Spurs upcoming schedule given Manu's injury

[phxspurfan]

My injury-based prediction:

Assuming 6 weeks for Manu's inury to heal, I'm predicting the Spurs to have a .500 record of 15-15 over the next two months' games. Is that going to be good enough to contend for a playoff seed in this year's West? I'd say yes, but it will take a Herculean effort towards the end of the season and the guys may be gassed if offensive help doesn't emerge.

January
Wed 04 vs Warriors
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
W

Thu 05 vs Mavericks
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
L

Sat 07 vs Nuggets
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
W

Sun 08 @ Oklahoma City
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
6:00 PM
L

Tue 10 @ Milwaukee
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI
7:00 PM
W

Wed 11 vs Rockets
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
L

Fri 13 vs Trail Blazers
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
W

Sun 15 vs Suns
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
8:00 PM
L

Tue 17 @ Miami
American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL
6:30 PM
L

Wed 18 @ Orlando
Amway Center, Orlando, FL
6:00 PM
W

Fri 20 vs Kings
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
W

Sat 21 @ Houston
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
7:00 PM
L

Mon 23 @ New Orleans
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA
7:00 PM
W

Wed 25 vs Hawks
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
L

Fri 27 @ Minnesota
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
7:00 PM
L

Sun 29 @ Dallas
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
5:30 PM
L

Mon 30 @ Memphis
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
7:00 PM
L

February
Wed 01 vs Rockets
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
W

Thu 02 vs Hornets
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
W

Sat 04 vs Thunder
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM
L

Mon 06 @ Memphis
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
7:00 PM
L

Wed 08 @ Philadelphia
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
6:00 PM
W

Sat 11 @ New Jersey
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
7:00 PM
W

Tue 14 @ Detroit
Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI
6:30 PM
W

Wed 15 @ Toronto
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON
6:00 PM
W

Sat 18 @ L.A. Clippers
Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
2:30 PM
L

Mon 20 @ Utah
EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
8:00 PM
W

Tue 21 @ Portland
Rose Garden, Portland, OR
9:00 PM
W

Thu 23 @ Denver
Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
8:00 PM
L

Wed 29 vs Bulls
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
8:00 PM
L

March
Fri 02 vs Bobcats
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Sun 04 vs Nuggets
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
8:30 PM

Wed 07 vs Knicks
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Fri 09 vs L.A. Clippers
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Mon 12 vs Wizards
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Wed 14 vs Magic
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Fri 16 @ Oklahoma City
Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
8:30 PM

Sat 17 @ Dallas
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
8:00 PM

Wed 21 vs Timberwolves
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Fri 23 vs Mavericks
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Sat 24 @ New Orleans
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA
7:00 PM

Sun 25 vs 76ers
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
6:00 PM

Tue 27 @ Phoenix
US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ
9:00 PM

Wed 28 @ Sacramento
Power Balance Pavilion, Sacramento, CA
9:00 PM

Sat 31 vs Pacers
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

April
Tue 03 @ Cleveland
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
6:00 PM

Wed 04 @ Boston
TD Garden, Boston, MA
6:30 PM

Fri 06 vs Hornets
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Sun 08 vs Jazz
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
6:00 PM

Mon 09 @ Utah
EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
8:00 PM

Wed 11 vs L.A. Lakers
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Thu 12 vs Grizzlies
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM FSSW 1200 WOAI
Sat 14 vs Suns
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
8:00 PM

Mon 16 @ Golden State
ORACLE Arena, Oakland, CA
9:30 PM

Tue 17 @ L.A. Lakers
Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
9:30 PM

Wed 18 @ Sacramento
Power Balance Pavilion, Sacramento, CA
9:00 PM

Fri 20 vs L.A. Lakers
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
8:30 PM

Sun 22 vs Cavaliers
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
6:00 PM

Mon 23 vs Trail Blazers
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
7:30 PM

Wed 25 @ Phoenix
US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ
9:30 PM

Thu 26 @ Golden State
ORACLE Arena, Oakland, CA
9:30 PM

[VBM]

Cue the blessing in disguise :downspin:

[ElNono]

@Portland win? What are you smoking?

And we haven't won in Philly for a few seasons now....

[DMC]

Aint going to be a problem. Blair will step up and own it. Spurs will have best record in the West. We will win the championship. Book it.

[redskinfan]

I just do not see where the points will come from, Parker used to be able to pick it up but lately he is a step slow and Anderson cannot find his shot even though his shots look pretty and Tim is a shell of even last years self...sucks to be a Spursfan right now..

[Sean Cagney]

I just do not see where the points will come from, Parker used to be able to pick it up but lately he is a step slow and Anderson cannot find his shot even though his shots look pretty and Tim is a shell of even last years self...sucks to be a Spursfan right now..

Tim a shell of last years Tim is just flat out scary bro :( GOOD LORD thats scary. I agree with your post though.

[ElNono]

I agree. We probably going to join the Lakeshow in the "fucked" department...

[TD 21]

I see maybe 2 wins the rest of the month. Manu is a slow healer, so its no telling when he returns. Falling that far behind means you guys are fucked.

Not necessarily. Because of the parity in the West, seeding matters less than ever this season. More than ever, it's about getting to the playoffs in relative health/freshness and peaking at the right time.

Anybody thinking this team is in danger of missing the playoffs now, name me the team who's taking their spot. Some of the perennial losers in the West look improved, but not enough to make the playoffs.

[lefty]

Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank !

[ElNono]

Anybody thinking this team is in danger of missing the playoffs now, name me the team who's taking their spot. Some of the perennial losers in the West look improved, but not enough to make the playoffs.

Wolves, Houston, New Orleans, Clippers... they all have a shot.

Fact is, this Spurs team has only played well at home, and been carried by Manu pretty much.

I'm not going to ask magic from the rooks (that includes Anderson and Tiago, IMO), I just hope they raise to the occasion. Otherwise, even a top TP won't be able to do whole lot.

[timvp]

I'd take .500 ball without Ginobili in an instant.

Shiiiiii, I might take .400 ball.

[TD 21]

Wolves, Houston, New Orleans, Clippers... they all have a shot.

Fact is, this Spurs team has only played well at home, and been carried by Manu pretty much.

I'm not going to ask magic from the rooks (that includes Anderson and Tiago, IMO), I just hope they raise to the occasion. Otherwise, a top TP won't be able to do whole lot.

The Rockets are the only ones that have a shot. But eventually, Ginobili will be back. And if this team is in a fight for their playoff lives by then, Pop will be forced to play the big three extended minutes.

Guys will step up now because they're forced to. Yes, Duncan appears to have lost another step and Parker may to be beginning to decline, but they're still capable of more than they're doing, as are others. They're coasting offensively because they know when Ginobili get's obscenely hot, he can carry them for stretches. Now they don't have that luxury, so they're forced to step up.

[ElNono]

I'd take .500 ball without Ginobili in an instant.

Shiiiiii, I might take .400 ball.

Yep. The whole "west is weak" talk is kinda relative when you team just lost it's engine.

[venitian navigator]

The F.O. needs to see if the young boys can really play.
We can't rely on Duncan and Parker...doing so, maybe we'll catch the play offs, but with a low seed and when manu's coming back Tim and Tony we'll have no energy left.
That's make no sense at all.
Time to sink or swim for Anderson, Blair, Leonard.
At this point, if in the next 20 games we'll be under 50 %, maybe it will be time to decide to tank the season...and explore february's market.

[ElNono]

Guys will step up now because they're forced to. Yes, Duncan appears to have lost another step and Parker may to be beginning to decline, but they're still capable of more than they're doing, as are others. They're coasting offensively because they know when Ginobili get's obscenely hot, he can carry them for stretches. Now they don't have that luxury, so they're forced to step up.

We'll see. Frankly, I think that hunger and attitude has been missing, and that's exactly what Manu has been bringing to the table.

Again, I can't really ask Kawhi, Splitter, Anderson not to have a deer-in-the-headlights look.

[mexicanjunior]

Blessing in disguise...this is the perfect chance to tank the season and get a decent pick. Reload with a top 5 pick and amnesty RJ to get into title contention in 2012-2013.

[TDMVPDPOY]

more pt for the younger players, better then nothin

[gospursgojas]

No way they beat Portland twice and Denver even once, and win vs Orlando. (based on your predictions)

They might even lose the 2 games vs the Hornets.

Add at least 4 losses to that record. 11-19, maybe even 6 9-21 :(

[TDMVPDPOY]

i bet yah no one is going to step up.....

[siraulo23]

spurs would be lucky to get 10 wins during that 30 game stretch

unless blair/neal/parker picks up the scoring, spurs are fucked this season

spurs need to tank

[baseline bum]

I hope the Spurs pull a Kobe and miss the playoffs tbh.

[ohmwrecker]

When is Choo Choo Neal due back?

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

The Spurs were not a contender anyway with the way Duncan has declined, so they might consider pulling a Mavs and tank hard. Wouldn't be surprised if Duncan gets a 'resting tankiitis' or something like that in a week or so.

[angelbelow]

When is Choo Choo Neal due back?

Currently getting in shape as we speak.. hopefully by next week. But without Manu, an inside scorer good enough to pass out of double teams, we won't be able to maximize Neal.

TP will have to bring his A+ game every night both as a scorer and as a distributor. Perfect play from TJ would also help JA and Neal get some good looks. Otherwise, we're going to miss Manu's play making and someone good enough in the post to draw defenders.

Hoping Splitters improved confidence on offense contributes to some kind of consistency from him. He's definitely capable of finding open teammates from the post.

[Robz4000]

As much as I love Ginobili and will miss him, this is the best scenario for the Spurs. It will force the younger players to show what they got and carry the team. It's also possible RJ or Bonner (lolololol) will step up to give production. We'll be able to see who will produce for the team in the playoffs and in the team's future. If it works out, we'll be in the chase still, and when Manu returns he'll be fairly fresh.

If not, we can tank and get a solid spot in a stacked draft. We can trade Tony and maybe some other players for picks, and truly begin to rebuild. Should this happen I think the Spurs will be contenders again in a good three or four seasons, provided we find players on the team this year that'll provide good back-bone to hold the team together.

[justinandimcool]

We haven't seen them play yet. I expect Parker and Blair (and Neal when he returns) to pick up the 20 points or so we'll miss from Manu, and hopefully Green, Anderson, and Jefferson can contribute more than once a week.

.500 in 2 months is a possibility, we're right there in the playoff hunt when Manu gets back.

If it doesn't work out and we're horrible, you freaks will be happy because you called for tanking anyway.

[bluebellmaniac]

If not, we can tank and get a solid spot in a stacked draft. We can trade Tony and maybe some other players for picks, and truly begin to rebuild. Should this happen I think the Spurs will be contenders again in a good three or four seasons, provided we find players on the team this year that'll provide good back-bone to hold the team together.

With Manu out for a big chunk of the season, maybe we do need to look ahead and think of needs and youth. What is Tony's value? Could he (packaged with Bonner) land us a healthy Bynum? That looks like a great deal for us right now while meeting our nemesis' biggest need. Then our overseas bigs would only need to step into the roles of backup C and PF instead of needing to be starters... a big relief.

This needs another thread...

[analyzed]

Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank !

Seriously, the Spurs either will be a low seed (6th to 8th) going into the playoffs or will miss the playoffs and get a low lottery pick, 13th to 15th.. which is just a few draft picks higher than if they make the playoffs (15th to 19th). Anyway you look at it, its still best to go for a playoff slot.

BTW if they do make the playoffs with a healthy Manu and company, they are the one low seed team you don't want to meet

[analyzed]

Seriously if we decide to go the trading route for the future. What can we realistically get in return for Parker and maybe Blair? Did'nt Indiana say no to Parker and opted for Hill instead for a the kawhi pick? Does that give us an indication of his trade value?

Even with Manu's injury we're not reallistically getting a top 5 pick in the next draft. We still will be a .500 team at years end which at best will get us a low teen draft pick

[venitian navigator]

Seriously if we decide to go the trading route for the future. What can we realistically get in return for Parker and maybe Blair? Did'nt Indiana say no to Parker and opted for Hill instead for a the kawhi pick? Does that give us an indication of his trade value?

Even with Manu's injury we're not reallistically getting a top 5 pick in the next draft. We still will be a .500 team at years end which at best will get us a low teen draft pick

The reason we didn't trade Parker was 'cause we decided to trade him only if packaged with R.J....that at the time was seen like a terrible player.

One thing to consider is that Manu will be out, at least, till mid february.
That means he'll be out till the last moment the nba market will be open.
That said, in case we'll understand, at that point, to be probably out of contention for the play offs, the only smart thing to do wil be decide to re-build and trade our veterans for future draft picks...

And that will be the best moment for doing it, for a lot of reasons, the main one being that is that very moment veterans will be at the top of the market value for all the teams that are starving to make the play offs and feel like they are one piece away for competing and, at the same time, in that very moment draft picks will be considered expandable for joining that goal.

RKJ, till now, is playing well, and showing he can still have more than a solid season.
If Parker can take back his shape for next 30 games, I see both of them like our best trade assets, and both capable to be traded at the deadline for more than decent draft picks.

[analyzed]

And that will be the best moment for doing it, for a lot of reasons, the main one being that is that very moment veterans will be at the top of the market value for all the teams that are starving to make the play offs and feel like they are one piece away for competing and, at the same time, in that very moment draft picks will be considered expandable for joining that goal.

RKJ, till now, is playing well, and showing he can still have more than a solid season.
If Parker can take back his shape for next 30 games, I see both of them like our best trade assets, and both capable to be traded at the deadline for more than decent draft picks.

I think there is a contradiction there, if the likely teams to trade for a veteran like Parker /RJ are teams that are close to making the playoffs, and we're after their draft picks next year. We probably are not going to get a high (top 10) decent draft pick with the trade. I don't think cellar dweller lottery teams are after veterans.

[Bruno]

It makes no sense to decide now to tank/rebuild because one player will be out 4-6 weeks.

In the hypothetical case of Spurs struggling so much during Manu's injury that playoffs hopes are gone, then rebuild/tank would be an option. The first player who should be traded to start this process is obviously Ginobili.

[analyzed]

It makes no sense to decide now to tank/rebuild because one player will be out 4-6 weeks.

In the hypothetical case of Spurs struggling so much during Manu's injury that playoffs hopes are gone, then rebuild/tank would be an option. The first player who should be traded to start this process is obviously Ginobili.

Who would trade for Manu and what would they give up for Manu (given he is injured and next year is his last year of his contract which expires when he 36 yrs old). Bottom line Manu does not provide the best trade value for other teams and his value is still best used by the Spurs

[mathbzh]

Who would trade for Manu and what would they give up for Manu (given he is injured and next year is his last year of his contract which expires when he 36 yrs old). Bottom line Manu does not provide the best trade value for other teams and his value is still best used by the Spurs

If I am a contender but need one more offensive option (Bulls?) and more experience, I would seriously consider trading for Manu.

[Bruno]

Who would trade for Manu and what would they give up for Manu (given he is injured and next year is his last year of his contract which expires when he 36 yrs old). Bottom line Manu does not provide the best trade value for other teams and his value is still best used by the Spurs

The trade deadline is March 15 this year. Manu will be an healthy player at that time. And Manu has negative value for Spurs if they start a rebuilding process: he will hurt them with wins that will give them a worst draft pick. If you start to rebuild the team, trading Ginobili is an obvious move even if you don't get a lot for him. Trading Parker is more debatable but I think it would be the right move to do too.

[xmas1997]

The trade deadline is March 15 this year. Manu will be an healthy player at that time. And Manu has negative value for Spurs if they start a rebuilding process: he will hurt them with wins that will give them a worst draft pick. If you start to rebuild the team, trading Ginobili is an obvious move even if you don't get a lot for him. Trading Parker is more debatable but I think it would be the right move to do too.

Maybe so, but besides the fact that Manu is probably untouchable like TD, its his shooting hand that is broken so it might take longer for him to round into form, plus he'll probably also be out of shape basketball wise too.
I agree on TP and RJ though.

[temujin]

The question is obviously not whether to trade Ginobili or not,
but what Ginobili is doing on a team that had zero chance to make it to the finals.

[Bruno]

Maybe so, but besides the fact that Manu is probably untouchable like TD

That's only a fact for CoM members. Fact is only Duncan is untouchable. Manu is in the same class than Parker. If you think there is nothign wrong with Spurs trading Parker, then there is nothing wrong with Spurs trading Ginobili.

[xmas1997]

That's only a fact for CoM members. Fact is only Duncan is untouchable. Manu is in the same class than Parker. If you think there is nothign wrong with Spurs trading Parker, then there is nothing wrong with Spurs trading Ginobili.

I say "probably untouchable" because IMHO I seriously doubt that Pop would ever condone trading away the spark plug and heart of this team.

[polandprzem]

I'd take .500 ball without Ginobili in an instant.

Shiiiiii, I might take .400 ball.

Why not just quit on a season?


But UR right LJ :depressed

[DPG21920]

Well I'm holding off on the tank sentiment until I hear something more definitive on how much time Gino will miss and until I see about 5-6 games without him.

[Leetonidas]

Ginobili breaks hand, Spurs narrowly miss playoffs, end up with number one pick and draft Drummond, restarting our dynasty.

Do it R.C. :toast

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Ginobili breaks hand, Spurs narrowly miss playoffs, end up with number one pick and draft Drummond, restarting our dynasty.

Do it R.C. :toast

Their odds to win the lottery in such a scenario would be about 0.5% - 0.8%. They'd need to tank hard if they decide to go this route, which they most likely won't tbh.

[venitian navigator]

I think there is a contradiction there, if the likely teams to trade for a veteran like Parker /RJ are teams that are close to making the playoffs, and we're after their draft picks next year. We probably are not going to get a high (top 10) decent draft pick with the trade. I don't think cellar dweller lottery teams are after veterans.

I understand what you mean, but it's not necessarly a contradiction.
First 'cause there are teams that could make the play offs but have picks from other teams (that could not make the play offs), second 'cause there are teams, for example, like Toronto that are supposedly not going to the play offs that could have a not so high level of interest for a draft full of bigs (while they already have three of decent value like Bargnani, Davis, A. Jhonson and one supposedly being a very good one for next year in Valenciunas) and prefer a little, better, chance to make the play offs with a good veteran acquired at the dead line.

[Giuseppe]

One injury and the lion's share of fandom want to toss the towel.

Did Dirk toss that damn thing at 15 down last Summer?
Did D. Fish toss that damn thing down at .4 that one Summer?
Did D. Fish toss that damn thing down---down 13 on June.17.2010?
Did the shit bag toss it when Daddy was comin' at him 100 mph on that 3 pointer?

Look at ya's. If I catch ya's downstairs I'll give ya the CmofosC quicker than a rabbit gets fucked.

[DPG21920]

Shut up.

[Giuseppe]

^Hells/Bells, somebody had to speak up.

[baseline bum]

It makes no sense to decide now to tank/rebuild because one player will be out 4-6 weeks.

In the hypothetical case of Spurs struggling so much during Manu's injury that playoffs hopes are gone, then rebuild/tank would be an option. The first player who should be traded to start this process is obviously Ginobili.

When you combine a Manu injury with Tim looking done, I think it makes perfect sense to tank in a great draft year. The alternative is they get a lousy pick this year and start really sucking next year with a weak draft. When Tim Duncan isn't Tim Duncan this team's title hopes are shot no matter how well the rest of the team plays, and a Manu who won't be 100% this year probably ensures the Spurs cannot even win a playoff series.

[Giuseppe]

Only P's & A's tank.

[baseline bum]

Only P's & A's tank.

I prefer to think of it as pulling a Kobe, though they did it in his prime.

[Giuseppe]

I prefer to think of it as pulling a Kobe, though they did it in his prime.

Don't drag my people into this unholy conspiracy. Kobe didn't toss the towel when he tore his wrist ligaments. He grabbed a gaggle of jacks & timbers and he started back down. You didn't see my people downstairs egg him on to quit & tank.

Uh, uh. You & your people have debased yourselves since Manu broke his hand, imploring and beseeching the team to tank.

Find the shit bag after the next home game and tell him what his fans are proposing and see what he does, Base. Yeah, do that, Base.

[baseline bum]

Don't drag my people into this unholy conspiracy. Kobe didn't toss the towel when he tore his wrist ligaments. He grabbed a gaggle of jacks & timbers and he started back down. You didn't see my people downstairs egg him on to quit & tank.

Uh, uh. You & your people have debased yourselves since Manu broke his hand, imploring and beseeching the team to tank.

Find the shit bag after the next home game and tell him what his fans are proposing and see what he does, Base. Yeah, do that, Base.

If 33-40 wasn't Kobe tossing in the towel, then that's pretty pathetic tbh.

[tmtcsc]

I'm thinking the Spurs have a real chance to lose 7 in a row if not more. Our best chances to win will be at home. NO TEAM is an automatic "W" for us.

[Giuseppe]

If 33-40 wasn't Kobe tossing in the towel, then that's pretty pathetic tbh.

That's conjecture. What's been proposed on this Board since Manu broke his hand is out & out cowardice. If you & your people are so sure of yourselves I again call on you to present to the shit bag your strategy. See what he thinks about it. You know what? You wouldn't do it, because you know you'd break his heart. You know what you're doing here is wrong, but, you've nary the conviction to get your own jacks & timbers and start back down unless you have EVERYTHING your way.

That's chickenshit, and you know it.

[mexicanjunior]

That's conjecture. What's been proposed on this Board since Manu broke his hand is out & out cowardice. If you & your people are so sure of yourselves I again call on you to present to the shit bag your strategy. See what he thinks about it. You know what? You wouldn't do it, because you know you'd break his heart. You know what you're doing here is wrong, but, you've nary the conviction to get your own jacks & timbers and start back down unless you have EVERYTHING your way.

That's chickenshit, and you know it.

Tanking is the way to go...no one gives a shit if you approve or not...:toast

[rascal]

The trade deadline is March 15 this year. Manu will be an healthy player at that time. And Manu has negative value for Spurs if they start a rebuilding process: he will hurt them with wins that will give them a worst draft pick. If you start to rebuild the team, trading Ginobili is an obvious move even if you don't get a lot for him. Trading Parker is more debatable but I think it would be the right move to do too.

Now people want to trade Manu.
A little too late now with the injury. You needed to trade him last summer when he was healthy and had more value.

[Giuseppe]

Tanking is the way to go...no one gives a shit if you approve or not...:toast

Because you're afraid to try and fail, so you just punt the ball on third & 30.

That's a disgrace.

[rascal]

Because you're afraid to try and fail, so you just punt the ball on third & 30.

That's a disgrace.

Gettting stuck in the middle is the worst way to go.
Having a seed 6 to 8 and getting bounced in the first round is not as good as missing the playoffs and landing the big lottery draft pick. Drafting is the only way the Spurs add talent and the sooner they can get a lottery pick the better for the rebuilding process to begin.

I don't expect the spurs to tank unless Duncan also goes down to injury in the next couple of months.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs WILL NOT tank until TD retires. Simple as that.

I think Anderson should start in Gino's place, and then Neal can work his way from the bench. Hopefully him and TP can make up for Gino's scoring, but the playmaking is what we'll really miss.

[bus driver]

any good 7 footers in next year's draft?

[mexicanjunior]

Spurs WILL NOT tank until TD retires. Simple as that.

I think Anderson should start in Gino's place, and then Neal can work his way from the bench. Hopefully him and TP can make up for Gino's scoring, but the playmaking is what we'll really miss.

That kind of thinking is what will keep the Spurs mired in mediocrity until the big 3 are gone...than we will be the Las Vegas Spurs.

Only way to give Duncan another chance at a title is to sit him now and reload with draft help. If not, the exact same flawed team will be back for Duncan's final years...only older and more broken down.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

That kind of thinking is what will keep the Spurs mired in mediocrity until the big 3 are gone...than we will be the Las Vegas Spurs.

Only way to give Duncan another chance at a title is to sit him now and reload with draft help. If not, the exact same flawed team will be back for Duncan's final years...only older and more broken down.

I totally hear you, and don't even disagree really. I just can't see SA "sacrificing" a year until TD retires. They already know he's on his last legs, and if they wanted to tank, maybe Duncan would rather sign with a contender in the offseason (I hope not, but wouldn't be mad at him if he did).

I agree with Bruno, who said we can't overreact to one player being gone for 4-6 weeks (hopefully it's closer to 4 since it's just his pinky).

I still think we can get the 5th or 6th seed until Gino gets back and then make a push and peak heading into the playoffs.

[Bruno]

When you combine a Manu injury with Tim looking done, I think it makes perfect sense to tank in a great draft year. The alternative is they get a lousy pick this year and start really sucking next year with a weak draft. When Tim Duncan isn't Tim Duncan this team's title hopes are shot no matter how well the rest of the team plays, and a Manu who won't be 100% this year probably ensures the Spurs cannot even win a playoff series.

Duncan stopped being Duncan more than one year ago. Manu not being at 100% again this year is a damn wild assumption for an injury that should sidelined him 4-6 weeks.

I'm not against rebuilding, I'm just saying that it isn't the right time to do so.
After the playoffs loss against Memphis, rebuilding was a good option. In a couple of months, if Spurs are way below .500, rebuilding would be a good option.

Spurs made the choice of not blowing up the team this summer. There are no reasons or incentives to do it 5 games into the season because Manu is out for one month.

[phxspurfan]

Duncan stopped being Duncan more than one year ago. Manu not being at 100% again this year is a damn wild assumption for an injury that should sidelined him 4-6 weeks.

I'm not against rebuilding, I'm just saying that it isn't the right time to do so.
After the playoffs loss against Memphis, rebuilding was a good option. In a couple of months, if Spurs are way below .500, rebuilding would be a good option.

Spurs made the choice of not blowing up the team this summer. There are no reasons or incentives to do it 5 games into the season because Manu is out for one month.

I completely disagree. Either tank right now and commit to it to get a high draft pick in a relatively strong draft or make some F.O. moves (read: sign a scorer) and fight like hell to keep the ship afloat until Manu's return.


And regarding the earlier note that Manu is untouchable, he is not. But trading him right now would fundamentally be a bad GM move as he is at his lowest value. Really if anyone were to go it would be Parker, and that would have to be a steal of a deal for this F.O. to consider it. It would also likely involve going for youth and a backup PG and tanking/rebuilding.


a. Tank
b. Fight for the playoffs

What are the Spurs going to decide to do?

[baseline bum]

Duncan stopped being Duncan more than one year ago. Manu not being at 100% again this year is a damn wild assumption for an injury that should sidelined him 4-6 weeks.

I'm not against rebuilding, I'm just saying that it isn't the right time to do so.
After the playoffs loss against Memphis, rebuilding was a good option. In a couple of months, if Spurs are way below .500, rebuilding would be a good option.

Spurs made the choice of not blowing up the team this summer. There are no reasons or incentives to do it 5 games into the season because Manu is out for one month.

I just don't see the team surviving this schedule and having anything left with Manu out a month or more. They had nothing in the tank by April last season, and it's going to be way worse this time around.

[timvp]

In theory, tanking isn't a bad idea. But how would the Spurs go about tanking now? I just don't see a way to tank. You can't tell TD to fake an injury now to help his future because he might not have a future. Trading TP now would be dumb because his value is too low after a bad playoff run and a slow start to this season.

The only thing that makes sense right now is to play it out. If TD or TP get injured, the tanking could take care of itself. Or come the trade deadline, the situation could change to where making a trade would make sense. But for now, it's not as simple as pressing a reset button.

And while the strength of this year's draft is appealing, rebuilding is a long, slow, ugly process. Once the TD era is over, it could be decades before the Spurs are ever championship contenders again. There's shouldn't a rush to get there. They'll have their chances to strike gold in multiple drafts once the time comes.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

And while the strength of this year's draft is appealing, rebuilding is a long, slow, ugly process. Once the TD era is over, it could be decades before the Spurs are ever championship contenders again. There's shouldn't a rush to get there. They'll have their chances to strike gold in multiple drafts once the time comes.

While I'm certainly not advocating for tanking, the truth is TD's era as a championship contender is over. No matter how well Manu and Tony play or how well Leonard and Anderson progress, this team is not a contender with Tim Duncan the way he is right now.

[baseline bum]

And while the strength of this year's draft is appealing, rebuilding is a long, slow, ugly process. Once the TD era is over, it could be decades before the Spurs are ever championship contenders again. There's shouldn't a rush to get there. They'll have their chances to strike gold in multiple drafts once the time comes.

With the way Tim is looking, I don't see how he comes back next season, so it boils down to either rebuilding this season or rebuilding next season with a weak draft. As much as it'll suck in the short term, I think it makes the most sense long term to throw the season. I mean, no improvements in the roster, a schedule that's going to run the team into the ground, and now Parker and Duncan having to play balls-out and fatigue themselves even worse just to stay above water with Manu out? This team looked completely dead by last April and with a much tougher schedule and another year of age, I don't see what the goal is supposed to be. They looked so beaten into the ground by the playoffs that I fail to see how they'd have won any hypothetical playoff matchup other than one against New Orleans. They came two miracle shots from being dominated in 5.

[Bruno]

I just don't see the team surviving this schedule and having anything left with Manu out a month or more. They had nothing in the tank by April last season, and it's going to be way worse this time around.

It may very well happens. I'm just advocating to wait a little before deciding to rebuild or not. If in 25 games, the team record is 10-20 then rebuilding is likely the best option. If Spurs have a 15-15 record in 25 games, they should postponed the rebuilding process to give Tim a decent end of career.

[timvp]

With the way Tim is looking, I don't see how he comes back next season, so it boils down to either rebuilding this season or rebuilding next season with a weak draft. As much as it'll suck in the short term, I think it makes the most sense long term to throw the season. I mean, no improvements in the roster, a schedule that's going to run the team into the ground, and now Parker and Duncan having to play balls-out and fatigue themselves even worse just to stay above water with Manu out? This team looked completely dead by last April and with a much tougher schedule and another year of age, I don't see what the goal is supposed to be. They looked so beaten into the ground by the playoffs that I fail to see how they'd have won any hypothetical playoff matchup other than one against New Orleans. They came two miracle shots from being dominated in 5.

Valid points. What would your tanking gameplan entail?

[ElNono]

That's conjecture. What's been proposed on this Board since Manu broke his hand is out & out cowardice. If you & your people are so sure of yourselves I again call on you to present to the shit bag your strategy. See what he thinks about it. You know what? You wouldn't do it, because you know you'd break his heart. You know what you're doing here is wrong, but, you've nary the conviction to get your own jacks & timbers and start back down unless you have EVERYTHING your way.

That's chickenshit, and you know it.

Kobe tanked... then quit. Then raped and snitched.

That's chickenshit, and you know it, Victor.

[baseline bum]

Valid points. What would your tanking gameplan entail?

I'm not sure exactly right now; I was really hoping for the Paul to the Clippers deal to die so the Spurs could have jumped in and gotten the Minnesota pick and a signed Jordan for Tony, priming the Clippers for a run at Howard and giving the Spurs a great shot at two lotto picks to pick up some forwards.

[ElNono]

It may very well happens. I'm just advocating to wait a little before deciding to rebuild or not. If in 25 games, the team record is 10-20 then rebuilding is likely the best option. If Spurs have a 15-15 record in 25 games, they should postponed the rebuilding process to give Tim a decent end of career.

Agree with this. I think the forthcoming record/production will naturally indicate the way the team's gonna go.

[baseline bum]

I'm not sure exactly right now; I was really hoping for the Paul to the Clippers deal to die so the Spurs could have jumped in and gotten the Minnesota pick and a signed Jordan for Tony, priming the Clippers for a run at Howard and giving the Spurs a great shot at two lotto picks to pick up some forwards.

Then again, their signing of Caron Butler may have still made that impossible now that I look at the numbers more.

[Giuseppe]

Kobe tanked... then quit. Then raped and snitched.

That's chickenshit, and you know it, Victor.

Never denied it.

[DMC]

The F.O. needs to see if the young boys can really play.
We can't rely on Duncan and Parker...doing so, maybe we'll catch the play offs, but with a low seed and when manu's coming back Tim and Tony we'll have no energy left.
That's make no sense at all.
Time to sink or swim for Anderson, Blair, Leonard.
At this point, if in the next 20 games we'll be under 50 %, maybe it will be time to decide to tank the season...and explore february's market.
Because young late round draft picks are known to group up and dominate the league.

[DMC]

Some has to go to Timmy and sweep the leg. He will be out and it's not his fault.

[analyzed]

Their odds to win the lottery in such a scenario would be about 0.5% - 0.8%. They'd need to tank hard if they decide to go this route, which they most likely won't tbh.

Even without Manu, the spurs are to good a team to have a realistic chance of getting a high draft pick (top 5). There still a mid level team that could make or narowally miss the playoffs

[BackHome]

Well this is just the beginning of the season so who knows what will happen latter on. We could I think at best have the seventh or eight seed or depending on other injuries be drafting 8-13.

[therealtruth]

I think the West becomes more competitive with Adelman running the Wolves. The West could be even tougher this season.

[bluebellmaniac]

Some has to go to Timmy and sweep the leg. He will be out and it's not his fault.

:lol

[Spurtacus]

Best case he's out 4 weeks and misses 17 games. Worst case he's held out longer until after the All-Star break for a total of 29 games missed.