Manu's injury a good thing?

[chazley]

By most estimations, Manu will be expected to miss somewhere between 6-8 weeks. Without Manu at 100%, this team will not have a chance at winning a championship, and has almost no shot at a top-4 seed. Ironically enough though, if there was one member of the big three we could afford to miss for potentially 2 months, it is Manu.

James Anderson and Gary Neal. The Spurs have arguably the best situation at 2-guard in the league, with a three-headed monster of Manu/James/Gary. Gary Neal will most likely slide into the starting 2 guard role as soon as he's in game-shape, and he showed flashes of brilliance last year. He'll never be a star because of his limited athleticism, but I wouldn't be shocked to see him average 15 this year or the next. James is a great backup 2-guard currently, with big upside. He's got great size for the position, and I've loved seeing his confidence early on. Pop has even had some lineups where RJ has played the two for stretches this season. I'd much rather have RJ at the 2 than the 4.

I've argued from the beginning, the biggest reason the Spurs are contenders this season is our depth. Tell me this lineup isn't playoff-worthy: Tony Parker/Gary Neal/RJ/Tim/Tiago

That goes without mentioning our bench, which still is very deep. I love the addition of Ike Diogu, who I've always been very high on.

And that is all it takes: Making the playoffs. Last year, we didn't get out of the first round as the #1 seed. The year before, we won a series as a #7 seed. We just need to qualify. We are going to have the equivalent of an early-season Manu when the playoffs start. He'll probably be back right after the ASB, and will have 6 weeks of rest. For the past several years, Manu has been his best for the first 2/3 of the season before he starts to wear down. Now, the condensed schedule won't affect him.

[Spursfan092120]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/LadyVoldything/sayitwithagif/facepalm.gif

[Giuseppe]

"Manu's injury a good thing?"

:lmao Frankly? I was shocked it took nearly 24 hours for this to find light.

:lmao

[Robz4000]

Exactly how I see it, though I still think we have a shot at the 4th seed. The only teams in the West I see as above us are the Thunder (strictly due to their youth), Portland, and possibly Denver. We'll lose some games with Manu being out, but as long as we make the playoffs, this is the best situation for us. Forcing the younger/roll players to step up will get them better experienced to the system/NBA play, and we may perhaps not see them disappear come playoff time like what happened to Hill a few years back.

Of course, if we do end up failing, we can find out early and perhaps consider tanking. Playing everyone more minutes may, and I believe will, build up their trade value. The FO can decide who to keep and who to ship out, giving us the best chances to rebuild quickly. All in all, I'd say people are flipping out way too early; lets see where this development takes us.

[Giuseppe]

Pop will attempt to suffocate Neal until he rebels. I'd love to pick him up in the ensuing melee. He's a cold-blooded motherf'er on & out of the hardwood.

[ElNono]

We could always use the MLE to sign RMJ...

[dbestpro]

Anderson is playing like RJ of the past few years. No, Manu's injury is not a good thing.

[timvp]

Fights ... urge ... to ... lock ... thread ...

[Spursfan092120]

Stopped reading after title.

[Pauleta14]

YES, it's a good thing.

Manu was and would have kept hidding a lot of our weaknesses.
His injury won't keep him out too long and there's no reason he won't recover 100%.
He'll be on his peak for the PO...

+ If the spurs can't win/play well without Manu (which has been done before with worst teams), maybe Pop and RC wil realise it's not even worth trying and will play the lotery to rebuild.

[Bill_Brasky]

No.

[therealtruth]

YES, it's a good thing.

Manu was and would have kept hidding a lot of our weaknesses.
His injury won't keep him out too long and there's no reason he won't recover 100%.
He'll be on his peak for the PO...

+ If the spurs can't win/play well without Manu (which has been done before with worst teams), maybe Pop and RC wil realise it's not even worth trying and will play the lotery to rebuild.

Good point Manu was able to hide alot of the issues. With him out, Pop will actually have to do more coaching.

[baseline bum]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/LadyVoldything/sayitwithagif/facepalm.gif
:rollin

Just like Duncan's injury in 2000!

[Brazil]

lol chazley

[Russ]

Fights ... urge ... to ... lock ... thread ...

Hmmmm, it's not offensive to any oppressed group or ideology.

It seems to be sincere.

It doesn't seem to be hurtful to anyone on the message board (Manu doesn't post here or else that rule would be violated).

He's probably wrong but . . .

What if he's right?

[jjktkk]

Its never a good thing for your best player to have a significant injury, but If Neal, and especially JA, can step up, thats a good thing.

[DMC]

It's great, didn't you see Tim congratulate him on his way to the dressing room?

[Sean Cagney]

Hmmmm, it's not offensive to any oppressed group or ideology.

It seems to be sincere.

It doesn't seem to be hurtful to anyone on the message board (Manu doesn't post here or else that rule would be violated).

He's probably wrong but . . .

What if he's right?No he is not right and it is not a good thing lol, no doubt it's anything but a good thing.

[spurastic]

Fights ... urge ... to ... lock ... thread ...

Right on as always

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

:vomit:

[GoodOdor]

Just chalzy being wrong, par the course.

[Sean Cagney]

Just chalzy being wrong, par the course.

This the same guy who tried to argue with me last year for a while Bonner was good, so I knew what he stood for then at the time! I have not taken him seriously since then.

[gospursgojas]

Cant believe this concept hasn't been discussed yet.

[chazley]

Fights ... urge ... to ... lock ... thread ...

A fresh Manu, a Tony Parker that likely regains some confidence and scoring touch by necessity, Tiago/James Anderson/Gary Neal/Dejuan/Kawhi all getting plenty of time to get some experience/grow, and Tim hopefully coming off autopilot.

What a terrible situation this is. LETS JUST TANK GUYS. The West is just soooooooooooooooooooooo good this year.

For obvious reasons Manu>No Manu. But alot worse things could happen. We have a logjam at the 2 and can sustain ourselves until Manu gets back. All we have to do is qualify for the playoffs, I don't care if it's an 8-seed.

[chazley]

It's great, didn't you see Tim congratulate him on his way to the dressing room?

Lol, nice.

[chazley]

Its never a good thing for your best player to have a significant injury, but If Neal, and especially JA, can step up, thats a good thing.

This is pretty much spot on.

[chazley]

lol chazley

Nice sig.

[Arc]

it's a good thing in a lot of ways. i've already dropped the "manu getting injured once a year" rule in another post so i won't go into detail about that, but more importantly this team has to learn how to win without manu. he's 34 years old. he ain't gonna be around for much longer, especially if he keeps getting injured every single season. and as some people are saying, it forces other players to step up. JA is the guy i want to see emerge. once he starts playing with confidence, he's gonna be a killer.

this team has a ridiculous amount of talent that can produce this year. now that the manu crutch has been taken away, we'll see what happens. whether they stand on their own or fall, it's totally up to them.

[analyzed]

I've been reading most of the post here, a lot of people are arguing for tanking the season in light of Manu's injury. While I admit that is both an extreme reaction to the turn of events and simplier said than done to realize any actual benefits (e.g getting a higher pick), there is indeed merit to start thinking about the future without the big 3. If anything the Kawhi - Hill trade is a clear indication that the Spurs are already thinking pass the big 3. I posted a new thread a few weeks ago stating that the Spurs are officially in transition. While some might argue we're not yet done. at the very least it's a forgone conclusion that as far as the big 3 is concerned it's simply a matter of time. If not this year defiently by next.

Let's not fool ourselves the window is closed and has been for some time now. That doesn't necessary mean there are no positives on going as deep into the playoffs as you possible can. And it certainly does not call for tanking the season , especially with the big 3 around.

But the question then is how do we go about rebuilding for the future, and maybe that also means without having to go rock bottom and stink. Now before we get all these wild ideas of trading whoever (Big 3 etc). I think at this point Duncan is untoucable in terms of a trade, While Manu is virtually almost impossible. (highly unlikely). Tony..while unlikely to be traded is still within realm of remotely possible. (his trade value had diminished however)

One thing to note, the Spurs historically have never really built their team using FA or Trades, they have primarily relied on the draft ( I'm not counting trading for draft picks) , Whether this remains to be true or is still the most strategic thing to do is still up in the air. however let's face it SA is not a prime destination as far as FA and players wanting to play here.

A lot of people sight how we tanked to get TD. While it is a good story to tell. let's be realistic that is almost impossible to replicate or plan for. Given how good FO is , I really don't see a scenario where we will ever be in the bottom 5 teams in the leaque, certainly not in the next 5 years. I actaualy would liken us to the rival lakers as far as tradition to be decently good. Especially after the winning culture Pop and TD instilled. However I do see us being able to trade up in future drafts to around 5-10. ( If it's worth anything the lakers drafted Bynum and Kobe pass top 8.) While one might argue they both came straight out of high school ,its not totally out of the realm of possibility that we draft a young kid from overseas and bring him in as a rookie 1 or 2 years later who eventually becomes an all star.

While it is highly possible that we never see a ring again (in the next 15 years or so) I do think we can be in the playoff mix even right after TD and Manu retire without going through a phase of going rock bottom. ( we can still play at a level where the Blazers and Denver are now and not go totally to the bottom like where Utah is today.

[therealtruth]

The Spurs need to stop drafting and stashing talent overseas that never helps the team. Then when that talent eventually gets here they either trade him (Scola) for a bag of peanuts or decide he's not good enough (Mahinmi).

[Spurs Brazil]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/LadyVoldything/sayitwithagif/facepalm.gif
:rollin

Just like Duncan's injury in 2000!

Samaki Walker end up been a great player. That TD injury was key :lol

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Well the Spurs can in theory pull a Bulls and post a 33-49 decent-ish record then turn their 1.7% chance into a 1st pick :)

[mathbzh]

Well the Spurs can in theory pull a Bulls and post a 33-49 decent-ish record then turn their 1.7% chance into a 1st pick :)
+1 it takes a lot of luck to build a contender through draft.

[The_Worlds_finest]

Im trying to figure out when the Spurs have actually had to "rebuild", they have made the playoffs something like 80% of the time since joining the nba. This in my humble homer opinion is pretty solid.

[ChuckD]

Im trying to figure out when the Spurs have actually had to "rebuild", they have made the playoffs something like 80% of the time since joining the nba. This in my humble homer opinion is pretty solid.

There was a dry 3-4 year period between when Ice was traded (85) , and David actually showed up (89). Spurs have the second highest win percentage in NBA history.

[jgome21]

As long as Duncan, Manu, and TP are all on the squad, then there is no need to rebuild. Those 3 have led the Spurs to numerous consecutive playoffs. The window isn't completely shut yet. The West has many of issues right now so the Spurs aren't completely out of it yet. SA hasn't had a healthy big 3 going into the playoffs since 07. We all know Manu always gets hurt at some point of the season, so better to get it out of the way now.

[TXstbobcat]

Well the Spurs can in theory pull a Bulls and post a 33-49 decent-ish record then turn their 1.7% chance into a 1st pick :)

The problem that I see with drafting a player that turns out to be a superstar with a high pick is that the trend for the superstar is to hold the team that drafted him hostage by refusing to re-sign and demanding a trade to what ever team he wants to play for. We are lucky that David and Tim were loyal and stayed in the silver and black instead of pulling a Carmelo Anthony or a Chris Paul.

[Russ]

You can always rebuild. Rebuilding usually doesn't work. The majority of NBA teams have been rebuilding for decades and never won a single championship.

Hang on for dear life. :toast

[VBM]

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx4q6acTMB1r83foao1_500.gif

[tlongII]

It's wonderful news imo! :smokin

[Trill Clinton]

our best player broke his hand, what is good about that?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

He's out 6-8 weeks is the official word from Pop. Needs surgery.

[therealtruth]

I think JA is much better than he has shown. Hopefully with Manu out he gets a chance to show it.

[The ADMIRAL 50]

to answer the question posed in the thread title: No.

[DesignatedT]

If we somehow reel off a 20-10 record in the games that he's out then it could absolutely be a good thing. Although that's unlikely. We'll see though.

[Budkin]

No.

[rmt]

Manu's injury means more wear and tear on TD and TP (who already looks worn out from summer play). The rest of the team is a bunch of chokers (RJ, Bonner), undersized (Blair, Ike?), and newbies (Splitter, JA, Leonard, Neal, TJ, Green). Making the playoffs will be a near miracle - considering how long it usually takes Manu to get into a groove. IIRC, last time (2010) it took him from the beginning of the season till ASB.

IMO, the smart thing to do is play normal minutes (don't extend TD and TP trying to win games), let the young'uns have lots of playing time, see what the record is when Manu comes back and if it's not good, tank hard since it's a good draft year.

[xmas1997]

Manu's injury means more wear and tear on TD and TP (who already looks worn out from summer play). The rest of the team is a bunch of chokers (RJ, Bonner), undersized (Blair, Ike?), and newbies (Splitter, JA, Leonard, Neal, TJ, Green). Making the playoffs will be a near miracle - considering how long it usually takes Manu to get into a groove. IIRC, last time (2010) it took him from the beginning of the season till ASB.

IMO, the smart thing to do is play normal minutes (don't extend TD and TP trying to win games), let the young'uns have lots of playing time, see what the record is when Manu comes back and if it's not good, tank hard since it's a good draft year.

Most logical post I've read on this forum.

[DesignatedT]

Pop isn't going to play TD anymore then he would with Manu in the lineup. Just watch. That argument is irrelevant. Tony can handle the extra minutes unlike Manu.

[DesignatedT]

Most logical post I've read on this forum.

The most logical post you have seen on this site declares the Spurs making the playoffs a miracle?

I see.

[TMTTRIO]

Well tonight was a good start. I loved what I saw in TJ Ford and Danny Green brought to the court. They also did some good things in clutch time. RJ's been amazing lately. Hopefully they can continue this trend and bring it so that we won't miss Manu that much.

[chazley]

Once again, I'm looking like a genius.

[Sean Cagney]

Once again, I'm looking like a genius.

LOL after one damn game you are? LOL at once again too, you argued with me over and over last year about Bonner and you just lost that one all over bro! This could be good yes, but if Danny Green steps up every night or Anderson! Can they though? I hope so for our sakes, but right now time will tell and you are not right yes. You surely are not a genius by any means yet just chill with that there.

[chazley]

There's no greater satisfaction that when I read:

This message is hidden because Sean Cagney is on your ignore list (http://spurstalk.com/forums/profile.php?do=ignorelist).

[Robz4000]

Once again, I'm looking like a genius.
Nah man, not yet. It's only been one game and it was against the Warriors, who are still not really a playoff team. Good start though, let's see if it can keep happening.

[Sean Cagney]

LOL he ignores me from the Bonner crap last year, no responses or real logic so he ignores me. Like I said Genius one game against the Warriors does not make you a genius.

[ALVAREZ6]

You can always rebuild. Rebuilding usually doesn't work. The majority of NBA teams have been rebuilding for decades and never won a single championship.

Hang on for dear life. :toast

Bingo :tu

The Sixers have been rebuilding since Allen Iverson left. They aren't winning a championship any time soon. Championships are bought.

[DMC]

Bingo :tu

The Sixers have been rebuilding since Allen Iverson left. They aren't winning a championship any time soon. Championships are bought.
Which ones did the Spurs buy? The Bulls?

[Calispursfan11]

NBA.COM ARTICLE
"Spurs may actually benefit from Ginobili's latest injury"


http://www.nba.com/2012/news/features/fran_blinebury/01/05/spurs-ginobili-injury/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

[Calispursfan11]

NBA.COM ARTICLE
"Spurs may actually benefit from Ginobili's latest injury"


http://www.nba.com/2012/news/features/fran_blinebury/01/05/spurs-ginobili-injury/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

LOL in the article they mention "Danu Greenobili".

[Amuseddaysleeper]

NBA.COM ARTICLE
"Spurs may actually benefit from Ginobili's latest injury"


http://www.nba.com/2012/news/features/fran_blinebury/01/05/spurs-ginobili-injury/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

"I would be careful to go too far in that direction," Popovich said. "I think this will require veterans like Duncan and Parker and (Richard) Jefferson to step up their games. I wouldn't say you put it all on Kawhi Leonard and...what's the other guy's name?"

:lmao:lmao:lmao

[dunkman]

No, its a catastrophe. The Spurs have no shot at the title anymore. Duncan will enter less rested and Manu will struggle with the shot after the return.

I was optimistic with the progress of Blair, Splitter and the rookies, but overcoming the injury of the teams best player will be hard to overcome.

[DesignatedT]

No, its a catastrophe. The Spurs have no shot at the title anymore. Duncan will enter less rested and Manu will struggle with the shot after the return.

I was optimistic with the progress of Blair, Splitter and the rookies, but overcoming the injury of the teams best player will be hard to overcome.

Rather have a rusty Manu than a Manu with no legs. If the Spurs can win 65-70% of there games without Manu then this could absolutely be a good thing. Duncan shouldn't be anymore worn down then he would be with Manu in the lineup. I don't see Pop pushing the panic button and all of a sudden playing Duncan longer than he wants.

[jjktkk]

Rather have a rusty Manu than a Manu with no legs. If the Spurs can win 65-70% of there games without Manu then this could absolutely be a good thing. Duncan shouldn't be anymore worn down then he would be with Manu in the lineup. I don't see Pop pushing the panic button and all of a sudden playing Duncan longer than he wants.

This.

[dunkman]

Rather have a rusty Manu than a Manu with no legs. If the Spurs can win 65-70% of there games without Manu then this could absolutely be a good thing. Duncan shouldn't be anymore worn down then he would be with Manu in the lineup. I don't see Pop pushing the panic button and all of a sudden playing Duncan longer than he wants.

Well, Pop has already been quoted saying Duncan (with Parker and Jefferson) need to step up. He may play the same, but doing more effort on offense.

[Russ]

What does not kill me, makes me stronger.

If the Spurs can survive Manu's injury, it could (arguably) be seen to have benefitted them as much or more than it hurt them. But no one would have wished for this development except maybe that Nietzsche guy (as quoted by G. Gordon Liddy holding his hand over a fire).

[Johnny RIngo]

The Spurs need to stop drafting and stashing talent overseas that never helps the team. Then when that talent eventually gets here they either trade him (Scola) for a bag of peanuts or decide he's not good enough (Mahinmi).

Mahinmi's no big loss though. Spurs invested a lot of time into him and he was never anything more than an injury-prone big with little BBIQ. The Scola trade's still the dumbest move this franchise has ever made though. There's a good chance we could have won a fifth ring in 2008 or 2009 if we kept him.

[analyzed]

I would,t go as far and say it's a good thing, I would however say it's not as bad as it looks, Manu twiited he will back ion 6 weeks, that means he will about 24 games when he comes back in mid Feb. Feb 18 Clipper game. If we simply win 40 % (10 games) of the next 24 games , we would have a record of 15 and 15 (.500) with 36 games to go.

I think we will even have a better record than .500 when he returns. Mainly because of how out of shape most of the NBA teams are early in the season. Just look at how bad the Mavs look.

[rascal]

I would,t go as far and say it's a good thing, I would however say it's not as bad as it looks, Manu twiited he will back ion 6 weeks, that means he will about 24 games when he comes back in mid Feb. Feb 18 Clipper game. If we simply win 40 % (10 games) of the next 24 games , we would have a record of 15 and 15 (.500) with 36 games to go.

I think we will even have a better record than .500 when he returns. Mainly because of how out of shape most of the NBA teams are early in the season. Just look at how bad the Mavs look.

The spurs will win most of their home games and lose most of their road games. That is how the season is playing out early on.

Just wait until they gone on the road for a few games.

Everyone is excited about last nights game but it again was mostly hitting wide open 3 point shots. They shot worse from 2 point range than 3 point range. That is not good. The open looks won't be there in the playoffs.

[rascal]

Once again, I'm looking like a genius.

No you are not.

How does Manu's injury have anything to do with the last two wins?

They would have won those games regardless because early on this year it looks like home teams with some rest not in a back to back situation will have a big advantage. Spurs are 4-0 at home and 0-2 on the road.

[rascal]

No, its a catastrophe. The Spurs have no shot at the title anymore. Duncan will enter less rested and Manu will struggle with the shot after the return.

I was optimistic with the progress of Blair, Splitter and the rookies, but overcoming the injury of the teams best player will be hard to overcome.

Spurs have one of the weakest frontlines in the NBA.
There is no shot for a title.

[Mel_13]

Spurs have one of the weakest frontlines in the NBA.
There is no shot for a title.

IJ_R-G_i4Xk

[SpurCharger]

The Only way this Is A Positive, Is It will give Neal, Anderson, Leonard, and Now even Green More Minutes To See What kind Of Talent we really Have. I think Neal Is Somewhat Proven...... But those Other 3 Now Have a Opportunity to show what They Can do.
But Losing Manu Is Not A Good thing, He is The Teams Best player.

[Sean Cagney]

No you are not.

How does Manu's injury have anything to do with the last two wins?

They would have won those games regardless because early on this year it looks like home teams with some rest not in a back to back situation will have a big advantage. Spurs are 4-0 at home and 0-2 on the road.

Don't bother with this dude as he will probably up this after a win all year long! He seems more into himself seeing his sig and tooting his own horn saying I told you so than the good of the team and what this injury really will do long term (Less wins without Manu no doubt). He is not around whe he is wrong though, argued Bonner over and over to me last year until the last month or so and then dissapeared as Bonners shot did.

[chazley]

Spurs have one of the weakest frontlines in the NBA.
There is no shot for a title.

Yea, cause miami's frontline is so dominant right? The team everyone is picking to win the title...

Wake up guys. Were primed for a run this year. I cant wait to look like a genius once again while we make a run in the playoffs this year. We arent title favorites, but we can still do it.

[GoodOdor]

Yea, cause miami's frontline is so dominant right? The team everyone is picking to win the title...

Wake up guys. Were primed for a run this year. I cant wait to look like a genius once again while we make a run in the playoffs this year. We arent title favorites, but we can still do it.

tbh you didn't look like a genius last year when you said if the spurs lose to the grizz you'd never post again.


lol genius welcher.

[chazley]

The Only way this Is A Positive, Is It will give Neal, Anderson, Leonard, and Now even Green More Minutes To See What kind Of Talent we really Have. I think Neal Is Somewhat Proven...... But those Other 3 Now Have a Opportunity to show what They Can do.
But Losing Manu Is Not A Good thing, He is The Teams Best player.


tbh you didn't look like a genius last year when you said if the spurs lose to the grizz you'd never post again.


lol genius welcher.

No... I said if we lost a regular season game to the celtics, i wouldnt post until the playoffs started.

[GoodOdor]

No... I said if we lost a regular season game to the celtics, i wouldnt post until the playoffs started.

Oh right, the thread where you guaranteed a spurs win and then welched?

lol genius.

[chazley]

Oh right, the thread where you guaranteed a spurs win and then welched?

lol genius.

There ya go.

[Spurtacus]

Positive so far. But wait till we start playing more road games.

[Sean Cagney]

Positive so far. But wait till we start playing more road games.

^^^^^^^^^ THIS, and we lost the last two of those after our little win streak of 3. Spurs are in trouble, Manu being out is not good at all.

[chazley]

And I was right yet again.

[jimbo]

Without Manu at 100%, this team will not have a chance at winning a championship, and has almost no shot at a top-4 seed.

lol

[Russ]

Hmmmmmmmm . . .