Pop: "Splitter's getting as much time as I can play him."

[ElNono]

I thought the interior defense in the 4th was good overall (mainly when Tim/Tiago were on the court together in the last 5 minutes).

Hornets were just on fire from the outside and also converted a few lucky prayers as the clock expired (Vasquez 3:Okafor jumper).

I honestly think the only basket they scored in the paint in the last 5 minutes was that Jack reverse layup on the baseline after Tiago hedged the pick and roll really far out.

Jack was crazy hot. You can't let a guy like him get that confident... I was actually a bit disappointed with Green during that stretch... I was hoping he would work a bit better the screens... but props to Jack, he also hit some really tough shots

[DPG21920]

Actually--Regarding Splitter this year


What's up with us not seeing so many charges drawn by Splitter this year?

Last year, in very limited minutes he seemed to draw lots of charges every time he was given PT. This year, I don't think I've seen him draw one all year!

Whatsupwiththat?

He's playing better defense, not sliding in late and blocking more shots.

[jjktkk]

Jack was crazy hot. You can't let a guy like him get that confident... I was actually a bit disappointed with Green during that stretch... I was hoping he would work a bit better the screens... but props to Jack, he also hit some really tough shots

Not defending Green, but Jack has always been a good scorer at the pg position.

[MaNu4Tres]

Jack was crazy hot. You can't let a guy like him get that confident... I was actually a bit disappointed with Green during that stretch... I was hoping he would work a bit better the screens... but props to Jack, he also hit some really tough shots

Yeah Green and a few others definitely need to work on being more effective at crowding jump shooters with discipline.

As you alluded to, Green and the other wings can't get caught up in screens that leave adequate space for the jumper (especially if the jump-shooter gets going; like Jack tonight).

[Obstructed_View]

Not defending Green, but Jack has always been a good scorer at the pg position.

Agreed. Jack has some deficiencies, but he can fill it up like that on occasion.

[timvp]

Actually--Regarding Splitter this year


What's up with us not seeing so many charges drawn by Splitter this year?

Last year, in very limited minutes he seemed to draw lots of charges every time he was given PT. This year, I don't think I've seen him draw one all year!

Whatsupwiththat?

Good observation.

I think he has decided to Amercanized his game. Less flopping and more shotblocking. I like the decision.

[TD 21]

If Splitter had athletic ability, Spurs would have never been able to draft him.

He's got decent athletic ability. But the fact that he's not a freakish athlete had nothing to do with why the Spurs were able to draft him at 28. The only reason he was still available is because most teams weren't/aren't willing to wait a couple of years for a player to come over. Everyone knew Splitter was easily deserving of a lottery pick though, that's why he was listed as one in every mock draft for 3 or 4 straight drafts.

[Obstructed_View]

I haven't seen as many guys challenging Splitter in the paint. Teams scout him now, and they probably say "He's good at drawing charges, watch out."

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Good observation.

I think he has decided to Amercanized his game. Less flopping and more shotblocking. I like the decision.

ya if memory serves even you were surprised by his newfound ability to block shots.

That being said, he should have had 1-3 blocked shots tonight, that I just don't understand how he got scored on.

Carl Landry scoring in the low post over Splitter means he still has much more to learn, from a purely physical standpoint, that should not have happened so easily.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Also, seriously, Splitter just keeping his hands up in all situations would have to make us a better defensive FG% team.. In the 2nd quater He waited until Kaman to get hot to start raising his hands and challenging Kaman's jump shot, by then Kaman was in the zone.

[ElNono]

Good observation.

I think he has decided to Amercanized his game. Less flopping and more shotblocking. I like the decision.

ditto. Time to play big if you're a 7 footer

[therealtruth]

I don't care who starts if they finish the game together

I do. You don't want teams starting a game knocking shots down in the paint.

[Obstructed_View]

Also, seriously, Splitter just keeping his hands up in all situations would have to make us a better defensive FG% team.. In the 2nd quater He waited until Kaman to get hot to start raising his hands and challenging Kaman's jump shot, by then Kaman was in the zone.

There are a lot of Spurs who could benefit from having their hands in the air (I'm talking to you, Cowhigh). Bruce Bowen didn't care if it looked uncool, he had his hands up.

[Obstructed_View]

I do. You don't want teams starting a game knocking shots.

Amended.

[Blackjack]

Pussy! Long time no see.

How have you been hanging?

Been well, no real complaints. Well, other than not bein able to keep up with my Spurs.

Keep on Chumpdumperin my man. :toast

[DPG21920]

Not like this, Jack

[Blackjack]

Yes, like this.

He's MY Nancy. He makes me smile.

[DrSteffo]

Good observation.

I think he has decided to Amercanized his game. Less flopping and more shotblocking. I like the decision.

Sorry but almost sounded as if nba was tough and physical these days...:lol

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Blackjack is back! How goes it brother? I hope you're good :toast

[Blackjack]

Blackjack is back! How goes it brother? I hope you're good :toast

'Preciate it my man. Don't know if I'm "back" just yet but I do miss this place and writin. Life has a funny way of gettin in the way.

[Blake]

Yes, like this.

He's MY Nancy. He makes me smile.

Adorable.

Just have my money ready when I roll up to the corner, ho.

[Blackjack]

Don't worry, Nancy. You'll get your 10%.

Jack always takes care of his girls - but still amazed I make any money off you, tbh.

[chazley]

Sucks he's already 27.

[Johnny RIngo]

Sucks he's already 27.

Which makes it even more retarded that Pop isn't giving him quality minutes. He plays Splitter like he's some twenty year old kid right out of college when he's been playing pro-ball for quite a while.

[Blake]

Don't worry, Nancy. You'll get your 10%.

Jack always takes care of his girls - but still amazed I make any money off you, tbh.

Rofl. I owned you before and though I'd forgotten, u still mad so clearly I still do.

Less talking more street walking.

[jjktkk]

Which makes it even more retarded that Pop isn't giving him quality minutes. He plays Splitter like he's some twenty year old kid right out of college when he's been playing pro-ball for quite a while.

WTF? Is 27 the new 37?

[ElNono]

Well, it looks like Pop found some more time to play him... Hope it keeps going up.

[Blackjack]

Rofl. I owned you before and though I'd forgotten, u still mad so clearly I still do.

Less talking more street walking.

Nancy, the only thing you've proven to own here is an internet connection and an inordinate amount of free time to display your insecurity.

You're the Elvis Grbac to Chump's Elvis. Make me a sammich.

[MaNu4Tres]

At least the coaches are aware of Splitter needing more touches.

https://twitter.com/#!/EricDSal7/status/165331768382210048

[mathbzh]

WTF? Is 27 the new 37?

To be fair, Parker is 41 in the league in mpg with 33.5 (despite Manu and TJ injuries).
Jefferson is 74 (30.3)
And Duncan 101 (27)

27 is a lot of minutes when you are a Spurs

[NASpurs]

Another Pop quote from tonight: Pop always says Splitter is a blue-collar player or doesn't have skills ... but WTF type of skills is he expecting out of Splitter? He looks pretty damn skillful to me on the low block, with his overall coordination and with his passing. You can say a player like Oberto didn't have any skills but Splitter is definitely "skilled", tbh.

Your favorite Pop quote about Splitter strikes again:

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/02/09/ginobili-set-for-full-contact-practice-2/

“He’s been doing what we saw tonight for seven or eight years, maybe nine or 10 years,” Popovich said after beating the Sixers. “That’s who he is. He’s just a blue-collar, basic kind of guy a coach loves. He doesn’t have a lot of skills, but his basketball IQ is off the charts.”

[rmt]

Your favorite Pop quote about Splitter strikes again:

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/02/09/ginobili-set-for-full-contact-practice-2/

“He’s been doing what we saw tonight for seven or eight years, maybe nine or 10 years,” Popovich said after beating the Sixers. “That’s who he is. He’s just a blue-collar, basic kind of guy a coach loves. He doesn’t have a lot of skills, but his basketball IQ is off the charts.”

Blue-collar, doesn't have a lot of skills, my foot. Save it for Nick Collison and Oberto, not Splitter. Totally disgusting that a player averaging 9.4 pts / 5.3 rebs / 1.3 assts / 0.8 blks on 63%FG is only playing 20.9 mins/game. Pop - you're going to be the reason for another early playoff exit if you don't give Splitter more pt to prepare for the playoffs.

[ElNono]

Last 3 games back to 19 mins... I thought if Blair kept his suckitude, Tiago would get some of his minutes, but it just hasn't happened.

Saving for the rare matchup, I'm starting to get the idea Tiago is just going to get whatever leftovers Tim leaves at the C position.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Pop's just trolling.

[BRs.Ganso]

Pop just say it to Splitter improve more and more his ofensive game! :P :P

[101A]

Just gonna throw this out there...go a little blasphemous.

Splitter is great on the block - his production is undeniable. Yet, it would seem, Pop denies it.

Duncan is one of the greatest post players of all time - that's his territory.....

The admiral stepped aside for Tim to shine. Now, Splitter is not Duncan, and no one thinks that Tim needs to step aside to the extent Robinson did....but, maybe, does Duncan not want to share, or get upstaged in the post at all?

We have been groomed to believe all Spurs are always selfless - but David Robinson was a rare case in the NBA...