were looking for.

Yeah, most of new Spurs players have a better 2nd year, but that does not mean that we have to give a bad fit 39m for a second try.

Our draft picks were just fine. The problem was the off-season moves, especially after the Scola gift.

Well said.

[HankChinaski]

The interview was interesting. I found it somewhat reassuring and also scary at the same time with how pop responded and thought of how they team played out this year and what the plans are for the off season.

I am officially on the fence with pop this off season going into the start of the season. If the roster looks the same or the team is still harboring certain collections of individuals in the roster still and with just some dump of a contract signing with the MLE to add defense to the team. I'm going to be severely irrate as a fan.


My version of the Bonner leash for Pop has come to its end.

[ElNono]

If he felt so uneasy with the 'spotty defense', why did he have to wait until next season to 'do whatever he needs to do, personnel-wise, or drill-wise or demand-wise'?

It really sucked when I read that part.

Pop needs to understand that drills or demands will not make poor defenders into good defenders. Some of the personnel will have to change.

[wunderkindepiphany]

I like how some people want act like Pop is some kind of genius that is head and shoulders above every other professional coach because he has four rings. The fact is Pop himself gives all the credit to Tim Duncan and the supporting cast because he knows a coach can only do so much but in the end you can't win without talent.

Since you brought up the fact that Van Gundy hasn't done shit with Dwight Howard, I would like to remind you that they went to a championship and lost to a far superior team. For you to bring this up suggests that you think Pop could have already won a championship if he were the coach of the Magic with D.Howard. That is an absolutely idiotic thought. So why did you bring Howard and Stan up if Pop couldn't have done any better? Please don't tell me you think Pop could have won a ring already. However if you want to make me laugh do tell.



I agree that he wouldn't admit this even if he thought it. However, I am not so sure he really does think Memphis was the better team.



Pop is a good coach but that doesn't mean he would have led any of the teams with the HoFers you mentioned to win a championship. I would say it is highly unlikely that Pop would have been able to produce more than the zero rings they actually did produce. On the other hand I do think many coaches would be able to coach the Spurs with Tim Duncan and the supporting cast to a few championships. Just because he has four rings doesn't mean his basketball knowledge and implementation of that knowledge is far superior to other professional coaches.

I never said that Pop was a genius, I just said that he is one of the very best in the league. His record speaks for itself; he'll be HOF when its all said and done. As for him being a genius, well, I wouldn't know. If you were to take a glance at a couple of the other threads, you'd see me commenting on how Pop praises his players and defers a lot of the success he's had to the players that he had the privilege of working with. So, as to that point, I think that you and I are on the same page.

As for the Magic, that comment was in response to a post, preceding it, by a poster who suggested that, were the Spurs to hire a new coach, so long as he were able to work with "a young TD level talent", that he'd bring the same type of success to the table as Pop did, in his tenure with the Spurs. My retort was that Van Gundy has one of the most dominant big-men in the league (if not THE most) and he hasn't won a championship, yet.

I realize the achievements that the Magic have made and I am not trying to downplay them. In fact, I have liked the Magic for quite some time now, they were my dark-horse, this year. As to whether Pop could have taken them to the championship, I don't know about that. I don't really like to get into this hypothetical thing where I predict imaginary scenarios. All I'll say is that Pop has done way more, with way less. The Magic have been stacked. Richardsons, Turk, Nelson, (although he gets under my skin) Arenas, Pietrus, Howard, Carter, etc. They've had the tools. . .

[wunderkindepiphany]

We all have to appreciate what Pop and our FO have done so far. And I think most of us appreciate that. But that does not mean that we cannot criticise them we they make dumb moves. And when i say that, I mean in-court and off-court moves.

The fact that the Spurs won 4 titles with Pop and Buford does not turn them into untouchable gods.

Of course we applaud good moves, but as fans, we have the right to criticise when they make dumb moves. When they first brought Jefferson, most of us thought it was a good move, a nice gamble. But after 1 season with Dick, we knew he was not the player we were looking for.

Yeah, most of new Spurs players have a better 2nd year, but that does not mean that we have to give a bad fit 39m for a second try.

Our draft picks were just fine. The problem was the off-season moves, especially after the Scola gift.

Agreed. Scola was a fiasco, Bonner's rotations were a fiasco, re-upping on Dick for the price-tag we did was a fiasco. I contend that Splitter was utilized about as much as he could have been, considering his injury and his conditioning. But that will be the bone that many have to pick with Pop till the end of time. Either way, I wouldn't call for his termination/resignation. You spend the Summer making adjustments and gear up for next season. Its retarded to think that so many fans want to hit the reset button, considering the shape were in. Its like Y2K on this board, everybody's scrambling like chickens with their heads cut off.

[SA210]

I wouldn’t change the game plan a lick. There’s nothing we’d do differently.

:pop::pctoss

[SA210]

Pop:Is it MATT BONNER?

That is as far as anyone has to read to discover that Pop is still delusional.

If you keep supporting him...go ahead...but be prepared to keep losing...that is just plain common sense.

Anyone with a brain can see that players like Bonner will never be enough against playoff teams with young athletes that can ball.

Pop is still trotting out that 1950's bullshit that athlete's aren't necessary...that a player with intelligence and character can help more than an athlete. Well of course...if the athlete in question is dumber than a bag of rocks...but today's athletes are not only athletic...but also have smarts,character and discipline.

Why continue to depend on a BONNER with no athletic ability, no balls, short arms and no fuckin' mental toughness when other teams just attack and destroy him at will?
To prove what?

That nice guys CAN succeed? That character guys who suck off the coach can implement that coach's system without ever making a mistake or take a bad shot.....while LOSING?

I tried very hard to keep supporting Pop for years and years...

Once upon a time I believed in Pop and pounding the rock and all that hoo-rah spurs philosophy crap...until I opened my eyes and thought to myself;

hmmm...

It appears that Pop stresses defense and will jump on your shit if you miss a defensive rotation...that is good...b-but wait...Finley fucks up left and right...and Pop seems to just overlook it. Is it because Nellie recommended Finley? Is it cause Pop loves Finleys jump shot? Why is it that Bruce Bowen is in the doghouse...yet Finley is spared?

I kept watching...and wondering....

Why is Pop trying to match up with other teams going small by going smaller? Why is Naz'r, Rasho, and any other bigs...rotting on the bench while teams continually drive in for layups? Why is Bogans a centerpiece of a defense that can't stop anyone? Why?

This continued and got worse with Bonner....who ANYONE could see was getting killed each and every time he stepped on the floor? Why? Why would you continue to overplay a guy who does nothing but get killed on defense...yet you continue to lie to yourself that defense is the first priority? Why?

Finally, this past season...

To me...after being a diehard spurs fan since the red,white & blue ABA days...through thick and thin...through suffering through elimination after elimination....through all that...why was this season ---for me---

the absolute worst?

This season I found myself...unhappy...AFTER A WIN!!!!

Each time that the spurs won...I found myself unhappy???? I could not understand why????


Then it hit me....


This season the spurs acquired a big man...finally...

Tiago Splitter....


Finally...Pop will go back to the defensive schemes that won the spurs 4 titles....championship spurs defense is back!!!!!!

Except...Pop refused to play him....Pop buried him on the bench...Pop at first blamed Tiago's injuries....then blamed Tiago missing training camp....then blamed the complicated spurs system as too complicated for rookies....then Pop just buried him.

Even when Tiago got healthy and was fresh from not playing all season...still...Pop would not play him.
Each victory was more of the same...yay...we won...but we played no defense...Bonner played 30 minutes and Tiago got another DNP....the worst thing was that you could not really be mad at Pop...because...hey--we are winning...but still no defense. No presence down low...no blocked shots--except for Timmy...no dominance.


The wins were not even satisfying....was I just a hater? Did I just fall out of love with my team that I had supported in good times and bad since 1973? (When they were the Dallas Chapparrals)....

The reason was that I just saw through the fact that Pop was not helping the team but hurting it. That the spurs were winning ---in spite of Pop---NOT BECAUSE OF HIM.

This is the truth if anyone wants truth.

If you want to continue losing in the first or second round...or worse...then keep believing in Pop...he was once great but now is just old and senile.

:toast

Best post I've read in a while. I agree with EVERYTHING, you were spot on. Thanks for taking the time to post this. Well done.

[SA210]

I wonder how much of this is Popovich trying to save his own ass. Trying to deflect the fact he was, again, outcoached by a rookie head coach in the NBA playoffs. For the 2nd time, he had the team with immensely more talent, and somehow managed to lose.

[SA210]

The untouchables are Bonner, Matt, #15, and the Red Rocket
not necessarily in that order

:lmao

[jiggy_55]

Article by McDonald on mysa as a continuation to the Q&A with Pop:
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/05/13/pop%E2%80%99s-offseason-goal-discover-duncan%E2%80%99s-sidekick/

"“I think Tiago has to be a linchpin for our future here, because he has the size, the length, the toughness, the grit, the consistency,” Popovich said. “He’s going to be a stalwart of this team going forward.”

A limited offensive player, Splitter already has begun offseason work with Spurs shooting guru Chip Engelland to work on his free-throw stroke and to move his game a bit further from the basket. That work, however, is likely to be interrupted when Splitter joins the Brazilian national team for preparations for the Tournament of the Americas later this summer, and won’t resume until the NBA’s collective bargaining issues are settled.

Though Splitter did not spend much time paired with Duncan this season, and doesn’t have a jumper to spread the floor as McDyess did, Popovich thinks the two could coexist. For proof, he points to Fabricio Oberto, a player similar to Splitter who started next to Duncan on the Spurs’ 2007 championship team."

Nice to hear he considers him a serious part of the future and that he can work with Duncan. Also nice to hear he is working on his shooting as much as he can.

[Spurs da champs]

Article by McDonald on mysa as a continuation to the Q&A with Pop:
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/05/13/pop%E2%80%99s-offseason-goal-discover-duncan%E2%80%99s-sidekick/

"“I think Tiago has to be a linchpin for our future here, because he has the size, the length, the toughness, the grit, the consistency,” Popovich said. “He’s going to be a stalwart of this team going forward.”

A limited offensive player, Splitter already has begun offseason work with Spurs shooting guru Chip Engelland to work on his free-throw stroke and to move his game a bit further from the basket. That work, however, is likely to be interrupted when Splitter joins the Brazilian national team for preparations for the Tournament of the Americas later this summer, and won’t resume until the NBA’s collective bargaining issues are settled.

Though Splitter did not spend much time paired with Duncan this season, and doesn’t have a jumper to spread the floor as McDyess did, Popovich thinks the two could coexist. For proof, he points to Fabricio Oberto, a player similar to Splitter who started next to Duncan on the Spurs’ 2007 championship team."

Nice to hear he considers him a serious part of the future and that he can work with Duncan. Also nice to hear he is working on his shooting as much as he can.

Too bad Tim can't teach him post moves or somethin.

[pancakechef]

We have one of the very best coaches in the league and everybody wants to shit on him cause he deflects media bullshit with sarcasm and plays Bonner too long. You know, when he finally does leave San Antonio, well see how well the next guy fills his big ass shoes.

Great work with the continual foul language! Why will we be upset? Because we will finally realize that anyone could have won with Tim in his prime and ANYONE could coach a team to four consec meltdowns at the end of the season?

I don’t care about the age, the “athletic” thing. I care about performance. That team won 61 games. I contend if Manu was healthy, we’d still be playing. I don’t have any doubt we’d still be playing. - that stuck out to me.

A blatant lie, followed by an excuse. Way to go

[wunderkindepiphany]

Great work with the continual foul language! Why will we be upset? Because we will finally realize that anyone could have won with Tim in his prime and ANYONE could coach a team to four consec meltdowns at the end of the season?

I don’t care about the age, the “athletic” thing. I care about performance. That team won 61 games. I contend if Manu was healthy, we’d still be playing. I don’t have any doubt we’d still be playing. - that stuck out to me.

A blatant lie, followed by an excuse. Way to go

You know, I dont need you on my back patroling for bad language. I got my Bachelors and am working on Masters right now, and I didn't get the first degree by cussing my way through assignments. Funny thing though, I'm not on this board to get critiqued on my writing. I'm here to shoot the shit with friends and chat about basketball. So, whether you think bad language detracts from my point or if it just bothers you, I could give a tiny rat's ass.

[wunderkindepiphany]

Great work with the continual foul language! Why will we be upset? Because we will finally realize that anyone could have won with Tim in his prime and ANYONE could coach a team to four consec meltdowns at the end of the season?

I don’t care about the age, the “athletic” thing. I care about performance. That team won 61 games. I contend if Manu was healthy, we’d still be playing. I don’t have any doubt we’d still be playing. - that stuck out to me.

A blatant lie, followed by an excuse. Way to go

Furthermore, the idea that "ANYONE could have won with Tim in his prime" and the following swill you put up shows how much you know about coaching. Have you even coached a high-school basketball game? Its professional sports, for God's sake. If you walked into the locker-room, the players would probably take one look at you and laugh.

[SenorSpur]

A limited offensive player, Splitter already has begun offseason work with Spurs shooting guru Chip Engelland to work on his free-throw stroke and to move his game a bit further from the basket. That work, however, is likely to be interrupted when Splitter joins the Brazilian national team for preparations for the Tournament of the Americas later this summer, and won’t resume until the NBA’s collective bargaining issues are settled.

I wonder if Pop has salacious thoughts of having Splitter eventually improving his range out to the 3-pt line?

Seems to me as though the second priority, right behind improving his free throw shooting, would be improving both his footwork and post moves around the basket.

[Fabbs]

Originally Posted by Fabbs

Jeffery McDonald had earlier emailed me and said oftentimes Popped makes comments on the side that do not get printed. I asked him to please elaborate on what his love affair with giving Matt Bonner significant playoff minutes and role is. ... (Also said before that Mike Finley 2008 09 1/2 10)
Stay tuned. If there is a response.


What's really funny about Pop's long leash for Bonner, is that he normally doesn't give a long leash to players, who have clearly underperformed.

Hedo Turkoglu, a far better player than Bonner, was only given a year to prove himself. Same for the likes of Nazr Mohammed , Francisco Elson & Kurt Thomas, who were given roughly 1 or 2 seasons to clearly demonstrate that they could become regular contributors.

The point being is that all these players were acquired via trade or free agency. They were given a window to demonstrate their wares, then were moved out.

Only Bonner, like Finley before him, has been given the red carpet "royal" treatment by Pop. The coach has continued to force-feed him minutes and entrust him with defensive assignments, when clearly his skills, physical limitations and on-court deficiencies indicated otherwise.

Bonner, unlike Finley, has proven to be a continuous, royal playoff choker, and he keeps getting a pass from the coach, along with being rewarded with a 4-yr extension.

The decision by Pop to continue investing money and years into an end-of-the-bench player like Bonner, forcing him into a prominent rotation role, where he obviously cannot succeed, and yet expecting different results clearly demonstrates that Pop has lost his mind.
SenorSpur, i am not making this up.
Jeffery McDonald was good enough to write back, and i emphacise Jeffrey is printing what the coaches said, not what he himself (Jeffrey) thinks:

"Spurs coaches like Bonner because he spreads the floor on offense, and moves one of the other team's shot-blockers away from the rim. This generally makes it easier for guys like Parker and Ginobili to penetrate.

Bonner does have his uses. I agree he should not be starting. And I doubt he will be." end response.

I'm going to write JMc back and tell him it's a Spurstalk standing joke about but but but....Bonner spreads the floor

And see if i can get him to press Popped.

[TJastal]

Originally Posted by Fabbs

Jeffery McDonald had earlier emailed me and said oftentimes Popped makes comments on the side that do not get printed. I asked him to please elaborate on what his love affair with giving Matt Bonner significant playoff minutes and role is. ... (Also said before that Mike Finley 2008 09 1/2 10)
Stay tuned. If there is a response.


SenorSpur, i am not making this up.
Jeffery McDonald was good enough to write back, and i emphacise Jeffrey is printing what the coaches said, not what he himself (Jeffrey) thinks:

"Spurs coaches like Bonner because he spreads the floor on offense, and moves one of the other team's shot-blockers away from the rim. This generally makes it easier for guys like Parker and Ginobili to penetrate.

Bonner does have his uses. I agree he should not be starting. And I doubt he will be." end response.

I'm going to write JMc back and tell him it's a Spurstalk standing joke about but but but....Bonner spreads the floor

And see if i can get him to press Popped.

I guess the spurs "coaches" missed the whole grizzlies series where they routinely used guards and small forwards to check Bonner out on the 3pt line.

:lol

[lefty]

That's what Pop said recently about Tiago :

“I think Tiago has to be a linchpin for our future here, because he has the size, the length, the toughness, the grit, the consistency,” Popovich said. “He’s going to be a stalwart of this team going forward.”



No shit, Pop

Thanks a lot


Asshole

[ChumpDumper]

spurfan loves being angry.

[SenorSpur]

Originally Posted by Fabbs

Jeffery McDonald had earlier emailed me and said oftentimes Popped makes comments on the side that do not get printed. I asked him to please elaborate on what his love affair with giving Matt Bonner significant playoff minutes and role is. ... (Also said before that Mike Finley 2008 09 1/2 10)
Stay tuned. If there is a response.


SenorSpur, i am not making this up.
Jeffery McDonald was good enough to write back, and i emphacise Jeffrey is printing what the coaches said, not what he himself (Jeffrey) thinks:

"Spurs coaches like Bonner because he spreads the floor on offense, and moves one of the other team's shot-blockers away from the rim. This generally makes it easier for guys like Parker and Ginobili to penetrate.

Bonner does have his uses. I agree he should not be starting. And I doubt he will be." end response.

I'm going to write JMc back and tell him it's a Spurstalk standing joke about but but but....Bonner spreads the floor

And see if i can get him to press Popped.

Fabbs, don't get me wrong. I wasn't implying that you were making any of this up at all. Like you said, the whole notion of Bonner's ability to "spread the floor" IS indeed a running joke. The unfunny part of the joke is that Pop and the Spurs brass seemingly either doesn't care or choose to simply ignore the giant, assorted "elephants in the room" regarding Bonner. Those elephants are as follows:

- Bonner possesses the ability to spread the floor, but only during the regular season.
- Bonner shooting ability comes with at a huge sacrifice because he's such a liability on the defensive end.
- Bonner has earned a deserving reputation for being a playoff-choker and one who routinely comes up small in big moments.
- Bonner is really nothing more than a limited-skilled, one-dimensional role player, who provides nothing in the way of rebounding, defense or shot-blocking.
- Bonner's skill limitations place a huge burden on whomever else he's playing alongside with, requiring them to pick up the slack.

All these known facts about Bonner and yet how is handled? By Pop rewarding him with a new 4-year contract and giving him increased playing time.

After 3 large sample size seasons of postseason failure, it's obvious that it's time for Bonner to be moved off this roster. No matter how much Pop tries to fit this "square peg" into that gaping, round Robert Horry, he's not. He never will be. The frustrating part to all of this is that Pop is the one who, for whatever reason, either fails to realize this or simply chooses to ignore it. And the Spurs will continue to be much worse off for Pop continued trust and faith in this guy.

[dbestpro]

Article by McDonald on mysa as a continuation to the Q&A with Pop:
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/05/13/pop%E2%80%99s-offseason-goal-discover-duncan%E2%80%99s-sidekick/

"“I think Tiago has to be a linchpin for our future here, because he has the size, the length, the toughness, the grit, the consistency,” Popovich said. “He’s going to be a stalwart of this team going forward.”


There may be hope for Pop, yet.

[TJastal]

There may be hope for Pop, yet.

lmao.... every year people say the same thing, and every year Pop takes a 50 pound dump over them, the team and all its fans. I've watched enough of this dog and pony show over the years to know this is just a tease. He knows he has to make people think he's going to get Splitter involved to pacify them for the time being. Splitter will get more PT next year, but once again it will be alot of garbage time and probably never together with the guy who needs him the most, Tim Duncan. And if the big 3 miraculously stay healthy again the spurs will probably win games during the regular season again (and probably make the playoffs) but come playoff time the lack of proper cohesion and size in the paint will once again be an issue. Another 1st or 2nd round quick exit is on the forecast.

Only until Tim Duncan is retired, dead, or being held hostage will we see Splitter start to get any significant playing time. And then only because Pop will have no choice. And I'm sure whoever plays next to Splitter will be a total putz like Bonner (or Bonner himself). So the cycle will start all over again, where Splitter will be stuck manning the paint by himself and being overworked and stressed like Tim Duncan has been now for 5-6 years.

And I'm sure everyone will still kiss Pop's ass in the media and on the boards here,.. some things will never change.

[jjktkk]

Although I try every year to prove that I know alot about basketball and evaluating NBA talent, I still get shit on here,.. Some things will never change.:depressed

:tu

[NRHector]

Stupid Pop, blaming injuries for his fuck ups.

[TJastal]

:tu

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/5430/tn1280722714336.jpg

[underdawg]

Pop:Is it MATT BONNER?

That is as far as anyone has to read to discover that Pop is still delusional.

If you keep supporting him...go ahead...but be prepared to keep losing...that is just plain common sense.

Anyone with a brain can see that players like Bonner will never be enough against playoff teams with young athletes that can ball.

Pop is still trotting out that 1950's bullshit that athlete's aren't necessary...that a player with intelligence and character can help more than an athlete. Well of course...if the athlete in question is dumber than a bag of rocks...but today's athletes are not only athletic...but also have smarts,character and discipline.

Why continue to depend on a BONNER with no athletic ability, no balls, short arms and no fuckin' mental toughness when other teams just attack and destroy him at will?
To prove what?

That nice guys CAN succeed? That character guys who suck off the coach can implement that coach's system without ever making a mistake or take a bad shot.....while LOSING?

I tried very hard to keep supporting Pop for years and years...

Once upon a time I believed in Pop and pounding the rock and all that hoo-rah spurs philosophy crap...until I opened my eyes and thought to myself;

hmmm...

It appears that Pop stresses defense and will jump on your shit if you miss a defensive rotation...that is good...b-but wait...Finley fucks up left and right...and Pop seems to just overlook it. Is it because Nellie recommended Finley? Is it cause Pop loves Finleys jump shot? Why is it that Bruce Bowen is in the doghouse...yet Finley is spared?

I kept watching...and wondering....

Why is Pop trying to match up with other teams going small by going smaller? Why is Naz'r, Rasho, and any other bigs...rotting on the bench while teams continually drive in for layups? Why is Bogans a centerpiece of a defense that can't stop anyone? Why?

This continued and got worse with Bonner....who ANYONE could see was getting killed each and every time he stepped on the floor? Why? Why would you continue to overplay a guy who does nothing but get killed on defense...yet you continue to lie to yourself that defense is the first priority? Why?

Finally, this past season...

To me...after being a diehard spurs fan since the red,white & blue ABA days...through thick and thin...through suffering through elimination after elimination....through all that...why was this season ---for me---

the absolute worst?

This season I found myself...unhappy...AFTER A WIN!!!!

Each time that the spurs won...I found myself unhappy???? I could not understand why????


Then it hit me....


This season the spurs acquired a big man...finally...

Tiago Splitter....


Finally...Pop will go back to the defensive schemes that won the spurs 4 titles....championship spurs defense is back!!!!!!

Except...Pop refused to play him....Pop buried him on the bench...Pop at first blamed Tiago's injuries....then blamed Tiago missing training camp....then blamed the complicated spurs system as too complicated for rookies....then Pop just buried him.

Even when Tiago got healthy and was fresh from not playing all season...still...Pop would not play him.
Each victory was more of the same...yay...we won...but we played no defense...Bonner played 30 minutes and Tiago got another DNP....the worst thing was that you could not really be mad at Pop...because...hey--we are winning...but still no defense. No presence down low...no blocked shots--except for Timmy...no dominance.


The wins were not even satisfying....was I just a hater? Did I just fall out of love with my team that I had supported in good times and bad since 1973? (When they were the Dallas Chapparrals)....

The reason was that I just saw through the fact that Pop was not helping the team but hurting it. That the spurs were winning ---in spite of Pop---NOT BECAUSE OF HIM.

This is the truth if anyone wants truth.

If you want to continue losing in the first or second round...or worse...then keep believing in Pop...he was once great but now is just old and senile.

that's pretty much as spot on as a Spur fan can be if they'll take the homer glasses off just for a moment.

It didn't have to go down the way it did and hopefully some change in philosophy or personnel will salvage some of what's left.

[SenorSpur]

Pop:Is it MATT BONNER?

That is as far as anyone has to read to discover that Pop is still delusional.

If you keep supporting him...go ahead...but be prepared to keep losing...that is just plain common sense.

Anyone with a brain can see that players like Bonner will never be enough against playoff teams with young athletes that can ball.

Pop is still trotting out that 1950's bullshit that athlete's aren't necessary...that a player with intelligence and character can help more than an athlete. Well of course...if the athlete in question is dumber than a bag of rocks...but today's athletes are not only athletic...but also have smarts,character and discipline.

Why continue to depend on a BONNER with no athletic ability, no balls, short arms and no fuckin' mental toughness when other teams just attack and destroy him at will?
To prove what?

That nice guys CAN succeed? That character guys who suck off the coach can implement that coach's system without ever making a mistake or take a bad shot.....while LOSING?

I tried very hard to keep supporting Pop for years and years...

Once upon a time I believed in Pop and pounding the rock and all that hoo-rah spurs philosophy crap...until I opened my eyes and thought to myself;

hmmm...

It appears that Pop stresses defense and will jump on your shit if you miss a defensive rotation...that is good...b-but wait...Finley fucks up left and right...and Pop seems to just overlook it. Is it because Nellie recommended Finley? Is it cause Pop loves Finleys jump shot? Why is it that Bruce Bowen is in the doghouse...yet Finley is spared?

I kept watching...and wondering....

Why is Pop trying to match up with other teams going small by going smaller? Why is Naz'r, Rasho, and any other bigs...rotting on the bench while teams continually drive in for layups? Why is Bogans a centerpiece of a defense that can't stop anyone? Why?

This continued and got worse with Bonner....who ANYONE could see was getting killed each and every time he stepped on the floor? Why? Why would you continue to overplay a guy who does nothing but get killed on defense...yet you continue to lie to yourself that defense is the first priority? Why?

Finally, this past season...

To me...after being a diehard spurs fan since the red,white & blue ABA days...through thick and thin...through suffering through elimination after elimination....through all that...why was this season ---for me---

the absolute worst?

This season I found myself...unhappy...AFTER A WIN!!!!

Each time that the spurs won...I found myself unhappy???? I could not understand why????


Then it hit me....


This season the spurs acquired a big man...finally...

Tiago Splitter....


Finally...Pop will go back to the defensive schemes that won the spurs 4 titles....championship spurs defense is back!!!!!!

Except...Pop refused to play him....Pop buried him on the bench...Pop at first blamed Tiago's injuries....then blamed Tiago missing training camp....then blamed the complicated spurs system as too complicated for rookies....then Pop just buried him.

Even when Tiago got healthy and was fresh from not playing all season...still...Pop would not play him.
Each victory was more of the same...yay...we won...but we played no defense...Bonner played 30 minutes and Tiago got another DNP....the worst thing was that you could not really be mad at Pop...because...hey--we are winning...but still no defense. No presence down low...no blocked shots--except for Timmy...no dominance.


The wins were not even satisfying....was I just a hater? Did I just fall out of love with my team that I had supported in good times and bad since 1973? (When they were the Dallas Chapparrals)....

The reason was that I just saw through the fact that Pop was not helping the team but hurting it. That the spurs were winning ---in spite of Pop---NOT BECAUSE OF HIM.

This is the truth if anyone wants truth.

If you want to continue losing in the first or second round...or worse...then keep believing in Pop...he was once great but now is just old and senile.

Fucking this! ^

I missed reading this before, but this is so on-point and about as spot-on as anything else in this thread. I share those thoughts and you've crystallized the feelings of many here - myself included. Many, who experienced a level of uneasiness, wondering whether what were watching all season would ultimately turn out to be nothing more than fool's gold. All the while hoping that we were proved wrong. Unfortunately, we were not wrong.

1000 kudos to you sir.

I offer you the never-before seen :toast:toast

[timtonymanu]

Pop:Is it MATT BONNER?

That is as far as anyone has to read to discover that Pop is still delusional.

If you keep supporting him...go ahead...but be prepared to keep losing...that is just plain common sense.

Anyone with a brain can see that players like Bonner will never be enough against playoff teams with young athletes that can ball.

Pop is still trotting out that 1950's bullshit that athlete's aren't necessary...that a player with intelligence and character can help more than an athlete. Well of course...if the athlete in question is dumber than a bag of rocks...but today's athletes are not only athletic...but also have smarts,character and discipline.

Why continue to depend on a BONNER with no athletic ability, no balls, short arms and no fuckin' mental toughness when other teams just attack and destroy him at will?
To prove what?

That nice guys CAN succeed? That character guys who suck off the coach can implement that coach's system without ever making a mistake or take a bad shot.....while LOSING?

I tried very hard to keep supporting Pop for years and years...

Once upon a time I believed in Pop and pounding the rock and all that hoo-rah spurs philosophy crap...until I opened my eyes and thought to myself;

hmmm...

It appears that Pop stresses defense and will jump on your shit if you miss a defensive rotation...that is good...b-but wait...Finley fucks up left and right...and Pop seems to just overlook it. Is it because Nellie recommended Finley? Is it cause Pop loves Finleys jump shot? Why is it that Bruce Bowen is in the doghouse...yet Finley is spared?

I kept watching...and wondering....

Why is Pop trying to match up with other teams going small by going smaller? Why is Naz'r, Rasho, and any other bigs...rotting on the bench while teams continually drive in for layups? Why is Bogans a centerpiece of a defense that can't stop anyone? Why?

This continued and got worse with Bonner....who ANYONE could see was getting killed each and every time he stepped on the floor? Why? Why would you continue to overplay a guy who does nothing but get killed on defense...yet you continue to lie to yourself that defense is the first priority? Why?

Finally, this past season...

To me...after being a diehard spurs fan since the red,white & blue ABA days...through thick and thin...through suffering through elimination after elimination....through all that...why was this season ---for me---

the absolute worst?

This season I found myself...unhappy...AFTER A WIN!!!!

Each time that the spurs won...I found myself unhappy???? I could not understand why????


Then it hit me....


This season the spurs acquired a big man...finally...

Tiago Splitter....


Finally...Pop will go back to the defensive schemes that won the spurs 4 titles....championship spurs defense is back!!!!!!

Except...Pop refused to play him....Pop buried him on the bench...Pop at first blamed Tiago's injuries....then blamed Tiago missing training camp....then blamed the complicated spurs system as too complicated for rookies....then Pop just buried him.

Even when Tiago got healthy and was fresh from not playing all season...still...Pop would not play him.
Each victory was more of the same...yay...we won...but we played no defense...Bonner played 30 minutes and Tiago got another DNP....the worst thing was that you could not really be mad at Pop...because...hey--we are winning...but still no defense. No presence down low...no blocked shots--except for Timmy...no dominance.


The wins were not even satisfying....was I just a hater? Did I just fall out of love with my team that I had supported in good times and bad since 1973? (When they were the Dallas Chapparrals)....

The reason was that I just saw through the fact that Pop was not helping the team but hurting it. That the spurs were winning ---in spite of Pop---NOT BECAUSE OF HIM.

This is the truth if anyone wants truth.

If you want to continue losing in the first or second round...or worse...then keep believing in Pop...he was once great but now is just old and senile.

Really great post. Any fan that wants to bring out the "4 rings" argument should get this shoved in their face anytime. It's not even about not winning a championship. Championships aren't easy to get. It's about putting your best players out there and giving them a chance. However, Pop puts out less talented players because of the reasons you stated. Had he let Splitter play all year and benched Bonner and the Spurs still lost, I would have applauded his coaching and been satisfied because at least he tried. It's really hard to defend Pop at this point and your post states why. I don't know what else I could add so great post again.

[silverblk mystix]

Fucking this! ^

I missed reading this before, but this is so on-point and about as spot-on as anything else in this thread. I share those thoughts and you've crystallized the feelings of many here - myself included. Many, who experienced a level of uneasiness, wondering whether what were watching all season would ultimately turn out to be nothing more than fool's gold. All the while hoping that we were proved wrong. Unfortunately, we were not wrong.

1000 kudos to you sir.

I offer you the never-before seen :toast:toast

:toast:toast

Unfortunately, there were some LOSSES that I actually enjoyed watching more than some wins, for example-there were some games that for some reason or other Pop was forced to play all the bench/role players and everyone knew beforehand that it would be a loss.
The bench came out with so much effort...and you could see how a green, novak, splitter....could actually help this team and it made you root for them. It also made you wish that Pop would see that certain players could be just as good or better than bonner,RJ...or Hill.

The excruciating part was that after these players played their hearts out...they remained buried on the bench even when other suckage was occurring on the court.

[DMC]

Then you look at last year's COY, Scott Brooks. He benches Durant in the 1st and Durant loses any semblance of rhythm. I saw Larry Brown do that to Billups in game 7 of the 2005 Finals in SA. Billups became a non factor after that. It's as if 2 fouls = done. In deciding games, like the one last night in Memphis, it's an over cautious move to bench your star player for extended minutes even if you have a lead early. They lost the game. What's the worst that could have happened? Durant fouls out and they lose the game.

My point is that all coaches make strange decisions that seem to cost games, and we all sit aside and make rhetorical assessments about how the game would have gone otherwise. It's not valid however, because our assessments cannot be played out to see if they work.

The games in which Tiago started while Tim was injured, we lost. Tiago is ok, he's not all that. I have been saying all year that he needs to work with shooting coaches and get his fundamentals down. People scoffed at it like I was saying that about Duncan. Now, what's happening? Tiago is working with shooting coaches and getting his fundamentals down.

So sure, we've all spent years second guessing coaches. That doesn't prove our alternative would have worked any better.

[20beastie45]

Does anyone know where I can find the original article?

[mingus]

not only have his schemes and decions as a coach been wrong lately, but he's got too much pride to admit when he is wrong. disgusting interview. he wouldn't have change anything? really? what a joke.

this interview has me thinking Spurs need to find a replacement for him. a coach who apparently thinks he's incapable of making a bad decision and putting it all on his players is a bad coach.

[silverblk mystix]

not only have his schemes and decions as a coach been wrong lately, but he's got too much pride to admit when he is wrong. disgusting interview. he wouldn't have change anything? really? what a joke.

this interview has me thinking Spurs need to find a replacement for him. a coach who apparently thinks he's incapable of making a bad decision and putting it all on his players is a bad coach.

+1,000

I would add that it was his decision to overplay these players...

If Pop was capable of throwing Tiago in -game 4- as a panic move...

he was also capable of pulling Matt Bonner, RJ & Hill off of the floor when he saw that they were confirmed playoff chokers.

Pop was also capable of switching the defense to stop going under screens when he saw that Conley was quite capable of hitting wide open jump shots consistently.

Pop was also capable of throwing in a zone D once in a while...or of throwing Danny Green on Conley to pressure him and hound him all over the court--al la Bruce Bowen...

Pop could have also kept runnin' the Taigo/Manu pick and roll---at least until Memphis stopped it even once...but he didn't...

Pop needs to move back to the front office--at least-- if not just retire.

[lefty]

not only have his schemes and decions as a coach been wrong lately, but he's got too much pride to admit when he is wrong. disgusting interview. he wouldn't have change anything? really? what a joke.

this interview has me thinking Spurs need to find a replacement for him. a coach who apparently thinks he's incapable of making a bad decision and putting it all on his players is a bad coach.
Yes yes yes


Not gonna happen anytime soon though

[rmt]

Article by McDonald on mysa as a continuation to the Q&A with Pop:
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/05/13/pop%E2%80%99s-offseason-goal-discover-duncan%E2%80%99s-sidekick/

"“I think Tiago has to be a linchpin for our future here, because he has the size, the length, the toughness, the grit, the consistency,” Popovich said. “He’s going to be a stalwart of this team going forward.”

A limited offensive player, Splitter already has begun offseason work with Spurs shooting guru Chip Engelland to work on his free-throw stroke and to move his game a bit further from the basket. That work, however, is likely to be interrupted when Splitter joins the Brazilian national team for preparations for the Tournament of the Americas later this summer, and won’t resume until the NBA’s collective bargaining issues are settled.

Though Splitter did not spend much time paired with Duncan this season, and doesn’t have a jumper to spread the floor as McDyess did, Popovich thinks the two could coexist. For proof, he points to Fabricio Oberto, a player similar to Splitter who started next to Duncan on the Spurs’ 2007 championship team."

Nice to hear he considers him a serious part of the future and that he can work with Duncan. Also nice to hear he is working on his shooting as much as he can.

Too bad he didn't think he had the size, length, toughness and grit this season until it was too late. And consistency? LOL - the last thing he had as Pop didn't play him.

Why does he want to move his game away from the basket? Why not improve his game and post moves near the basket and have him play like a real big man - none of this spreading the floor BS. Blair started the majority of the year beside TD so I don't know what rubbish excuse he's explaining why they can't co-exist.

[DMC]

Too bad he didn't think he had the size, length, toughness and grit this season until it was too late. And consistency? LOL - the last thing he had as Pop didn't play him.

Why does he want to move his game away from the basket? Why not improve his game and post moves near the basket and have him play like a real big man - none of this spreading the floor BS. Blair started the majority of the year beside TD so I don't know what rubbish excuse he's explaining why they can't co-exist.

In order to get any looks at the rim, Tiago has to be a threat away from it. Otherwise defenders don't worry about him anywhere besides in the paint.

[jiggy_55]

Too bad he didn't think he had the size, length, toughness and grit this season until it was too late. And consistency? LOL - the last thing he had as Pop didn't play him.

Why does he want to move his game away from the basket? Why not improve his game and post moves near the basket and have him play like a real big man - none of this spreading the floor BS. Blair started the majority of the year beside TD so I don't know what rubbish excuse he's explaining why they can't co-exist.

His play in the paint is decent, he has ok footwork and can finish under the rim well enough. What he needs mostly is to improve that horrible free throw shot, because he gets fouled a lot. Ane then it would be nice if he added some 10-15 ft. jumper to his range so that he can hit some shots when open.

Same goes to Dejuan, that guy needs to first lose some damn weight! Then needs to work on his outside game a bit, during pre-season he was shooting jump shots all the time but didn't see him to do it all season. If people have to respect your mid-range shot, it makes it easier for you to drive to the lane because they have to respect you and can't sag when your away from the rim.

[Cessation]

Splitter is a center, it's not a necessity for him to have a jumper and spread the floor. To shore up spurs biggest weakness, lack of interior presence, all he had to do this season is play d, rebound and set picks. Something that he has done all of his career. I doubt he could have done worse than bonner/blair/dice. I gotta admit though, it was rather amusing seeing pop realize his shitty frontline isn't good enough to beat an 8 seed, panick and play splitter when it's already too late.

lol "it was the injuries"

[UnWantedTheory]

Splitter is a center, it's not a necessity for him to have a jumper and spread the floor. To shore up spurs biggest weakness, lack of interior presence, all he had to do this season is play d, rebound and set picks. Something that he has done all of his career. I doubt he could have done worse than bonner/blair/dice. I gotta admit though, it was rather amusing seeing pop realize his shitty frontline isn't good enough to beat an 8 seed, panick and play splitter when it's already too late.

lol "it was the injuries"
It helps when the C & PF positions are traditionally defined. He at least needs to be respected away from the basket.

[objective]

Pop won't learn his lesson on who to play. Didn't learn it after Hill, still won't learn it after Splitter. Won't learn his lesson on who not to play. Never learned it with Finley, never learned it with Bonner.

Even IF the Spurs get lucky and dump Jefferson's trash contract and dump Bonner and luck into players who could be difference makers, it won't matter because he won't play them. He'll screw it up, that's just Pop doing what Pop does.

[Cessation]

It helps when the C & PF positions are traditionally defined. He at least needs to be respected away from the basket.

Splitter is a defencive big, what spurs needed most, I thought. Why does he need to shoot when he has 4 shooters around him? Let them fucking score. Aren't his responsibilities enough? I mean, he's already playing 1 on 2 on the defencive end when bonner/blair is out there with him. Besides, spurs use pnr heavily, and thats how splitter gets most of his points. You don't need to shoot when you roll hard to the basket or post up.

Seriously, this is just pop paying lip service, d is not his prority when night in and night out he rolls out defencive midgets like bonner/blair, and leaves bigs that actually play d, rotting on the bench. I think the fo realize that money is tight, and a small market team can't go over the luxury tax for consecutive years. They still gotta sell tickets, so they feed to the masses this, "we're contenders" shtick. Their new found focus on offence makes it rather apparent, that they've become a regular season team these days.

[carina_gino20]

The games in which Tiago started while Tim was injured, we lost.

In a lot of those games, Tiago played well in the first half only to be benched in the 2nd half/4th quarter, while the Spurs' lead kept whittling down to zero.

[UnWantedTheory]

Splitter is a defencive big, what spurs needed most, I thought. Why does he need to shoot when he has 4 shooters around him? Let them fucking score. Aren't his responsibilities enough? I mean, he's already playing 1 on 2 on the defencive end when bonner/blair is out there with him. Besides, spurs use pnr heavily, and thats how splitter gets most of his points. You don't need to shoot when you roll hard to the basket or post up.

Seriously, this is just pop paying lip service, d is not his prority when night in and night out he rolls out defencive midgets like bonner/blair, and leaves bigs that actually play d, rotting on the bench. I think the fo realize that money is tight, and a small market team can't go over the luxury tax for consecutive years. They still gotta sell tickets, so they feed to the masses this, "we're contenders" shtick. Their new found focus on offence makes it rather apparent, that they've become a regular season team these days.
If Splitter were to start next year we will need him to improve his offense. We were not only lacking interior D but interior offense as well. We need Splitter to be able to at least be respected away from the basket & be semi capable of creating more of his own offense eventually. I do not know why that is difficult to understand.

[Cessation]

If Splitter were to start next year we will need him to improve his offense. We were not only lacking interior D but interior offense as well. We need Splitter to be able to at least be respected away from the basket & be semi capable of creating more of his own offense eventually. I do not know why that is difficult to understand.

I was reffering to this year's fiasco. Yes it would be nice if he were able to do these things next year, but I doubt he will. Even if he doesn't he'll still be more usefull than the "bigs" we currently have, other than td, of course.

[G-Dawgg]

Pop's obviously lost many key pieces of his coaching staff, he obviously is not equipped to adjust on fly anymore... An important part of the playoffs is how you make coaching adjustments as the series goes on and he evidently couldn't do this....

It is clear that he owes alot of his success to his coaching staff throughout the years and Coaching arguably the best big man in the past 10 years

[TJastal]

If Splitter were to start next year we will need him to improve his offense. We were not only lacking interior D but interior offense as well. We need Splitter to be able to at least be respected away from the basket & be semi capable of creating more of his own offense eventually. I do not know why that is difficult to understand.

Yah, it would be nice if Tiago can develop a few solid post moves, but its not an absolute necessity. With Manu and TP running P&R Splitter will thrive just like Blair has. Spurs can run P&R all day long with TD/TP & Manu/Tiago or vice versa.

If it worked good with Blair (whos post game isn't any better) it will work with Splitter. And the spurs will get a huge boost in defense with Tiago out on the court rather than Blair. How is this a problem, again?

Popsuckers favorite pasttime:
http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/412/graspingatstraws.jpg

[Fabbs]

We cannot win a Championship if Splitter plays at the same time as Duncan and if Splitter does not have an outside shot.
http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/53142514.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=133BFC9465023B041F263DC7ACF20A22FFF75C7AB4F9218B B5443ABD33C4C83C

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_fo4CG3MTjFY/STKOITlFMuI/AAAAAAAAWUA/65j_e-VjfRs/070617_oberto_hold_trophy_gt.jpg

[DirkISaCocLuvinPuSSy]

wasn't fate pop it was a dumb decision with Manu.

[eric365]

Manu’s not old
34 year old for a SG is not old ???


We’re playing with minimum (salary) people off the bench. If somebody gets hurt, Danny Green’s going to play, that kind of thing.
Danny Green should feel good right now :lol

[jjktkk]

Yah, it would be nice if Tiago can develop a few solid post moves, but its not an absolute necessity. With Manu and TP running P&R Splitter will thrive just like Blair has. Spurs can run P&R all day long with TD/TP & Manu/Tiago or vice versa.

If it worked good with Blair (whos post game isn't any better) it will work with Splitter. And the spurs will get a huge boost in defense with Tiago out on the court rather than Blair. How is this a problem, again?

Popsuckers favorite pasttime:
http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/412/graspingatstraws.jpg

When exactly did Blair "thrive"?

[wildbill2u]

There are so many opinions of the possible positioning of Splitter that I disagree with.

Some say Splitter has to have an outside shot from the perimeter to complement Timmy and spread the floor. Why? Why move height outside?. Do we want to put short guys inside to rebound?

Anyway, like virtually every NBA team, we've never had that system working in a center, certainly not during Timmys years here. Not Rasho, not Oberto, not NASR, not Blair and not even Robinson were outside shooters.

Inthe history of the NBA there were only a very few guys that big that can shoot from outside (Rik Smits, that blond guy from Seattle, Sabonis, Dirk and Rasheed) and all of them are freaks of nature.

What about Timmy shooting his banker from outside and leaving Splitter inside to pick up the misses? What about using both of them as a double post in a Pick & Roll. Of course Tim has lost his ability to drive for the most part.

By the way, Splitter's first coach in Europe put him out high on the arc and Splitter was pretty good at the Pick& Roll from there by driving the lane. He showed good hands here when he got the chance. But he wasn't a shooter.

You have to put players into postions where their skills fit. Not try to shoehorn them into skill sets which they don't have in order to set up positioning in an offense.

[jjktkk]

There are so many opinions of the possible positioning of Splitter that I disagree with.

Some say Splitter has to have an outside shot from the perimeter to complement Timmy and spread the floor. Why? Why move height outside?. Do we want to put short guys inside to rebound?

Anyway, like virtually every NBA team, we've never had that system working in a center, certainly not during Timmys years here. Not Rasho, not Oberto, not NASR, not Blair and not even Robinson were outside shooters.

Inthe history of the NBA there were only a very few guys that big that can shoot from outside (Rik Smits, that blond guy from Seattle, Sabonis, Dirk and Rasheed) and all of them are freaks of nature.

What about Timmy shooting his banker from outside and leaving Splitter inside to pick up the misses? What about using both of them as a double post in a Pick & Roll. Of course Tim has lost his ability to drive for the most part.

By the way, Splitter's first coach in Europe put him out high on the arc and Splitter was pretty good at the Pick& Roll from there by driving the lane. He showed good hands here when he got the chance. But he wasn't a shooter.

You have to put players into postions where their skills fit. Not try to shoehorn them into skill sets which they don't have in order to set up positioning in an offense.

Thats not entirely correct. DROB did have a reliable15 foot jumper. What the onus is on Splitter to do is be able to develop a mid range jumper, as well as improve his post game. The footwork is there, its just a matter of Splitter getting stronger and continuing to work with the Spur's coaches. We've already seen Splitter's solid pick & roll game, next year I expect to see a significant improvement in his overall around game.

[SenorSpur]

Anybody remember how successful Tim and D-Rob were at playing the high-low action, between the two of them. They ruled the paint defensively and were more than adequate complement to one another offensively.

It's a shame Pop has amensia and acts as though those days never existed.

[TJastal]

Anybody remember how successful Tim and D-Rob were at playing the high-low action, between the two of them. They ruled the paint defensively and were more than adequate complement to one another offensively.

It's a shame Pop has amensia and acts as though those days never existed.

But..but.. Splitter is like Blair.... and doesn't have a reliable 15 footer. So if Pop started him we might expect to win only 61 games. Like jjktkk alluded to, that would totally suck.

[jjktkk]

But..but.. Splitter is like Blair.... and doesn't have a reliable 15 footer. So if Pop started him we might expect to win only 61 games. Like jjktkk alluded to, that would totally suck.

Lol, comparing Splitter and/or Blair to the Admiral. :lol

[jjktkk]

Anybody remember how successful Tim and D-Rob were at playing the high-low action, between the two of them. They ruled the paint defensively and were more than adequate complement to one another offensively.

It's a shame Pop has amensia and acts as though those days never existed.

And I remember that Duncan and DROB are HOFers and Splitter is still developing.

[TJastal]

And I remember that Duncan and DROB are HOFers and Splitter is still developing.

And Blair is a seasoned pro right?

[jjktkk]

And Blair is a seasoned pro right?

So your calling Blair a seasoned pro? I would say that after a couple more years, if Blair continues to improve.

[SenorSpur]

And I remember that Duncan and DROB are HOFers and Splitter is still developing.

You got me there. Besides, Duncan was an all-world, consensus #1 pixk, coming out of college.

[jjktkk]

You got me there. Besides, Duncan was an all-world, consensus #1 pixk, coming out of college.

Wasn't trying to Senor. I know how you feel about Pop's getting away from what made the championships teams of the past. I too wish we could go back to a dominating defense, pound it in the paint, style of play. And I honestly believe Popwould prefer that as well, regardless of his overuse of his illegitimate stepson Bonner. But looking at this roster, he played to its strength imo. I hope Pop can make the moves necessary to achieve a more defensive oriented unit next year. :toast

[rmt]

This ridiculous notion that the bigs have to have jump shots is BS. After watching Collision put on a magnificent game this afternoon - what jump shot did he need? Just play some hard nosed defense and clean up the boards. All Splitter needs to do is play defense, pick and roll with Manu/TP, draw some offensive fouls, clean up the boards and improve his free throw. He already does 4 of these 5 things - just concentrate on his free throws.

[SenorSpur]

Wasn't trying to Senor. I know how you feel about Pop's getting away from what made the championships teams of the past. I too wish we could go back to a dominating defense, pound it in the paint, style of play. And I honestly believe Popwould prefer that as well, regardless of his overuse of his illegitimate stepson Bonner. But looking at this roster, he played to its strength imo. I hope Pop can make the moves necessary to achieve a more defensive oriented unit next year. :toast

The only problem is it is HE who built the roster. The beautiful thing about him being both head coach and Grand Poobah of all things Spurs, is that he has final say, so the bullseye is on him. All apologies to RC, of course.

[Cessation]

The FO has been trying to build this roster for last 4 years, and all we got are bargain bin scrubs, like bogans, mason, bonner, blair...clearly it was duncan, best pf in history, that was responsible for all those championship, with the fo not fucking up to much in the process. Now that he's pretty much done, we see how mediocre their moves are, trading scola, upping ginger and dick ..etc.

[rmt]

Pop has reaped what he sowed. After watching the OKC/MEM game where a player that Pop discarded (Nazr) and another that has little offensive game (Collision) played significant roles in the game 7 win, I have little pity for Pop for choosing offense over defense. And he's still continuing with it as seen:

Blair's future with the Spurs, the coach said, ... It's not defense.”

“It's personal discipline, responsibility and maturity,” Popovich said.

and his having Splitter work on moving his game further from the basket. Other than his atrocious free throws, why have him move his game further from the basket all for the sake of spreading the floor for the offense? Instead have him work closer to the basket, go up strong and clean up the boards.

[ElNono]

Tiago needs to work on the 15 footer jumpshot that guys like Ibaka, Perkins, Chandler, Bynum or Noah have, otherwise he won't be a good NBA big... :rolleyes

[TJastal]

Pop has reaped what he sowed. After watching the OKC/MEM game where a player that Pop discarded (Nazr) and another that has little offensive game (Collision) played significant roles in the game 7 win, I have little pity for Pop for choosing offense over defense. And he's still continuing with it as seen:

Blair's future with the Spurs, the coach said, ... It's not defense.”

“It's personal discipline, responsibility and maturity,” Popovich said.

and his having Splitter work on moving his game further from the basket. Other than his atrocious free throws, why have him move his game further from the basket all for the sake of spreading the floor for the offense? Instead have him work closer to the basket, go up strong and clean up the boards.

Agree. Splitter should keep working on his post game, baby hooks, footwork in the paint. When he gets that down 110% then start working on the increasing his range.

Collison has 15-20 foot jumper, but he doesn't use it much. Splitter should be able to become a similar player if he can match Collison's effort.

[Cessation]

Tiago needs to work on the 15 footer jumpshot that guys like Ibaka, Perkins, Chandler, Bynum or Noah have, otherwise he won't be a good NBA big... :rolleyes

Pop has brainwashed spurfan with his bonner ball, to such an extent, that they actually "need" to have their centers shoot the ball. Otherwise, oh noes, they might get a dunk once in a while.

[jjktkk]

Tiago needs to work on the 15 footer jumpshot that guys like Ibaka, Perkins, Chandler, Bynum or Noah have, otherwise he won't be a good NBA big... :rolleyes

The difference imo is Splitter is not where those above bigs you mentioned are currently. Hes got a great shot to get there starting this fall.

[jjktkk]

Agree. Splitter should keep working on his post game, baby hooks, footwork in the paint. When he gets that down 110% then start working on the increasing his range.

Collison has 15-20 foot jumper, but he doesn't use it much. Splitter should be able to become a similar player if he can match Collison's effort.

+1. We can argue all day about Splitter not getting enough playing time this year, but Splitter was not ready for a substanial role. You can blame that on Pop, meh. Hes got alot of potential and next year I expect him to play a huge role with this team.

[Cessation]

The difference imo is Splitter is not where those above bigs you mentioned are currently. Hes got a great shot to get there starting this fall.

Serious question. Would you rather have splitter start, and leave the bench to the mercy of the Turd Towers? Or, have him hold down the fort with the 2nd stringers?

[jjktkk]

Splitter is a defencive big, what spurs needed most, I thought. Why does he need to shoot when he has 4 shooters around him? Let them fucking score. Aren't his responsibilities enough? I mean, he's already playing 1 on 2 on the defencive end when bonner/blair is out there with him. Besides, spurs use pnr heavily, and thats how splitter gets most of his points. You don't need to shoot when you roll hard to the basket or post up.

Seriously, this is just pop paying lip service, d is not his prority when night in and night out he rolls out defencive midgets like bonner/blair, and leaves bigs that actually play d, rotting on the bench. I think the fo realize that money is tight, and a small market team can't go over the luxury tax for consecutive years. They still gotta sell tickets, so they feed to the masses this, "we're contenders" shtick. Their new found focus on offence makes it rather apparent, that they've become a regular season team these days.

The problem you run into with a defensive specialist, is that when that guy is not respected on the offensive end that leads to oppenents throwing more double teams. Like other posters have stated, it would help Splitter if he can develop a jumper and improve his overall offense.

[ElNono]

The difference imo is Splitter is not where those above bigs you mentioned are currently. Hes got a great shot to get there starting this fall.

I'll be real happy if he gets there in a few seasons, especially defensively... bringing up 'having a 15 foot jumper' is retarded though. Heck, 4/5 of those guys don't even have a post game to speak of.

[jjktkk]

Serious question. Would you rather have splitter start, and leave the bench to the mercy of the Turd Towers? Or, have him hold down the fort with the 2nd stringers?

I would want Splitter starting. Regardless, the turd towers are still a problem , and as a coach, you still have to find a way(somehow) make the turd towers effective. Another thing to consider is Duncan is not the same force on offense, due to age. Duncan needs to have a another big who can be the offensive post player. Can Splitter be that guy, or do the Spurs need to find someone?

[ElNono]

The problem you run into with a defensive specialist, is that when that guy is not respected on the offensive end that leads to oppenents throwing more double teams. Like other posters have stated, it would help Splitter if he can develop a jumper and improve his overall offense.

Double teams on who? TD doesn't require double teams anymore. And that is really the big elephant in the room. We don't have guys that are a huge mismatch anymore. That's why getting it back on the other end, with defense, is imperative.

[jjktkk]

I'll be real happy if he gets there in a few seasons, especially defensively... bringing up 'having a 15 foot jumper' is retarded though. Heck, 4/5 of those guys don't even have a post game to speak of.

True, Splitter just needs have some offensive game, be it a post game or jumper. Hes got some nice footwork in the post, and I expect him to improve in that area significantly.

[ElNono]

You can't make the turd towers work in this NBA... The only team severely undersized and soft left is the Heat, and they barely manage because they have Wade + James, which is ridiculous talent...

[Cessation]

The problem you run into with a defensive specialist, is that when that guy is not respected on the offensive end that leads to oppenents throwing more double teams. Like other posters have stated, it would help Splitter if he can develop a jumper and improve his overall offense.

If splitters man doubles, then roll to the basket. Duncan played with centers that have little to no jumper ex. blair, oberto, nazr.. I'm all for Splitter getting some range, but I think it's unrealistic to expect it in his second year. Big men take longer to develop.

[TJastal]

The difference imo is Splitter is not where those above bigs you mentioned are currently. Hes got a great shot to get there starting this fall.

Excuses, excuses. :nope

Splitter was already close or at Nick Collison's level, which should have garnered him at least 20 minutes a game, esp considering the spurs current frontcourt rotation.

And speaking of starting centers that have no jumpshot, 3 are still playing, Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandler, & Joel Anthony. Imagine that.

[ElNono]

True, Splitter just needs have some offensive game, be it a post game or jumper. Hes got some nice footwork in the post, and I expect him to improve in that area significantly.

A modest post game shouldn't be that difficult for him. He can back his guy down no problem. It's the feet shuffling and underhand layups that are weak. Bad habits from overseas. Tiago needs to work on the bank angles. He has size to drop it over almost anybody.

[jjktkk]

Double teams on who? TD doesn't require double teams anymore. And that is really the big elephant in the room. We don't have guys that are a huge mismatch anymore. That's why getting it back on the other end, with defense, is imperative.

Nail on the head. IMO that was the biggest reason we lost to Memphis. Tim just couldn't get off against Memphis's size. Although the Spurs aren't the defesive juggernaut of yesteryear, they still played well enough to win against Memphis. Pop and RC need to find a big to help Tim on the offensive end, as well as defense. Splitter has shown enough on the defensive side of the ball, but the Spurs still need a post player that score down low. Can Splitter be that guy? I hope so.

[jjktkk]

A modest post game shouldn't be that difficult for him. He can back his guy down no problem. It's the feet shuffling and underhand layups that are weak. Bad habits from overseas. Tiago needs to work on the bank angles. He has size to drop it over almost anybody.

Agree. A summer in the weight room and working with the Spurs coaching staff should help him big time. Hes got the moves, the spacing, etc..., he just needs to learn how to "bring it".

[jjktkk]

If splitters man doubles, then roll to the basket. Duncan played with centers that have little to no jumper ex. blair, oberto, nazr.. I'm all for Splitter getting some range, but I think it's unrealistic to expect it in his second year. Big men take longer to develop.

Yes, which might be the reason we didn't see Splitter as much as fans wanted. Splitter is still a work in progress. Hes got alot of potential.

[ElNono]

Nail on the head. IMO that was the biggest reason we lost to Memphis. Tim just couldn't get off against Memphis's size. Although the Spurs aren't the defesive juggernaut of yesteryear, they still played well enough to win against Memphis. Pop and RC need to find a big to help Tim on the offensive end, as well as defense. Splitter has shown enough on the defensive side of the ball, but the Spurs still need a post player that score down low. Can Splitter be that guy? I hope so.

It took Bynum 4+ seasons to develop a consistent post game, and the guy has 3x the bulk size of Tiago. Expecting Tiago to get double-teamed next season is as unrealistic as expecting Tim to have a 5th gear these days.

But drawing double teams isn't the only way to win games. We rolled with Bruce Bowen for many seasons who was handicapped as hell on offense and allowed whoever was guarding him to roam and double, and we still pulled it off because we could stop them on the other end. Granted, it was a different team since Tim was also in his prime, but for argument's sake about double teams, I think it's valid.

Bottom line is that it needs to start from a solid defensive foundation, and then move on to making it work on offense, IMO. When you do it backwards you see what we saw this season: Once the offense stagnated and we needed a stop, we couldn't buy one.

[Cessation]

Thunder didn't need to shut down randolph, just contain him. 16 and 10 for zbo, with collison guarding him one on one, did it. You telling me spurs couldn't find a big with similar defensive skills as him? Give me a break. If pop put the effort to develop splitter through out the offseason, instead of settling for regular season fools gold, I'm pretty sure splitter would be up for the challenge. As it is, splitter did as good of a job as you can in the series, considering the circumstance.

[ElNono]

Yes, which might be the reason we didn't see Splitter as much as fans wanted. Splitter is still a work in progress. Hes got alot of potential.

tbh, this is crap, and it was never more clear when Pop panicked and threw him into the fire for the last few games against Memphis.

[jjktkk]

Excuses, excuses. :nope

Splitter was already close or at Nick Collison's level, which should have garnered him at least 20 minutes a game, esp considering the spurs current frontcourt rotation.

And speaking of starting centers that have no jumpshot, 3 are still playing, Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandler, & Joel Anthony. Imagine that.

Noah has Rose, Chandler has the ideal(best) sidekick in Nowitski, a big that consistantly draws double teams out on the perimeter. Collison doesn't start, has more strength, and has more of an offensive game than Splitter. Anthony has King James and Wade, and to a lesser extent, Bosh, nuff said. You seemed to think that Splitter was ready to be a significant player from day one. None of those bigs you mentioned were significant players their rookie year. Splitter will eventually be that guy, he just was not ready this year.

[Cessation]

It took Bynum 4+ seasons to develop a consistent post game, and the guy has 3x the bulk size of Tiago. Expecting Tiago to get double-teamed next season is as unrealistic as expecting Tim to have a 5th gear these days.

But drawing double teams isn't the only way to win games. We rolled with Bruce Bowen for many seasons who was handicapped as hell on offense and allowed whoever was guarding him to roam and double, and we still pulled it off because we could stop them on the other end. Granted, it was a different team since Tim was also in his prime, but for argument's sake about double teams, I think it's valid.

Bottom line is that it needs to start from a solid defensive foundation, and then move on to making it work on offense, IMO. When you do it backwards you see what we saw this season: Once the offense stagnated and we needed a stop, we couldn't buy one.

Thats it.

[ElNono]

Collison doesn't start, has more strength, and has more of an offensive game than Splitter.

Uh?

[ElNono]

I like Collison (heck, I even pointed out a few seasons ago that it would've been a good pickup for the Spurs, and was laughed at), but his 'offense' is no different than the same garbage stuff Blair gets, and he's nowhere near as strong and Tiago, IMO. He's a blue collar worker and he's a smart, experienced player. The latest is the only thing he has on Splitter. Obviously, if the Spurs would have actually worked on developing Splitter throughout the season, then that gap would be closer too.

[TJastal]

tbh, this is crap, and it was never more clear when Pop panicked and threw him into the fire for the last few games against Memphis.

Tom Thibodeau has been playing a rook 7' all year long (Asik). And getting good contributions. Not to mention building the kid's confidence and experience. And Asik doesn't shoot the 15 footer either, how bout that!

Pop and his rook? Not so much.

[jjktkk]

tbh, this is crap, and it was never more clear when Pop panicked and threw him into the fire for the last few games against Memphis.

Why is it crap? Splitter did alot of things well, the few spot minutes he got in the Memphis series, but he also got abused, along with all of the Spur's frontline, against Randoph and Gasol. Once Memphis realized the Spurs couldn't score down low, they completely shut down the Spurs offense. Would starting Splitter had made a difference in that series? If Duncan could of scored more, or Ginoboli could of been 100% healthy, or TP living in the paint scoring or dishing off, etc.... Lack of playing time for Splitter, was not the reason the Spurs lost.

[Cessation]

Before the season started, pop said splitter will contribute right away. He must have seen something to give him that opinion. After spliters injury, he didn't bother giving him any minutes, it's obvious he overestimated blair/bonner/dice, and went with offence rest of the season, thinking his regular season record would translate into playoffs success.

lol bonner 26 3pt% in playoffs, and last 2 months of regular season
lol blair hitting the drive threw, and eating his way out of the rotation down the stretch
lol dice running on fumes in the starting lineup

[jjktkk]

Tom Thibodeau has been playing a rook 7' all year long (Asik). And getting good contributions. Not to mention building the kid's confidence and experience. And Asik doesn't shoot the 15 footer either, how bout that!

Pop and his rook? Not so much.

Asik played the same amount of minutes Splitter did. He received his share of DNPCD, just like Splitter did.

[TJastal]

Noah has Rose, Chandler has the ideal(best) sidekick in Nowitski, a big that consistantly draws double teams out on the perimeter. Collison doesn't start, has more strength, and has more of an offensive game than Splitter. Anthony has King James and Wade, and to a lesser extent, Bosh, nuff said. You seemed to think that Splitter was ready to be a significant player from day one. None of those bigs you mentioned were significant players their rookie year. Splitter will eventually be that guy, he just was not ready this year.

Are you kidding? Splitter would have had the big 3 and more P&R than he could ever dream of in Europe.

You're like the energizer bunny of excuses around here. :rolleyes

[ElNono]

Comparing these Spurs with Chicago is silly though... for a number of different reasons.

The Spurs are who they are. We're not going to have a Rose on the offensive end, and I agree with Pop we don't have the personnel to be a top 3 defensive team. But being somewhere between 5-8 I think it's attainable, provided we stop rolling with the turds and the softies.

[TJastal]

:lol
Asik played the same amount of minutes Splitter did. He received his share of DNPCD, just like Splitter did.

Nope. WRONG. Asik played in all 82 games, and has played in every playoff game so far this year.

I'm not surprised you assume something to be true that isn't. That's what happens when your continually grabbing at straws. :lol

[Cessation]

Tom Thibodeau has been playing a rook 7' all year long (Asik). And getting good contributions. Not to mention building the kid's confidence and experience. And Asik doesn't shoot the 15 footer either, how bout that!

Pop and his rook? Not so much.

Damn, Asik is solid defencivelly. Can we get him some playing time?

Pop: "but..but..but.. he's a rookie, no corporate knowledge..and ginger needs his 20 min"

[TJastal]

Comparing these Spurs with Chicago is silly though... for a number of different reasons.

The Spurs are who they are. We're not going to have a Rose on the offensive end, and I agree with Pop we don't have the personnel to be a top 3 defensive team. But being somewhere between 5-8 I think it's attainable, provided we stop rolling with the turds and the softies.

All the more reason Splitter should have been in the rotation IMO.

[ElNono]

Why is it crap? Splitter did alot of things well, the few spot minutes he got in the Memphis series, but he also got abused, along with all of the Spur's frontline, against Randoph and Gasol. Once Memphis realized the Spurs couldn't score down low, they completely shut down the Spurs offense. Would starting Splitter had made a difference in that series? If Duncan could of scored more, or Ginoboli could of been 100% healthy, or TP living in the paint scoring or dishing off, etc.... Lack of playing time for Splitter, was not the reason the Spurs lost.

The fallacy is that you restrict this to the single series. Splitter SHOULD have gotten more run throughout the season, training camp be damned, fairness to the other 'vets' be damned too. When the shit hit the fan, Pop clearly saw he needed his size out there, but it was too little too late: He failed to develop him throughout the season, thus the panic, out of character move was obviously short lived.

[jjktkk]

Before the season started, pop said splitter will contribute right away. He must have seen something to give him that opinion. After spliters injury, he didn't bother giving him any minutes, it's obvious he overestimated blair/bonner/dice, and went with offence rest of the season, thinking his regular season record would translate into playoffs success.

lol bonner 26 3pt% in playoffs, and last 2 months of regular season
lol blair hitting the drive threw, and eating his way out of the rotation down the stretch
lol dice running on fumes in the starting lineup

All true. Why didn't Pop play Splitter? IMO Splitter should have gotten at least 5 minutes a night. Did the injuries to Splitter impede his progress. Pop and the coaching staff see Splitter up close and at every practice and for a team desperate for size, Pop still didn't put Splitter in the rotation. That tells me that they the coaching staff felt Splitter wasn't ready. If they were wrong, then Pop made a boneheaded mistake.

[TimDunkem]

"Collison has more of an offensive game than Splitter."

Why? Because he has a 12 foot jumper? :rollin

[jjktkk]

Are you kidding? Splitter would have had the big 3 and more P&R than he could ever dream of in Europe.

You're like the energizer bunny of excuses around here. :rolleyes

Your stuck in 07. The big 3 are not the big 3 no more.

[ElNono]

All true. Why didn't Pop play Splitter? IMO Splitter should have gotten at least 5 minutes a night. Did the injuries to Splitter impede his progress. Pop and the coaching staff see Splitter up close and at every practice and for a team desperate for size, Pop still didn't put Splitter in the rotation. That tells me that they the coaching staff felt Splitter wasn't ready. If they were wrong, then Pop made a boneheaded mistake.

He did make a boneheaded mistake. And that's ok. He's isn't perfect. I love Larry Brown as a coach and he makes dumb decisions like that all the time too.

The 'not fair' card mid-season was ridiculous, and not letting him play 4th quarters when TD was injured and he had good games was ridiculous too. You just hope he learns from stuff like that, but when you read he wouldn't have changed a lick, then you're left wondering what's up.

[ElNono]

BTW, for those expecting off-season miracles, I want to remind you that Blair was supposed to be developing a mid-range jumper last summer, and that RJ worked out with Pop all summer long...
You have to be realistic here. Tiago won't develop THAT much over the summer. You just hope he at least lets go of certain bad habits.

[TJastal]

Your stuck in 07. The big 3 are not the big 3 no more.

TP & Manu were both playing at all star level throughout the season. Duncan in shorter stretches but recorded 2nd best PER for centers. Could have easily made 3rd team AS.

You are either stupid or grasping at straws.

[TJastal]

"Collison has more of an offensive game than Splitter."

Why? Because he has a 12 foot jumper? :rollin

He shoots it once a game too, don't forget.

[jjktkk]

TP & Manu were both playing at all star level throughout the season. Duncan in shorter stretches but recorded 2nd best PER for centers. Could have easily made 3rd team AS.

You are either stupid or grasping at straws.

Okay dumbfuck, have you ever in your time watching the Spurs, ever seen Duncan shutdown and made irrelevant like he was against Memphis. Did you honestly expect that if Duncan couldn't put up 15 points or more a game, that the Spurs could of beaten Memphis? If Duncan couldn't put up his usal numbers, the Spurs wern't going nowwhere in the playoffs, and shazam, look what happened.

[Cessation]

What else was ridiculous, in multiple blow out games splitter didn't even receive garbage minutes, pop had novak, blair, even green playing instead. Clearly he didn't think he'd need him. Fastforward to the mepmhis series.. pop panics and starts playing splitter all of a sudden, if that's not an admission of a faulty strategy, then I don't know what is.

[jjktkk]

What else was ridiculous, in multiple blow out games splitter didn't even receive garbage minutes, pop had novak, blair, even green playing instead. Clearly he didn't think he'd need him. Fastforward to the mepmhis series.. pop panics and starts playing splitter all of a sudden, if that's not an admission of a faulty strategy, then I don't know what is.

Fauty strategy, or every other big for the Spurs, other than Tim, were getting their ass kicked.

[Cessation]

Fauty strategy, or every other big for the Spurs, other than Tim, were getting their ass kicked.

I agree, bonner/blair/dice were getting dominated when the playoffs came.

[TJastal]

Okay dumbfuck, have you ever in your time watching the Spurs, ever seen Duncan shutdown and made irrelevant like he was against Memphis. Did you honestly expect that if Duncan couldn't put up 15 points or more a game, that the Spurs could of beaten Memphis? If Duncan couldn't put up his usal numbers, the Spurs wern't going nowwhere in the playoffs, and shazam, look what happened.

We've covered this one already, but seems you have retention defecit disorder.

Duncan had to use all his energy to focus on defense, thanks to Matt Bonner logging 20 minutes a game. Bonner was not a good matchup against the grizzlies and most people saw this after the first 5 minutes of watching Bonner in game 1. Yet Pop never saw it.

Duncan's rebounds & blocks were on par with his regular season numbers. And actually a little higher on blocks which shows he was active on defense. His points were down, however. Bound to happen when you have to guard both the opposing teams' bigs half of every game at age 35.

Try another straw, dumbfuck.

[TimDunkem]

Fauty strategy, or every other big for the Spurs, other than Tim, were getting their ass kicked.

I'd say he got his ass handed to him as well. (Of course that's usually the case when you're maning the paint all by yourself) Even YOU said he was shutdown and made irrelevant.

Still, it makes no sense to say, "Let's keep our second best big on the bench until our rotation bigs get their asses' kicked."

[ElNono]

"every other big for the Spurs" were getting their ass kicked throughout the season too, and nothing was changed to address that situation. Dice was probably the 2nd best defender and that's being generous. We were just a scoring machine which hid the fact we couldn't guard anybody inside. Once the offense started running on fumes though, it just brought the gimmick front and center.

[Cessation]

I'd say he got his ass handed to him as well. (Of course that's usually the case when you're maning the paint all by yourself) Even YOU said he was shutdown and made irrelevant.

Still, it makes no sense to say, "Let's keep our second best big on the bench until our rotation bigs get their asses' kicked."

Seriously bro, Duncan did the best he could, it was him against both gasol/zbo in the paint, everytime he played with ginger/blair out there, and dice to a lesser extent.

[rmt]

Nail on the head. IMO that was the biggest reason we lost to Memphis. Tim just couldn't get off against Memphis's size. Although the Spurs aren't the defesive juggernaut of yesteryear, they still played well enough to win against Memphis. Pop and RC need to find a big to help Tim on the offensive end, as well as defense. Splitter has shown enough on the defensive side of the ball, but the Spurs still need a post player that score down low. Can Splitter be that guy? I hope so.

Totally disagree. TD was not the biggest reason why Spurs lost. IMO, these are the major reasons:

1) Bonner/Blair
2) TP playing poorly for 1st - 3rd games
3) RJ's disappearance
4) Manu's injury

Spurs don't need to find a post player that can score down low. They need a defensive big who will actually help TD defend the paint - not be a liability who he has to help cover for.

[TJastal]

Popsuckers have sunk to a new level of stupidity in this thread.

[jjktkk]

Popsuckers have sunk to a new level of stupidity in this thread.

4 rings bitch. :lol

[Chomag]

4 rings bitch. :lol

Thats done what for the past 4 years?

[jjktkk]

Thats done what for the past 4 years?

Chomag robot does not compute smily face on end of my sentence. Reboot, reboot.

[Agloco]

Because no matter how you slice it, if Manu ain’t healthy historically we go nowhere.

[Agloco]

Your stuck in 07. The big 3 are not the big 3 no more.


TP & Manu were both playing at all star level throughout the season. Duncan in shorter stretches but recorded 2nd best PER for centers. Could have easily made 3rd team AS.

You are either stupid or grasping at straws.

I gather that you're looking in the mirror as you type this?

The Big 3 can no longer carry us to victory when needed. Who gives a shit about what they did during the regular season? They got handled when it mattered. The Big 3 of yesteryear didn't have any such issues.

It's the Big 2.25 to 2.5 at best. That sans Horry, Barry and Bowen = No Ring.

This roster wasn't winning a ring regardless of who was patrolling the sideline over the past 3 years.

[Chomag]

I hope Pop wakes up. The Injuries was not the reason why Spurs lost to the Grizzlies and is just sounds like a big cop out.

[jjktkk]

I hope Pop wakes up. The Injuries was not the reason why Spurs lost to the Grizzlies and is just a cop out.

Wakes up to what? You don't think he knows what this team is lacking? The question should be what can Pop and RC realistically do as far as finding more size and athleticism?

[Chomag]

Wakes up to what? You don't think he knows what this team is lacking? The question should be what can Pop and RC realistically do as far as finding more size and athleticism?

Pop of old yes, but this current Pop I have no idea what is going on in his head. Whatever it is hasn't worked very well in the past 4 years.

[dunkman]

He blames injuries, but the Grizzlies had Gay out, and they have $70M roster, like the Spurs, and except for Gasol they don't have impact players under rookie contracts and tbh the Spurs have Splitter who plays for a minor contract, but Pop didn't want to integrate him because, "it's unfair for the team".

The Mavs were able to overcome the injuries of Butler and 'Bois that aren't even playing, but it's true they had +21M more to spend on salaries (plus another $20M on luxury and another $2-3M from luxury paying teams). The Lakers have an even higher payroll, and they unloaded a player trough mid-season without taking a contract back.

Unfortunately, the Spurs let players like S-Jax and Hedo walk for nothing, when they had salary cap in 2003 they signed Rasho and Mercer instead of star players Odom or Miller, then they traded too many first rounders and finally they traded Scola for almost nothing (speaking in NBA terms).

The Spurs looked the bottom line in short term, but now that the Spurs are older, they don't have enough talent to overcome injuries. If they want to contend, they will have to throw the MLE and BAE, pay big $$$ on luxury tax, just to get proven talent to overcome injuries and/or make miracles with low 2011 draft picks.

[cd98]

He blames injuries, but the Grizzlies had Gay out, and they have $70M roster, like the Spurs, and except for Gasol they don't have impact players under rookie contracts and tbh the Spurs have Splitter who plays for a minor contract, but Pop didn't want to integrate him because, "it's unfair for the team".

The Mavs were able to overcome the injuries of Butler and 'Bois that aren't even playing, but it's true they had +21M more to spend on salaries (plus another $20M on luxury and another $2-3M from luxury paying teams). The Lakers have an even higher payroll, and they unloaded a player trough mid-season without taking a contract back.

Unfortunately, the Spurs let players like S-Jax and Hedo walk for nothing, when they had salary cap in 2003 they signed Rasho and Mercer instead of star players Odom or Miller, then they traded too many first rounders and finally they traded Scola for almost nothing (speaking in NBA terms).

The Spurs looked the bottom line in short term, but now that the Spurs are older, they don't have enough talent to overcome injuries. If they want to contend, they will have to throw the MLE and BAE, pay big $$$ on luxury tax, just to get proven talent to overcome injuries and/or make miracles with low 2011 draft picks.

Last I checked, the Grizzlies spend the better part of the last decade in the lottery while we spend it in the playoffs (winning three titles in the last 10 years). Common sense says that when you win like we did (historically we've been the best regular season team ever) you don't get those coveted lottery picks, so eventually your talent will age and you redo everything by going back to the lotter (see Utah Jazz).

The Grizzlies have been stockpiling lottery picks for the better part of the decade. They should have younger assets than us. To fault the Spurs front office for not having younger talent is to fault them for being so successful.

Also, you can't discount that the Mavs and the Lakers can spend an extra $20 million over the cap and we can't. With an extra $20 million, the Spurs would have the current roster plus Scola, Jackson, and Turk. That's the advantage that wealthy teams/owners have over small market teams.

Can't fault the S.A. front office, they hit more than miss. They are the model for the league.

[SenorSpur]

Nail on the head. IMO that was the biggest reason we lost to Memphis. Tim just couldn't get off against Memphis's size. Although the Spurs aren't the defesive juggernaut of yesteryear, they still played well enough to win against Memphis. Pop and RC need to find a big to help Tim on the offensive end, as well as defense. Splitter has shown enough on the defensive side of the ball, but the Spurs still need a post player that score down low. Can Splitter be that guy? I hope so.

jjktkk, for the record you are on-point and your opinion is consistent with others (analysts, radioheads and even most of us knuckleheads on this board), who claimed the very same thing. Obviously, the Spurs had a smallish, aged frontline to start the season, yet all I remember hearing in my head, is Pop proclaing, when asked about the apparent lack of size, was the retort, "we already have enough bigs." Having enough bigs and having the "right" bigs are two completely different things. Still, this is precisely what angers me about Pop - that he elected to enter the season with this set of bigs, which included the "Turd Towers" - thereby compromising his team's chances of a prolonged playoff run, as we near the end of the Duncan era. There just wasn't enough help for Duncan among this group.

[Brazil]

If Pop cannot realize Grizz was the better team then he needs to retire seriously.

The argument of the #8 seed is full of fail, they massively tanked to get the 8 spot the grizz team is not an #8 seed.

Manu injury has nothing to do with the loss, we lost because our D sucks and because Memphis frontcourt dominated us badly. Why do you think Conley looked like an all star ? when you are playing behind a dominant frontcourt your life is so much easier.

Now next year this grizzlie team will be better especially with Rudy coming back, with Rudy they take the WCF against the thunder. The lack of scoring option was blatant against OKC.

As of today teams like bulls, heat, okc, grizz would just beat a fully healthy spurs team. Manu injury, rythme bs, tp struggling are no excuses. We lost because Gasol and Zbo dominated the interior game. thats all.

[dunkman]

Last I checked, the Grizzlies spend the better part of the last decade in the lottery while we spend it in the playoffs (winning three titles in the last 10 years). Common sense says that when you win like we did (historically we've been the best regular season team ever) you don't get those coveted lottery picks, so eventually your talent will age and you redo everything by going back to the lotter (see Utah Jazz).

The Grizzlies have been stockpiling lottery picks for the better part of the decade. They should have younger assets than us. To fault the Spurs front office for not having younger talent is to fault them for being so successful.

Also, you can't discount that the Mavs and the Lakers can spend an extra $20 million over the cap and we can't. With an extra $20 million, the Spurs would have the current roster plus Scola, Jackson, and Turk. That's the advantage that wealthy teams/owners have over small market teams.

Can't fault the S.A. front office, they hit more than miss. They are the model for the league.

They are the model for the league, Pop, RC Buford and the rest of the FO staff made many good things, however the mistakes they made were glaring and obvious at the time even for the casual fan, so it's difficult to understand.

[rmt]

Last I checked, the Grizzlies spend the better part of the last decade in the lottery while we spend it in the playoffs (winning three titles in the last 10 years). Common sense says that when you win like we did (historically we've been the best regular season team ever) you don't get those coveted lottery picks, so eventually your talent will age and you redo everything by going back to the lotter (see Utah Jazz).

The Grizzlies have been stockpiling lottery picks for the better part of the decade. They should have younger assets than us. To fault the Spurs front office for not having younger talent is to fault them for being so successful.

Also, you can't discount that the Mavs and the Lakers can spend an extra $20 million over the cap and we can't. With an extra $20 million, the Spurs would have the current roster plus Scola, Jackson, and Turk. That's the advantage that wealthy teams/owners have over small market teams.

Can't fault the S.A. front office, they hit more than miss. They are the model for the league.

Spurs' draft picks are not the problem. Splitter, Scola, TD, Blair (against certain teams) and say Ratliff would make an elite front line. The problem is Pop's arrogance/thinking that his system is so important (Bonner to stretch the floor and putting in work with RJ + second year in the system) which led the Spurs to give both Bonner and RJ 4 year contracts.

[TD 21]

Another surprising comment from Pop, this time in the Rondo article. He essentially says the Spurs would have beaten the Lakers in '08 if Ginobili were healthy. This is the same guy who said after that series (to paraphrase) that "The better team wins seven game series. They were better than us". This is the same front office that overhauled their team a year later because they no longer had enough "firepower or athleticism to beat the Lakers". Now, after all that, he says this. Interesting.

They're clearly going to look to trade for a starting four. He doesn't sound thrilled about starting Splitter next to Duncan and Blair and Bonner are obviously not starting material. He's about as un-Spurs like as they come, but I wouldn't be shocked if they looked into trading for Blatche. For all his issues, he's young (25 in August), big (6-11), athletic, can shoot and because of his physical tools, is capable of being an adequate defender. In other words, unlike Splitter, Blair and Bonner, he has the capacity to not be a liability on either end, which is particularly important down the stretch of close games.

He's also signed for four more seasons at a number that's not enormous, depending on how the new CBA looks and if he grows up and plays up to his potential. Character issues aside, isn't that what they're looking for? He's in the Bosh mold and we all know they've coveted Bosh for years. If he can be had for what I think he can be had for (McDyess' partially guaranteed contract, Blair and the 29th pick), then it makes him all the more intriguing.

He'd be a risk, but I don't see a better realistic option available, if they want someone who is capable of improving them short term, while being a long term piece.

[BackHome]

I hope he get his head out of his arse and goes back to being the old coach. His first thing he needs to do is get another assistant that has some balls and can get more out of the defense and offense. The second thing he needs to understand that he fucked up letting Scola go, signing RJ, and Signing Bonner.

I hope he starts really looking at who is putting forth effort and gives a crap about winning and loosing. I hope he looks at every trade aspect that does not include Duncan and Manu and has the balls to make the trades. I hope he looks at every guy in the draft, and every foreing player and does what ever it takes to get playes who will help us.

I hope we have players who size matches their position they will be playing and I hope to God POP and RC don't freakin draft anymore TWEENERS!!!!!!!

SIZE MATTERS>>>>>>>>>EVERY WOMEN KNOWS THAT>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[jjktkk]

jjktkk, for the record you are on-point and your opinion is consistent with others (analysts, radioheads and even most of us knuckleheads on this board), who claimed the very same thing. Obviously, the Spurs had a smallish, aged frontline to start the season, yet all I remember hearing in my head, is Pop proclaing, when asked about the apparent lack of size, was the retort, "we already have enough bigs." Having enough bigs and having the "right" bigs are two completely different things. Still, this is precisely what angers me about Pop - that he elected to enter the season with this set of bigs, which included the "Turd Towers" - thereby compromising his team's chances of a prolonged playoff run, as we near the end of the Duncan era. There just wasn't enough help for Duncan among this group.

I actually thought our front line would be solid. My thinking, prior to the season, was Blair would continue to evolve and improve, Dyess would be the trusted vet. and by the all-star break, Splitter would be seeing more playing time, and Bonner wouldn't be overused. I didn't see Blair becoming part of the turd towers.

[SenorSpur]

I actually thought our front line would be solid. My thinking, prior to the season, was Blair would continue to evolve and improve, Dyess would be the trusted vet. and by the all-star break, Splitter would be seeing more playing time, and Bonner wouldn't be overused. I didn't see Blair becoming part of the turd towers.

I stole that name from someone, but I love it just the same. :lol

[SenorSpur]

Another surprising comment from Pop, this time in the Rondo article. He essentially says the Spurs would have beaten the Lakers in '08 if Ginobili were healthy. This is the same guy who said after that series (to paraphrase) that "The better team wins seven game series. They were better than us". This is the same front office that overhauled their team a year later because they no longer had enough "firepower or athleticism to beat the Lakers". Now, after all that, he says this. Interesting.

They're clearly going to look to trade for a starting four. He doesn't sound thrilled about starting Splitter next to Duncan and Blair and Bonner are obviously not starting material. He's about as un-Spurs like as they come, but I wouldn't be shocked if they looked into trading for Blatche. For all his issues, he's young (25 in August), big (6-11), athletic, can shoot and because of his physical tools, is capable of being an adequate defender. In other words, unlike Splitter, Blair and Bonner, he has the capacity to not be a liability on either end, which is particularly important down the stretch of close games.

He's also signed for four more seasons at a number that's not enormous, depending on how the new CBA looks and if he grows up and plays up to his potential. Character issues aside, isn't that what they're looking for? He's in the Bosh mold and we all know they've coveted Bosh for years. If he can be had for what I think he can be had for (McDyess' partially guaranteed contract, Blair and the 29th pick), then it makes him all the more intriguing.

He'd be a risk, but I don't see a better realistic option available, if they want someone who is capable of improving them short term, while being a long term piece.

I like the Blatche option. I looked up his season stats for last year (16.8 pts, 8.2 rebs), were very impressive. Here's the book on him:

Born: Aug 22, 1986
Height: 6-11 / 2.11
Weight: 260 lbs. / 117.9 kg.
High School: South Kent Prep (CT)
Years Pro: 5

Would be a very serviceable upgrade. I wonder if the Wizards would be willing to part with him and what they would actually want in exchange.

[TD 21]

Consider who he played with, though. As far as offensive options, there was Wall (who was injured on and off), Young, a declining and playing hurt (until he was shut down) Lewis and Crawford, who came over after the trade deadline. In other words, someone had to score. As far as advanced stats, he has a poor rebound rate and has had a slightly worse PER than Blair the past two seasons.

The problem with him is he's immature and inconsistent. Two seasons ago, he had a big finish to the season, showed glimpses of fulfilling his potential, they paid him and how did he reward them? By showing up to camp out of shape. He's been involved in myriad incidents throughout the years. But he also might be at the point where he's ready to turn the corner, a la Randolph. Put him in a structured environment, with an established, stable culture and maybe he conforms and fulfills his potential. Obviously, they'd need to be confident in him doing so to pull the trigger.

I'm fairly certain the Wizards would not only be willing to part with him, but for value not indicative of his talent level. I think they'd like to dump his contract and get him away from Wall, so that he doesn't negatively influence him. Also, they're going to be picking in the top five. Even if they win the 1st pick, they're obviously set at the point with Wall, so it's likely they'll be selecting a big, whether it's Williams, Kanter, Vesley, etc. To get a decent young player back, who plays the same position (Blair), a decent secondary asset (29th pick) and financial relief (McDyess/clearing Blatche's salary), I think they'd do it.

[SenorSpur]

Consider who he played with, though. As far as offensive options, there was Wall (who was injured on and off), Young, a declining and playing hurt (until he was shut down) Lewis and Crawford, who came over after the trade deadline. In other words, someone had to score. As far as advanced stats, he has a poor rebound rate and has had a slightly worse PER than Blair the past two seasons.

The problem with him is he's immature and inconsistent. Two seasons ago, he had a big finish to the season, showed glimpses of fulfilling his potential, they paid him and how did he reward them? By showing up to camp out of shape. He's been involved in myriad incidents throughout the years. But he also might be at the point where he's ready to turn the corner, a la Randolph. Put him in a structured environment, with an established, stable culture and maybe he conforms and fulfills his potential. Obviously, they'd need to be confident in him doing so to pull the trigger.

I'm fairly certain the Wizards would not only be willing to part with him, but for value not indicative of his talent level. I think they'd like to dump his contract and get him away from Wall, so that he doesn't negatively influence him. Also, they're going to be picking in the top five. Even if they win the 1st pick, they're obviously set at the point with Wall, so it's likely they'll be selecting a big, whether it's Williams, Kanter, Vesley, etc. To get a decent young player back, who plays the same position (Blair), a decent secondary asset (29th pick) and financial relief (McDyess/clearing Blatche's salary), I think they'd do it.

Good stuff. Now that you've provided the additional information on him, he just doesn't sound like a player that Pop and RC would want in the program. I can't see Pop having the patience needed to deal with this kid. On the other hand, if they did, I don't know about spending a late first on him. I know this is a weak draft, and probably the year to do so, but certainly the Spurs could potentially nab a player that could conceivably be part of the post-Duncan era, at that spot. I'd certainly utilize the other assets you mentioned, though.

[TD 21]

Good stuff. Now that you've provided the additional information on him, he just doesn't sound like a player that Pop and RC would want in the program. I can't see Pop having the patience needed to deal with this kid. On the other hand, if they did, I don't know about spending a late first on him. I know this is a weak draft, and probably the year to do so, but certainly the Spurs could potentially nab a player that could conceivably be part of the post-Duncan era, at that spot. I'd certainly utilize the other assets you mentioned, though.

He's such a headcase that even though I'm proposing this, I'm not entirely sold myself. But there's a lot of aspects about this that make sense and what's the alternative? Overpaying for Varejao? Not making a trade and just signing a veteran's minimum fifth big? With McDyess' contract, this is their chance to take back salary. For all of Blatche's shortcomings, find me another big with his combination of size, athleticism, skill and youth, on a non astronomical contract, that's potentially attainable without surrendering Hill or Splitter?

As far as the draft pick, it's the 29th pick in a weak draft. Even though he's been around for six seasons already, Blatche is a few months younger than Hill. If Hill is a part of the post-Duncan era, why couldn't Blatche be? The way I see it, he'd be almost like a draft pick.

[Cessation]

Blatche sounds like a descent option, tbh. Despite his character issues he would be an upgrage over blair/bonner, then again, that isn't saying much. I hope the fo doesn't get Sideshow Bob, though.

[SenorSpur]

Another surprising comment from Pop, this time in the Rondo article. He essentially says the Spurs would have beaten the Lakers in '08 if Ginobili were healthy. This is the same guy who said after that series (to paraphrase) that "The better team wins seven game series. They were better than us". This is the same front office that overhauled their team a year later because they no longer had enough "firepower or athleticism to beat the Lakers". Now, after all that, he says this. Interesting.

This is nothing but sour grapes from Pop. He's really demostrating to the world that he's not above behaving like a goddamn, hypocritical child. He should be ashamed of himself. It bugs me that he continues to chime about how injuries robbed his team's chances of making a long playoff run. Since he normally is not one to make excuses, it's a bit surprising that he would do so now. Especially when the truth is that the team wasn't good enough this year because it was talent-compromised, just like it was in 2008 - injuries notwithstanding.

As much as they did this past offseason, it wasn't enough. He and R.C. have to assume the blame for that. It's also quite possible they've missed their window and they may never get close again.

As pragmatic as Pop usually is, it's troubling that he keeps spewing this garbage. Because unless he's just huffing in frustration, he's totally delusional. This bears watching over the next couple of years because it could be a clue as to how Pop either elects to hang onto the past, or whether he will ultimately make some tough decisions to move this franchise through the post-Duncan era and embrace the expected years of suckiness that will follow.

[Nathan89]

He's such a headcase that even though I'm proposing this, I'm not entirely sold myself. But there's a lot of aspects about this that make sense and what's the alternative? Overpaying for Varejao? Not making a trade and just signing a veteran's minimum fifth big? With McDyess' contract, this is their chance to take back salary. For all of Blatche's shortcomings, find me another big with his combination of size, athleticism, skill and youth, on a non astronomical contract, that's potentially attainable without surrendering Hill or Splitter?

As far as the draft pick, it's the 29th pick in a weak draft. Even though he's been around for six seasons already, Blatche is a few months younger than Hill. If Hill is a part of the post-Duncan era, why couldn't Blatche be? The way I see it, he'd be almost like a draft pick.

I would gladly take on Varejao's contract because that would mean we lost a worst contact in Rj.

Blatche remaining contract- 6.4,7.1,7.7,8.4 mil. Not the worst contract but he better be a pretty damn good prospect to commit that kind of money in. I personally know nothing about him.

[jjktkk]

I stole that name from someone, but I love it just the same. :lol

Unfortunately, it is kinda catchy huh? :lol

[jjktkk]

He's such a headcase that even though I'm proposing this, I'm not entirely sold myself. But there's a lot of aspects about this that make sense and what's the alternative? Overpaying for Varejao? Not making a trade and just signing a veteran's minimum fifth big? With McDyess' contract, this is their chance to take back salary. For all of Blatche's shortcomings, find me another big with his combination of size, athleticism, skill and youth, on a non astronomical contract, that's potentially attainable without surrendering Hill or Splitter?

As far as the draft pick, it's the 29th pick in a weak draft. Even though he's been around for six seasons already, Blatche is a few months younger than Hill. If Hill is a part of the post-Duncan era, why couldn't Blatche be? The way I see it, he'd be almost like a draft pick.

Hes got the talent, but he is a knucklehead. Just this past season, he was involved in a fist fight with his own teammate, McGee, in a bar. I would definitely look into it, but I don't know if Pop and RC want to take on a headcase.

[Cessation]

To be fair, I think Mcgee is the bigger douche of the two.

[venitian navigator]

Blatche is a big risk.
And a risk that, imho, isn't worth of giving up nothing more than something we already want do dismiss.
I'd trade for Blatche only for just the Dice contract (numbers works) or for giving them RJ contract.
In case, for example, RJ for Blatche + Seraphin works...and RJ is the kind of player that Washington needs (they don't have a good sf) and that could work very well in a supposedly up tempo system (like the Phoenix, Atlanta, Golden State just for putting there some names) like the Washington Wall's.

[myhc]

Please say NO to Andray Blatche. That guy is a locker room cancer. He's 6'11 but he likes to play on the perimeter throwing up wild shots. His FG% is something like 43% if I recall, something like averaging 15 points but taking 14 shots to get it. In addition to the fist fights he's been invovled in, he's also had run ins with all his coaches over playing time, discipline, etc. He got caught soliciting a prostitute a few years ago too. He is the ANTI-SPUR. :sleep

[Chomag]

I honeslty would stay away from any player that comes from the Wizards. That team is a Cesspool of the NBA.

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

im surprised no one has thought that we should unload rj's contract on the Kings. there cap next seson will only be between 22-23 mil. he would automatically become there 2nd best scorer, they have a shit load of capspace, and we could attempt to get jason thompson and omri casspi with rj and blair.

as for pop he should spend the offseason not developing players but himself. maybe the FO can get Larry Brown to come down for the offseason and reteach pop that defense wins championships

[JonNOKC]

Not sure where I would stand on a Blatche - but being a realist - if the Spurs are gonna do a trade, especially one involving RJ you only have 2 options - take back someone who has some type of issues (character/health) or take back just as bad or worse contract for someone you think fits your system better

[SenorSpur]

im surprised no one has thought that we should unload rj's contract on the Kings. there cap next seson will only be between 22-23 mil. he would automatically become there 2nd best scorer, they have a shit load of capspace, and we could attempt to get jason thompson and omri casspi with rj and blair.

Now THIS is a trade worth exploring. It rids the Spurs of a bloated contract of a non-performing player, who doesn't fit their style at all (RJ), and gives the Kings a player, in Blair, who has a very favorable low-dollar contract. At the same time, it would solves two issues for the Spurs - bolstering the PF/C position, in Thompson, and giving them a potential starting SF in Casspi. I'm not sure what it would take to make it work, but this is definitely something to look into.

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

Now THIS is a trade worth exploring. It rids the Spurs of a bloated contract of a non-performing player, who doesn't fit their style at all (RJ), and gives the Kings a player, in Blair, who has a very favorable low-dollar contract. At the same time, it would solves two issues for the Spurs - bolstering the PF/C position, in Thompson, and giving them a potential starting SF in Casspi. I'm not sure what it would take to make it work, but this is definitely something to look into.

if you go to the trade machine it shows that the kings currently have 13+mill in capspace. they can easily absorb RJs contract. they would still be letting go of 3.5 million. we would reduce our salary cap to around 5.5 mill over the cap. (maybe if we offer hill and our draft pick we can trade for there lottery pick. maybe to much but worth a shot).

this trade helps both team considerably. we get 2 young athletic prospects who can quickly fill there roles.

the kings get a big boost in offense with RJ and a much need vet to take charge of there very young team with a developing big in blair. there cap would still be under 30 mil. they can afford to to pickup any FA big that would be a huge upgrade for them over thompson.

if there is anyone that can make contact with someone from the spurs FO PLEASE pitch this trade to them.

[rmt]

if you go to the trade machine it shows that the kings currently have 13+mill in capspace. they can easily absorb RJs contract. they would still be letting go of 3.5 million. we would reduce our salary cap to around 5.5 mill over the cap. (maybe if we offer hill and our draft pick we can trade for there lottery pick. maybe to much but worth a shot).

this trade helps both team considerably. we get 2 young athletic prospects who can quickly fill there roles.

the kings get a big boost in offense with RJ and a much need vet to take charge of there very young team with a developing big in blair. there cap would still be under 30 mil. they can afford to to pickup any FA big that would be a huge upgrade for them over thompson.

if there is anyone that can make contact with someone from the spurs FO PLEASE pitch this trade to them.
Don't see how any team can get a big boost in offense with RJ. He seems to have forgotten how to score.

[Brazil]

Please say NO to Andray Blatche. That guy is a locker room cancer. He's 6'11 but he likes to play on the perimeter throwing up wild shots. His FG% is something like 43% if I recall, something like averaging 15 points but taking 14 shots to get it. In addition to the fist fights he's been invovled in, he's also had run ins with all his coaches over playing time, discipline, etc. He got caught soliciting a prostitute a few years ago too. He is the ANTI-SPUR. :sleep

pretty much

Blatche has maybe the worst shoot selection of the entire league, he also has the BBIQ of an hot oyster

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

Don't see how any team can get a big boost in offense with RJ. He seems to have forgotten how to score.

i understand. he didnt work out for us as a 4th option but thats because we didnt run plays for him. he still averaged 11 points for a scorer that pop turned into a wait in the corner and shoot the 3 guy. you have to look at it from another teams POV. the kings real only scorer is evans. RJ could become the 2nd option for the kings offense. when he played for nets & bucks they ran plays for him. thats why he put up great numbers. plus pop fixed RJ's shot.

get him to a team that will run plays for him & he will be a scorer again. he just doesnt work in our system. everyones severly undervaluing him. the kings are not gonna make the playoffs so its dumb for anyone to try to make an arguement that he disappears in the playoffs.

[Cessation]

I don't think rj deals well with pressure, if he goes on a shit team with a losing record, he'll feel right at home.

[Chomag]

How about RJ, Blair, and Bonner to the Bobcats for Sjackson, and Tyrus Thomas? Bobcats owe us right!?! Wait... Larry Brown no longer works for them, well damn...

Yes I know Bobcats would have a laugh, but to get rid of both Bonner and RJ in one trade for these players is a dream, a very wet one.

[jjktkk]

i understand. he didnt work out for us as a 4th option but thats because we didnt run plays for him. he still averaged 11 points for a scorer that pop turned into a wait in the corner and shoot the 3 guy. you have to look at it from another teams POV. the kings real only scorer is evans. RJ could become the 2nd option for the kings offense. when he played for nets & bucks they ran plays for him. thats why he put up great numbers. plus pop fixed RJ's shot.

get him to a team that will run plays for him & he will be a scorer again. he just doesnt work in our system. everyones severly undervaluing him. the kings are not gonna make the playoffs so its dumb for anyone to try to make an arguement that he disappears in the playoffs.

The only problem with a possible trade with the Kings is that their loaded at the sf position.

[BackHome]

The only reason the Kings are not moving is beause of the potential lockout. They are in total rebuilding mode and since this years draft pick is week I would think they would want to get a hight 1-5 draft pick in the 2012 lottery so tanking the season and getting the number one pick is what they want more then anything.

I would trade RJ + Blair for Omri and then trade Hill and Dice to some other team for like Clevleand who needs to cap space relief and also won't like this years draft so maybe get a player and their draft pick

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

The only problem with a possible trade with the Kings is that their loaded at the sf position.

well at the moment they only have casspi and donte greene signed. as weird as it sounds RJ would be an upgrade over both of them. the player i really want out of the trade is jason thompson. exactly what everyone is saying we need. size: hes 6'11, hes very athletic, and has a mid range jumper and at there pick they will most likely take 1 of the Texas fowards. not really any big name SF in FA this year. alot of good bigs going out tho. they have a ton cap space as well.

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

I don't think rj deals well with pressure, if he goes on a shit team with a losing record, he'll feel right at home.

well the kings would get better with RJ and they wont make the Playoffs for a while. but for the time they will be a better team.

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

The only reason the Kings are not moving is beause of the potential lockout. They are in total rebuilding mode and since this years draft pick is week I would think they would want to get a hight 1-5 draft pick in the 2012 lottery so tanking the season and getting the number one pick is what they want more then anything.

I would trade RJ + Blair for Omri and then trade Hill and Dice to some other team for like Clevleand who needs to cap space relief and also won't like this years draft so maybe get a player and their draft pick

doubt the cavs give up either of there picks. they have 2 options

1st pick Irving 4th pick Kawhi Leonard or 1st pick Derrick Williams 4th pick Night or Walker.

its really the only way for them to get quality players.

[TD 21]

Please say NO to Andray Blatche. That guy is a locker room cancer. He's 6'11 but he likes to play on the perimeter throwing up wild shots. His FG% is something like 43% if I recall, something like averaging 15 points but taking 14 shots to get it. In addition to the fist fights he's been invovled in, he's also had run ins with all his coaches over playing time, discipline, etc. He got caught soliciting a prostitute a few years ago too. He is the ANTI-SPUR. :sleep

I'm well aware of all of his issues and red flags (which is why I mentioned them). I'm not saying I'd necessarily do it, I'm just saying they should look into it. Or they can continue to play it safe, nitpick damn near every single player, go "he's not Spurs material" and continue to go nowhere.

I'll throw out another name: Clark. He's a UFA. 6-10, 23, combo forward, long, athletic, potential to be a very good, versatile defender and at minimum, a competent mid range shooter. The Magic like him and want to keep him, but they also have a bloated payroll and supposedly there's a chance Vasquez comes over. If he does, between Howard, Bass, Anderson, Vasquez and Orton, they'll be set at the big positions.

I could see the Spurs taking a flier on Clark. Overpaying for him with something like 2 years $6 million or 3 years $9 million. Something that he's not currently worth, but could potentially quickly turn into a bargain or at the very least good bang for the buck.

It's obvious they need more length and athleticism on the front line. Since they seem more consumed with adding a four, who can not be a liability on either end, than they do another center sized big, this could be the guy they target.

[TD 21]

im surprised no one has thought that we should unload rj's contract on the Kings. there cap next seson will only be between 22-23 mil. he would automatically become there 2nd best scorer, they have a shit load of capspace, and we could attempt to get jason thompson and omri casspi with rj and blair.

as for pop he should spend the offseason not developing players but himself. maybe the FO can get Larry Brown to come down for the offseason and reteach pop that defense wins championships

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5215920#post5215920

Why would they throw in Thompson for Blair? Both are decent, young PF's, around the same level, only one is 6-11 and the other is 6-7.

[UnWantedTheory]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5215920#post5215920

Why would they throw in Thompson for Blair? Both are decent, young PF's, around the same level, only one is 6-11 and the other is 6-7.
Good point.

[SenorSpur]

The only problem with a possible trade with the Kings is that their loaded at the sf position.

True, but they have no one that is can provide the scoring punch that RJ can - and he'd be a better fit into their offensive scheme, much moreso than a team like the Spurs.

I'm trying to talk myself into this trade, all the while knowing the Kings would probably never go for it. :bang

But I can dream...

[lefty]

True, but they have no one that is can provide the scoring punch that RJ can - and he'd be a better fit into their offensive scheme, much moreso than a team like the Spurs.

I'm trying to talk myself into this trade, all the while knowing the Kings would probably never go for it. :bang

But I can dream...
:lmao

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5215920#post5215920

Why would they throw in Thompson for Blair? Both are decent, young PF's, around the same level, only one is 6-11 and the other is 6-7.

blair is one of our front court problems. right now we need to get size keeping a 6'7 big on the bench will cause him to play him since he likes blair. thompson also has a mid range shot.

[TD 21]

blair is one of our front court problems. right now we need to get size keeping a 6'7 big on the bench will cause him to play him since he likes blair. thompson also has a mid range shot.

I understand the move from the Spurs perspective. They'd get a bigger body with a better mid range shot. But it makes no sense from the Kings perspective. In order for a trade to be realistic, it has to benefit all teams involved in some way. This wouldn't benefit the Kings.

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

I understand the move from the Spurs perspective. They'd get a bigger body with a better mid range shot. But it makes no sense from the Kings perspective. In order for a trade to be realistic, it has to benefit all teams involved in some way. This wouldn't benefit the Kings.

ok here it is. who is the kings 2nd option? cousins is good but hes still so raw. they need a reliable 2nd option that they can go too. RJ would be that player. they practically have nothing but prospects. they can give up both casspi & thompson knowing they are getting a much needed veteran and scorer with a prospect big as a bonus. they have the 7th pick and will most likely pick one of the texas fowards. this trade is alot more realistic than everyone is thinking. at this point we need to trade for better fits and not to see if we can trade for a allstar. it sounds funny but there is no free agent SF that they can sign that can score like RJ(this is the sentence that someones gonna point out and use this:lmao)

[TD 21]

ok here it is. who is the kings 2nd option? cousins is good but hes still so raw. they need a reliable 2nd option that they can go too. RJ would be that player. they practically have nothing but prospects. they can give up both casspi & thompson knowing they are getting a much needed veteran and scorer with a prospect big as a bonus. they have the 7th pick and will most likely pick one of the texas fowards. this trade is alot more realistic than everyone is thinking. at this point we need to trade for better fits and not to see if we can trade for a allstar. it sounds funny but there is no free agent SF that they can sign that can score like RJ(this is the sentence that someones gonna point out and use this:lmao)

Cousins is. Who cares if he is raw? They're not going to be anywhere close to contending next season anyway. Jefferson is not a reliable second option. The Kings can probably get Jefferson for Casspi. I've got to imagine the Spurs would be ecstatic to gain the financial flexibility, while getting a decent young asset back.

I get what you're saying about fit and I agree. I'd be thrilled to see Jefferson traded for Casspi. It would give the Spurs a lot more financial flexibility and a decent young asset. They could sign Battier as a stopgap and use Casspi as an additional asset (along with McDyess, Blair and the 29th pick) for a quality, second or third big.

[SenorSpur]

Cousins is. Who cares if he is raw? They're not going to be anywhere close to contending next season anyway. Jefferson is not a reliable second option. The Kings can probably get Jefferson for Casspi. I've got to imagine the Spurs would be ecstatic to gain the financial flexibility, while getting a decent young asset back.

I get what you're saying about fit and I agree. I'd be thrilled to see Jefferson traded for Casspi. It would give the Spurs a lot more financial flexibility and a decent young asset. They could sign Battier as a stopgap and use Casspi as an additional asset (along with McDyess, Blair and the 29th pick) for a quality, second or third big.

If the Spurs WERE to somehow acquire Casspi, why in the hell would they want to package him later to send away? He would clearly be a buildling block for the future. They wouldn't even need Battier. Hell, they could make do with the combo of Casspi, DeSean Butler and James Anderson. Formulate any other possible scenarios to try a get a quality big, but I highly doubt they'd want to move Casspi because they've coveted him for so long.

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

Cousins is. Who cares if he is raw? They're not going to be anywhere close to contending next season anyway. Jefferson is not a reliable second option. The Kings can probably get Jefferson for Casspi. I've got to imagine the Spurs would be ecstatic to gain the financial flexibility, while getting a decent young asset back.

I get what you're saying about fit and I agree. I'd be thrilled to see Jefferson traded for Casspi. It would give the Spurs a lot more financial flexibility and a decent young asset. They could sign Battier as a stopgap and use Casspi as an additional asset (along with McDyess, Blair and the 29th pick) for a quality, second or third big.

because hes raw hes not a reliable 2nd option. he makes horrible decisions & hes prob the most immature player in the league. they have no veterns on there team. they have nothing but prospects.i understand a rebuilding team wants to keep prospects but have nothing but prospects is not good either. they need a player with experience that they can go to when in a close game. i dont know why every thinks RJ's like 38 and about to retire. hes only 31 & just 2 years ago he averaged 20PPG. pop worked with RJ's shot and has expanded his game even further. to a team in desperate need to win(especially a team thats trying to keep from moving to a new city) he would be a very good pickup especially when his contract is alright for a player of his caliber. like the draft the FA's of 2012 is a weak group.

[Cessation]

Kings would be stupid to trade for rj, who's past his prime, and in his athletic decline, for for such promising young talents as caspi and thompson. In this league you gotta be either at the bottom in the lottery, getting high draft pics, or a contender. Mid of the pack, you're going nowhere. You should be adding vets only to get yourself over the hump, into contender status, similar to what thunder did at the trade deadline in acquiring perkins and nazr.

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

Kings would be stupid to trade for rj, who's past his prime, and in his athletic decline, for for such promising young talents as caspi and thompson. In this league you gotta be either at the bottom in the lottery, getting high draft pics, or a contender. Mid of the pack, you're going nowhere. You should be adding vets only to get yourself over the hump, into contender status, similar to what thunder did at the trade deadline in acquiring perkins and nazr.

they would be stupid to trade for RJ who was the 4th option of a team that never ran plays for him yet still managed to average 11ppg, shoot 44% from behind the arc, fixed his jumper by working with the best shooting coach in NBA, & lost weight over the previous offseason. :lol

i know everyone dislikes the guy(some even hate him) but pop didnt nearly use RJ to his full potential. RJ can finish at the rim, drain mid range jumpers, and knock down 3's(only thing pop used RJ for). like you said they are in the mid of the pack. no other team will offer them a player of rj's caliber for anyone on there team other than evans and cousins. they have a shit load of cap space and there is no one better. name one wing player available in FA thats better than RJ? and dont pick the players that are obviously gonna resign with there team.

[edgar]

We should trade Parker and Jefferson now. Two years in a row and still the same result.

[TD 21]

because hes raw hes not a reliable 2nd option. he makes horrible decisions & hes prob the most immature player in the league. they have no veterns on there team. they have nothing but prospects.i understand a rebuilding team wants to keep prospects but have nothing but prospects is not good either. they need a player with experience that they can go to when in a close game. i dont know why every thinks RJ's like 38 and about to retire. hes only 31 & just 2 years ago he averaged 20PPG. pop worked with RJ's shot and has expanded his game even further. to a team in desperate need to win(especially a team thats trying to keep from moving to a new city) he would be a very good pickup especially when his contract is alright for a player of his caliber. like the draft the FA's of 2012 is a weak group.

Who cares? You act like they're on the verge of contending for a championship and his rawness is holding him back. I agree that Jefferson, both positionally and in the way he conducts himself, would be a good fit and that financially, with all their cap space, it's not like his contract would cripple them. But they shouldn't get him to put him ahead of Cousins in the pecking order offensively and it makes no sense to throw in Thompson for Blair.

SenorSpur, they could keep Casspi. I'd rather they go with Battier/Anderson at the three and throw him into a package for a quality big. But the point is, it would give them another decent young asset, which gives them more options.

[Cessation]

they would be stupid to trade for RJ who was the 4th option of a team that never ran plays for him yet still managed to average 11ppg, shoot 44% from behind the arc, fixed his jumper by working with the best shooting coach in NBA, & lost weight over the previous offseason. :lol

i know everyone dislikes the guy(some even hate him) but pop didnt nearly use RJ to his full potential. RJ can finish at the rim, drain mid range jumpers, and knock down 3's(only thing pop used RJ for). like you said they are in the mid of the pack. no other team will offer them a player of rj's caliber for anyone on there team other than evans and cousins. they have a shit load of cap space and there is no one better. name one wing player available in FA thats better than RJ? and dont pick the players that are obviously gonna resign with there team.

I like Dick J well enough, more than most actually, but the decline in his production as the season wore on, can't be denied. Culminating in having numbers like 38%fg, 35%3pt, and 6 ppg, in the playoffs, its rather telling at what he's about. I agree, that he could have been more involved in the offence, but I don't think he would have made that much difference, lets be honest, he got most of his points of the hot 3pt shooting earlier in the season. He wasn't really the 4th option, since when hill and neal came in they took most of the shots. In the playoffs, he had 6 players averaging more points than him, including splitter, lol.

His midrage j is very inconsitent, he has poor handles, can't create his own shot, can't finish in traffic of the dribble anymore, just flails and hopes for a call. He's rather one dimensional offencivelly. Defensivelly he's also mediocre at best. He has relied on his athletism and a pg that can set him, most of his career, which doesn't require much skill. He's 31, he could improve his j, but all other aspects of his game will decline as the years progress, in his last year he'll be making around 11 mill at 34 years of age. I'm sure the kings are aware that he'd just be a black hole on that team. Thompson, is a promising young big at 6-11, 250 with a midrage jumper, they'd be insane to trade him for rj, tbh.

Two years ago the bucks, gave him up for scrap, and everyone thought they got a steal, but in the end, it looks like the joke's on the Spurs FO. It's nice to fantasize about these dream trades, and I would love if spurs could pull of a miracle of these proportions, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it.

[MR.SILVER&BLack]

I like Dick J well enough, more than most actually, but the decline in his production as the season wore on, can't be denied. Culminating in having numbers like 38%fg, 35%3pt, and 6 ppg, in the playoffs, its rather telling at what he's about. I agree, that he could have been more involved in the offence, but I don't think he would have made that much difference, lets be honest, he got most of his points of the hot 3pt shooting earlier in the season. He wasn't really the 4th option, since when hill and neal came in they took most of the shots. In the playoffs, he had 6 players averaging more points than him, including splitter, lol.

His midrage j is very inconsitent, he has poor handles, can't create his own shot, can't finish in traffic of the dribble anymore, just flails and hopes for a call. He's rather one dimensional offencivelly. Defensivelly he's also mediocre at best. He has relied on his athletism and a pg that can set him, most of his career, which doesn't require much skill. He's 31, he could improve his j, but all other aspects of his game will decline as the years progress, in his last year he'll be making around 11 mill at 34 years of age. I'm sure the kings are aware that he'd just be a black hole on that team. Thompson, is a promising young big at 6-11, 250 with a midrage jumper, they'd be insane to trade him for rj, tbh.

Two years ago the bucks, gave him up for scrap, and everyone thought they got a steal, but in the end, it looks like the joke's on the Spurs FO. It's nice to fantasize about these dream trades, and I would love if spurs could pull of a miracle of these proportions, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it.

this years playoffs both TP and hill tanked. they were horrible in running the offense and when rjs only touches came from when hes in the corner for 3's its hard for him to score. plus having 3 of the top perimeter defenders in a rotation made it hard for any of our wings and backcourt to score. hes barley gonna be 31 and he hasnt had a horrible decline. his mid range jumper was his most consitent shot this year due to working with pop all offseason. he dropped weight so he isnt getting slow or big.

lol dream trade. your really giving the kings FO too much credit. look at there most recent trades.

1st screw job: they trade away kevin martin(one of the top scorers in the NBA), prospect sergio rodriguez, & promising big hilton armstrong for carl landry, joey dorsey, and lol larry hughes. rockets walk away laughing when they pick up martin, jordan hill, jared jeffries while unloading tmac. knicks got tmac and rodriquez.

2nd screw job: they trade away a young 7'1 big in spencer hawes and a good sf in Nocioni for Dalembert. they said they did the trade for immediate help. something RJ can do for the kings.

3rd screw job: after getting rid of martin for carl landry they trade him away for marcus thornton to try and find a scorer.

they seem to not have a problem in trading away there young players and for most of his time on the kings thompson has been coming off the bench. i just read that there first priority of buisness is to bring back dalembert. so yes the trade is way more realistic than you realize since with there 7th pick the best players available are PF.

[jjktkk]

I like Dick J well enough, more than most actually, but the decline in his production as the season wore on, can't be denied. Culminating in having numbers like 38%fg, 35%3pt, and 6 ppg, in the playoffs, its rather telling at what he's about. I agree, that he could have been more involved in the offence, but I don't think he would have made that much difference, lets be honest, he got most of his points of the hot 3pt shooting earlier in the season. He wasn't really the 4th option, since when hill and neal came in they took most of the shots. In the playoffs, he had 6 players averaging more points than him, including splitter, lol.

His midrage j is very inconsitent, he has poor handles, can't create his own shot, can't finish in traffic of the dribble anymore, just flails and hopes for a call. He's rather one dimensional offencivelly. Defensivelly he's also mediocre at best. He has relied on his athletism and a pg that can set him, most of his career, which doesn't require much skill. He's 31, he could improve his j, but all other aspects of his game will decline as the years progress, in his last year he'll be making around 11 mill at 34 years of age. I'm sure the kings are aware that he'd just be a black hole on that team. Thompson, is a promising young big at 6-11, 250 with a midrage jumper, they'd be insane to trade him for rj, tbh.

Two years ago the bucks, gave him up for scrap, and everyone thought they got a steal, but in the end, it looks like the joke's on the Spurs FO. It's nice to fantasize about these dream trades, and I would love if spurs could pull of a miracle of these proportions, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it.

This.

[dbestpro]

We should trade Parker and Jefferson now. Two years in a row and still the same result.

For sure these two should never be on the same team.

[elemento]

I like Dick J well enough, more than most actually, but the decline in his production as the season wore on, can't be denied. Culminating in having numbers like 38%fg, 35%3pt, and 6 ppg, in the playoffs, its rather telling at what he's about. I agree, that he could have been more involved in the offence, but I don't think he would have made that much difference, lets be honest, he got most of his points of the hot 3pt shooting earlier in the season. He wasn't really the 4th option, since when hill and neal came in they took most of the shots. In the playoffs, he had 6 players averaging more points than him, including splitter, lol.

His midrage j is very inconsitent, he has poor handles, can't create his own shot, can't finish in traffic of the dribble anymore, just flails and hopes for a call. He's rather one dimensional offencivelly. Defensivelly he's also mediocre at best. He has relied on his athletism and a pg that can set him, most of his career, which doesn't require much skill. He's 31, he could improve his j, but all other aspects of his game will decline as the years progress, in his last year he'll be making around 11 mill at 34 years of age. I'm sure the kings are aware that he'd just be a black hole on that team. Thompson, is a promising young big at 6-11, 250 with a midrage jumper, they'd be insane to trade him for rj, tbh.

Two years ago the bucks, gave him up for scrap, and everyone thought they got a steal, but in the end, it looks like the joke's on the Spurs FO. It's nice to fantasize about these dream trades, and I would love if spurs could pull of a miracle of these proportions, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it.

100% right. It is so sad to read all this stuff knowing it is all true.

Dick Jefferson is awful

[SenorSpur]

I like Dick J well enough, more than most actually, but the decline in his production as the season wore on, can't be denied. Culminating in having numbers like 38%fg, 35%3pt, and 6 ppg, in the playoffs, its rather telling at what he's about. I agree, that he could have been more involved in the offence, but I don't think he would have made that much difference, lets be honest, he got most of his points of the hot 3pt shooting earlier in the season. He wasn't really the 4th option, since when hill and neal came in they took most of the shots. In the playoffs, he had 6 players averaging more points than him, including splitter, lol.

His midrage j is very inconsitent, he has poor handles, can't create his own shot, can't finish in traffic of the dribble anymore, just flails and hopes for a call. He's rather one dimensional offencivelly. Defensivelly he's also mediocre at best. He has relied on his athletism and a pg that can set him, most of his career, which doesn't require much skill. He's 31, he could improve his j, but all other aspects of his game will decline as the years progress, in his last year he'll be making around 11 mill at 34 years of age. I'm sure the kings are aware that he'd just be a black hole on that team. Thompson, is a promising young big at 6-11, 250 with a midrage jumper, they'd be insane to trade him for rj, tbh.

Two years ago the bucks, gave him up for scrap, and everyone thought they got a steal, but in the end, it looks like the joke's on the Spurs FO. It's nice to fantasize about these dream trades, and I would love if spurs could pull of a miracle of these proportions, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it.

Dick J has been an often-criticized, underperforming role player for the Spurs. He deserves ALL the criticism he's getting. That said, two issues raises where this is concerned.

First, for all his passiveness, RJ was what he was when the Spurs brought him to town. That was the book on him. While trading for him seemed like a good move at the time, trying to transform himself from a slashing, open-court scorer to a spot-up 3-pt shooter, at 29 years old, was a stretch. Expecting him to become even an average defender, when he's never demonstrated a level of defensive willingness throughout his career, was also a bit much. Given the fact that RJ has been such a terrible fit and his 2-year stint has been such an obvious failure, one has to wonder exactly what were Pop and RC thinking? I like the thought, they just targeted the wrong player.

Second, seeing as how RJ is the leading whipping boy among us Spurs fans, and probably even Pop himself, it strikes me as strange that Bonner seemingly gets a pass from the coaching staff. After all, he's repeatedly demonstrated that he's a mental midget. Yet he has been allowed to continue sucking year after year. And he's even rewarded with a 4-yr contract!

I'm all for the Spurs ridding the roster of non-performing players like RJ, but he isn't the only one.

[jjktkk]

Dick J has been an often-criticized, underperforming role player for the Spurs. He deserves ALL the criticism he's getting. That said, two issues raises where this is concerned.

First, for all his passiveness, RJ was what he was when the Spurs brought him to town. That was the book on him. While trading for him seemed like a good move at the time, trying to transform himself from a slashing, open-court scorer to a spot-up 3-pt shooter, at 29 years old, was a stretch. Expecting him to become even an average defender, when he's never demonstrated a level of defensive willingness throughout his career, was also a bit much. Given the fact that RJ has been such a terrible fit and his 2-year stint has been such an obvious failure, one has to wonder exactly what were Pop and RC thinking? I like the thought, they just targeted the wrong player.

Second, seeing as how RJ is the leading whipping boy among us Spurs fans, and probably even Pop himself, it strikes me as strange that Bonner seemingly gets a pass from the coaching staff. After all, he's repeatedly demonstrated that he's a mental midget. Yet he has been allowed to continue sucking year after year. And he's even rewarded with a 4-yr contract!

I'm all for the Spurs ridding the roster of non-performing players like RJ, but he isn't the only one.

Bonner has the face expression that hes really trying and working hard out there. :lol

[SenorSpur]

Bonner has the face expression that hes really trying and working hard out there. :lol

Actually, I can see how that makes a difference. :lol

[Cessation]

Dick J has been an often-criticized, underperforming role player for the Spurs. He deserves ALL the criticism he's getting. That said, two issues raises where this is concerned.

First, for all his passiveness, RJ was what he was when the Spurs brought him to town. That was the book on him. While trading for him seemed like a good move at the time, trying to transform himself from a slashing, open-court scorer to a spot-up 3-pt shooter, at 29 years old, was a stretch. Expecting him to become even an average defender, when he's never demonstrated a level of defensive willingness throughout his career, was also a bit much. Given the fact that RJ has been such a terrible fit and his 2-year stint has been such an obvious failure, one has to wonder exactly what were Pop and RC thinking? I like the thought, they just targeted the wrong player.

Second, seeing as how RJ is the leading whipping boy among us Spurs fans, and probably even Pop himself, it strikes me as strange that Bonner seemingly gets a pass from the coaching staff. After all, he's repeatedly demonstrated that he's a mental midget. Yet he has been allowed to continue sucking year after year. And he's even rewarded with a 4-yr contract!

I'm all for the Spurs ridding the roster of non-performing players like RJ, but he isn't the only one.

Quality post, tbh, especially the part where you mention the fo trying to make him something he isn't at 29 years of age. It might have worked when he was younger, but when shit gets tough at that age you tend to revert to your old habits. I think the main blame is obvioulsy on pop and fo, followed by the Turd Towers, with RJ bringing up the rear. Dick is a descent role player on a playoff team, but not one with championship asspirations. Similar to bonner, he seems to fade when there is significant increase in pressure, as there inevitably will be during a title run.

[Muser]

Pop made RJ into Bruce Bowen without the D. Shameful.

[silverblk mystix]

The Spurs could still contend...the players and a tweak here or there and they could seriously have a shot...


EXCEPT---


For Pop...Pop is the elephant in the room and his moronic decisions are the spurs BIGGEST problem.
It is so obvious to see once you really open your eyes and pay attention.

[timtonymanu]

The Spurs could still contend...the players and a tweak here or there and they could seriously have a shot...


EXCEPT---


For Pop...Pop is the elephant in the room and his moronic decisions are the spurs BIGGEST problem.
It is so obvious to see once you really open your eyes and pay attention.

THIS

Pop needs to realize

1.) This is an athlete's game now. The thing he said about athletes is quite disturbing. Look at the remaining teams in the playoffs. Excluding Dallas, all the teams are young and athletic. He can't keep looking for one-dimensional players with no athleticism. It's one thing to be young. It's another thing to be athletic.

2.) He needs to realize that Timmy isn't 27 anymore. He can't keep treating Tim like he is the number one option. Give him some legit help and not Matt Bonner. I would have thought Splitter would have had earned his time by now but it sounds like Pop is still not sure.

[TJastal]

THIS

Pop needs to realize

1.) This is an athlete's game now. The thing he said about athletes is quite disturbing. Look at the remaining teams in the playoffs. Excluding Dallas, all the teams are young and athletic. He can't keep looking for one-dimensional players with no athleticism. It's one thing to be young. It's another thing to be athletic.

2.) He needs to realize that Timmy isn't 27 anymore. He can't keep treating Tim like he is the number one option. Give him some legit help and not Matt Bonner. I would have thought Splitter would have had earned his time by now but it sounds like Pop is still not sure.

It's probably too late at this point to do anything about the problems. The damage is done, there is no rolling back the clock on Tim's knees and stress levels. And as long as Holt wakes up every with his viagra induced morning wood from dreams about the good ol' days Pop will remain the spurs' coach.

[Fabbs]

It's probably too late at this point to do anything about the problems. The damage is done, there is no rolling back the clock on Tim's knees and stress levels. And as long as Holt wakes up every with morning wood every day from the dreams about the good ol' days Pop will be the spurs' coach.
^ This.

So in answer to the OP of What does Pop do now..... Pop continues to act like the power trippy ass he is, pull fat checks from Holt, continue to ride Tim into the dirt until the ruination job is complete, then skirts off coatail style to endless praisings from the PollyAnna Poppers Club, which includes most local media.

[jjktkk]

^ This.

So in answer to the OP of What does Pop do now..... Pop continues to act like the power trippy ass he is, pull fat checks from Holt, continue to ride Tim into the dirt until the ruination job is complete, then skirts off coatail style to endless praisings from the PollyAnna Poppers Club, which includes most local media.

Yes, isn't it wonderful? Go Pop!