Splitter: "I Want The Ball. I Need The Ball."

[timvp]

That's what Tony Parker said Tiago Splitter was telling him during the Rockets game.

Gotta love how his confidence is skyrocketing. :tu

[Cant_Be_Faded]

He's getting better every game.


I can understand now, how the toilet bowl company team was running their offense through him.

[jag]

Tiago is such a pimp

[Brazil]

Pop needs to play Tim and Tiago together the most he can. To be efficient Tim needs to let Tiago play inside.

Tiago had again a great game

[Obstructed_View]

Glad to see he finally got over himself.

[Libri]

I bet he also wanted to say: "I want to play more. I need to play more."

[Manu20]

Sean thinks Tiago can be better than a 12ppg player.......

[Mugen]

The Golden God.

[ElNono]

First extended look with Tim out there tonight... if they're just getting acquainted, I can't wait for more

[HarlemHeat37]

Hopefully we see more Duncan-Splitter..the offense was solid with that duo, the D will only get better..

The Hornets weren't scoring inside against them, but they were still getting good looks on the perimeter and from Jack..Spurs might have a similar problem to the Lakers, which is poor perimeter D to negate the two bigs inside, we'll see..

Hopefully Splitter-Duncan build chemistry, I'd love to see them on the floor with TP, Manu and Leonard..

[TD 21]

Pop needs to play Tim and Tiago together the most he can. To be efficient Tim needs to let Tiago play inside.

Tiago had again a great game

If they make a trade for a big in season, more and more I'm coming to believe it's going to be for a third big, one that would enable Splitter to start in perpetuity, without the fear of having no rim protection off the bench.

That would be fine, because Splitter is clearly a second big. I always felt Splitter would be a nice fit next to Duncan anyway, but with Duncan playing less in the low post and with his improved mid range jumper, there's no doubt in my mind they can excel together offensively. Basically, Splitter can be the center the majority of the time offensively and defensively, he can be the full time power forward.

Even if they'd prefer a starting big, it's going to be extremely difficult to trade for one better than Splitter. If they found a way to acquire Thompson or Davis or whoever, I wouldn't start either. I'd have them be the backup center.

[WeNeedLength]

Hopefully we see more Duncan-Splitter..the offense was solid with that duo, the D will only get better..

The Hornets weren't scoring inside against them, but they were still getting good looks on the perimeter and from Jack..Spurs might have a similar problem to the Lakers, which is poor perimeter D to negate the two bigs inside, we'll see..

Hopefully Splitter-Duncan build chemistry, I'd love to see them on the floor with TP, Manu and Leonard..

Locking down the interior and making them burn you on jump shots is a far better option then letting them get dunk after layup after 2 foot shots. They should give Thomas more burn. His defense HAS to be better than Blair's.

[HarlemHeat37]

Locking down the interior and making them burn you on jump shots is a far better option then letting them get dunk after layup after 2 foot shots. They should give Thomas more burn. His defense HAS to be better than Blair's.

I fully agree, but the Spurs still need a better effort, defensively, from the perimeter..

New Orleans's guards, particularly Jack, had plenty of space and little resistance on their attempts..

[jag]

Sean thinks Tiago can be better than a 12ppg player.......

Hard not to agree. He's been doing his damage with extremely limited minutes. 12 pts, 6 boards in 23 minutes tonight. Liked his time with Tim though, and hopefully they can develop more chemistry. He really needs to get his cardio up.

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

I bet he also wanted to say: "I want to play more. I need to play more."

:pop:

[jjktkk]

Glad to see he finally got over himself.

Don't jinx it.

[angelbelow]

5/8 fg shooting. Another fantastic offensive outing from him. Especially in the 2nd quarter where him and Parker were tearing up the hornets defense.

Hope Splitter continues to go up strong despite being rejected twice in the same game when going up for the dunk (1 was called a foul the other wasnt.)

[Obstructed_View]

Mahinmi with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks in 25 minutes. Damn.

[Thompson]

"Deep down in places you don't like to talk about at Pop's parties, you want me on that ball. You NEED me on that ball."

[jag]

Mahinmi with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks in 25 minutes. Damn.

Would you stop it? How many times are you going to do Mahnmi updates? Let it go, brah... let it go. It's no better than Scola updates.

[MaNu4Tres]

Mahinmi with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks in 25 minutes. Damn.

Pop handled that situation well. We should feel fortunate Dyess retired, or Splitter would be going through the same shit.

[angelbelow]

Mahinmi with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks in 25 minutes. Damn.

Not gonna lie.. hes looked damn good this season. And like Splitter, hes improving each and every game. He has that 15-18 foot jumper too.

[texbumTHElife]

5/8 fg shooting. Another fantastic offensive outing from him. Especially in the 2nd quarter where him and Parker were tearing up the hornets defense.

Hope Splitter continues to go up strong despite being rejected twice in the same game when going up for the dunk (1 was called a foul the other wasnt.)

They were both fouls. He got hit in the arms and body both times.

[SpurNation]

He's statistically getting better in each game when he gets more minutes. We're also starting to see him in closing minutes more often. This can only be a good thing for the Spurs especially when Tim is allowed (forced) to rest.

We might be seeing the development of the best front court tandem this team has had in the past two years. If Duncan can limit his minutes during the course of a game to enter with Splitter for the last 5 minutes of a game...well...it's better than what the team has had to offer in quite a while.

[jag]

They were both fouls. He got hit in the arms and body both times.

The second one looked clean. The first one was a blatant foul though; Landry was all over his arms.

[lefty]

That's what Tony Parker said Tiago Splitter was telling him during the Rockets game.

Gotta love how his confidence is skyrocketing. :tu
FUck yeah

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Mahinmi is a foul maching on defense still, but his offensive game is really coming around.

I would still take Splitter over him.

In either case, what we have is more evidence that Gregg Popovich just does not understand how to develop non-SuperHuman bigmen.

Rasho = already developed when he got here
Nazr = what he was when he got here
Horry = you know the story
Burg = " "
Dice = " "

Look at the development of pipeline bigmen Spurs

It's abysmal, Pop either trades his ass cuz they are too good for us to consider them (scola) or Pop sits them because they're too good (splitter), or Pop throws every conceivable Spurs resource to develop the player only to let them walk for overall cheap money to your major division rival (mahinmi)

Aaaand of course theres always just drafting them for the sake of watching them play in Europe (everyone else)

[DPG21920]

You know what Hedo said?

"Ball"

Much more succinct.

[ElNono]

Surprised nobody brought RJ into this conversation yet

[Brazil]

Mahinmi with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks in 25 minutes. Damn.

I hope chump is not reading you he is going to be mad :lol

[angelbelow]

They were both fouls. He got hit in the arms and body both times.

Yeah I know, I said one was called for a foul and one wasn't. Maybe I worded it badly but I meant to imply that both were fouls and 1 didn't get called.

Regardless, I liked both plays even though he was blocked/fouled. As he gets more burn he'll get more calls too.

[jag]

I would still take Splitter over him.


This is pretty much all it comes down to. The Spurs weren't going to keep both and they chose Splitter. There are only so many bigmen you can develop at once, and Blair and Splitter were the ones they went with. Mahinmi is better than neither.

Bitching about Scola is warranted, but at this point it's just pointless. Bitching about Mahinmi is illogical, based on the decisions the Spurs had to make with who to keep and who to let walk. They made the right decision with Mahnmi.

[TD 21]

Mahinmi with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks in 25 minutes. Damn.

Before the Popologists come to the rescue, I'll preface this by saying I realize this is much easier said with the benefit of hindsight. But hear me out: Two off seasons ago, they could have let Jefferson play out the final season of his contract, tried to talk Splitter into staying in Europe for one more season (doubtful; he probably would have either asked that they trade his rights or threatened to sign a long term contract in Europe, with either a big buyout or none at all) and re-signed Mahinmi.

That would have meant this: Leonard and Splitter would be the starting forwards and Mahinmi potentially would be the third big. I realize this would be dependent on Pop playing Mahinmi ahead of Blair, which was unlikely, but still. Think how much be off they'd be cap wise and defensively.

[ElNono]

Before the Popologists come to the rescue, I'll preface this by saying I realize this is much easier said with the benefit of hindsight. But hear me out: Two off seasons ago, they could have let Jefferson play out the final season of his contract, tried to talk Splitter into staying in Europe for one more season (doubtful; he probably would have either asked that they trade his rights or threatened to sign a long term contract in Europe, with either a big buyout or none at all) and re-signed Mahinmi.

That would have meant this: Leonard and Splitter would be the starting forwards and Mahinmi potentially would be the third big. I realize this would be dependent on Pop playing Mahinmi ahead of Blair, which was unlikely, but still. Think how much be off they'd be cap wise and defensively.

You think Bonner would be at the end of the bench now? Think again.

[Brazil]

This is pretty much all it comes down to. The Spurs weren't going to keep both and they chose Splitter. There are only so many bigmen you can develop at once, and Blair and Splitter were the ones they went with. Mahinmi is better than neither.

Bitching about Scola is warranted, but at this point it's just pointless. Bitching about Mahinmi is illogical, based on the decisions the Spurs had to make with who to keep and who to let walk. They made the right decision with Mahnmi.

they obviously took the wrong decision no matter how you see things

[jag]

tried to talk Splitter into staying in Europe for one more season (doubtful; he probably would have either asked that they trade his rights or threatened to sign a long term contract in Europe, with either a big buyout or none at all) and re-signed Mahinmi.

...and that would have been worth it to you because in your eyes Mahinmi is better??

[angelbelow]

Mahinmi is a foul maching on defense still, but his offensive game is really coming around.

I would still take Splitter over him.

In either case, what we have is more evidence that Gregg Popovich just does not understand how to develop non-SuperHuman bigmen.

Rasho = already developed when he got here
Nazr = what he was when he got here
Horry = you know the story
Burg = " "
Dice = " "

Look at the development of pipeline bigmen Spurs

It's abysmal, Pop either trades his ass cuz they are too good for us to consider them (scola) or Pop sits them because they're too good (splitter), or Pop throws every conceivable Spurs resource to develop the player only to let them walk for overall cheap money to your major division rival (mahinmi)

Aaaand of course theres always just drafting them for the sake of watching them play in Europe (everyone else)

Agreed, Splitter is a lot more skilled right now. Ian's main appeal is his size, athleticism, and his developing offense. At under 1 million a year, hes a nice 4/5th big type of player to have.

[jag]

they obviously took the wrong decision no matter how you see things

How so?

[jag]

Agreed, Splitter is a lot more skilled right now. Ian's main appeal is his size, athleticism, and his developing offense. At under 1 million a year, hes a nice 4/5th big type of player to have.

He would have been the 6th big on the bench last year. How were the Spurs supposed to carry 6 bigs? This is of course taking into account that Bonner wasn't going anywhere. I would trade bonner for Ian in a heartbeat, but he was here to stay so you have to remove someone else from the equation. Ian wasn't better than anyone else.

[mercos]

I was disappointed with what I saw of Splitter last year, even though we didn't get to see much. He has blown away my expectations this year. Splitter and Parker running the pick and roll is just fun to watch. Those two along with Duncan's recent resurgence have been the bright spots on an otherwise disappointing season thus far.

[DMC]

"Deep down in places you don't like to talk about at Pop's parties, you want me on that ball. You NEED me on that ball."
:lol

"you use words like "perimeter", "coverage", "penetration".

[jjktkk]

Before the Popologists come to the rescue, I'll preface this by saying I realize this is much easier said with the benefit of hindsight. But hear me out: Two off seasons ago, they could have let Jefferson play out the final season of his contract, tried to talk Splitter into staying in Europe for one more season (doubtful; he probably would have either asked that they trade his rights or threatened to sign a long term contract in Europe, with either a big buyout or none at all) and re-signed Mahinmi.

That would have meant this: Leonard and Splitter would be the starting forwards and Mahinmi potentially would be the third big. I realize this would be dependent on Pop playing Mahinmi ahead of Blair, which was unlikely, but still. Think how much be off they'd be cap wise and defensively.

Mahimni would never get consistant minutes. Sometimes its better if a player moves on like Mahimni did.

[TD 21]

You think Bonner would be at the end of the bench now? Think again.

I meant Blair. With the way he fizzled out last season and has played this season, it's possible.


...and that would have been worth it to you because in your eyes Mahinmi is better??

No, it would have been worth it to me because not only would they not have Jefferson signed to a ridiculous contract, but they wouldn't have him signed at all right now.

It's not as if Splitter helped the team last season anyway (through no fault of his own). Mahinmi could have sat on the bench and been the fifth big just the same.

Splitter is a starting center; Mahinmi will most likely max out as a quality backup center. The point is, the Spurs could have had both.

[ElNono]

I meant Blair. With the way he fizzled out last season and has played this season, it's possible.

Well, Dice would've been the 2nd big and Bonner the 3rd last season. This season is more debatable. As much has Blair has fizzled, he's still starting and he's been playing more minutes than Bonner this season (who is the 3rd big).
Frankly, the extra minutes for Tiago tonight came at the expense of Matt and small ball.

[angelbelow]

He would have been the 6th big on the bench last year. How were the Spurs supposed to carry 6 bigs? This is of course taking into account that Bonner wasn't going anywhere. I would trade bonner for Ian in a heartbeat, but he was here to stay so you have to remove someone else from the equation. Ian wasn't better than anyone else.

Good points, would have been tough given the luxury tax and all to signing such an expensive 6th big. We eventually had 6 bigs but in the form of an inexpensive Steve Novak. So a big difference in salary and expectations forsure. And Ian said that the main thing he was looking for was playing time. Spurs definitely weren't going to be able to provide that.

To play devil's advocate, it would have been nice to sign him to a 2/3 year deal starting at 700k a year (what he took with Dallas) given that Dice's future was uncertain. But ofcourse, Ian would have to agree to be buried on the bench for another year (which he kind of was with Dallas. 56 games 9mpg.)

[ElNono]

Obviously, you can always argue that if Mahinmi pans out from the get go, maybe they don't draft Blair. I'm pretty sure they were not going to pass up on Dice.

[Brazil]

How so?

how so ? blair, bonner and thomas nuff said

[jag]

Ian obviously needs minutes to develop. The Spurs couldn't give him that. The people complaining about not having him right now, seem to just want him so he could sit on the end of the bench and be as unproductive as he always was. Just so we can say we have Ian Mahinmi.

[Brazil]

Ian obviously needs minutes to develop. The Spurs couldn't give him that. The people complaining about not having him right now, seem to just want him so he could sit on the end of the bench and be as unproductive as he always was. Just so we can say we have Ian Mahinmi.

Don't tell me that this year spurs have no minutes to give him... wtf?

We have 2 true bigs and 2 bigs with SF size... also do you expect we will finish the year with 0 injury ?

[SenorSpur]

If they make a trade for a big in season, more and more I'm coming to believe it's going to be for a third big, one that would enable Splitter to start in perpetuity, without the fear of having no rim protection off the bench.

That would be fine, because Splitter is clearly a second big. I always felt Splitter would be a nice fit next to Duncan anyway, but with Duncan playing less in the low post and with his improved mid range jumper, there's no doubt in my mind they can excel together offensively. Basically, Splitter can be the center the majority of the time offensively and defensively, he can be the full time power forward.

Even if they'd prefer a starting big, it's going to be extremely difficult to trade for one better than Splitter. If they found a way to acquire Thompson or Davis or whoever, I wouldn't start either. I'd have them be the backup center.

If nothing else, I hope Pop will start using Duncan and Splitter together in crunch time. There are enough shooters on this team to make it work.

As for making a trade for a 3rd big, that would be a dream. Either Thompson or Davis would fit the bill nicely. However, the inevitable question is always, "who do you give up?" I'm still against them giving up on Anderson so soon and so early into his career.

I just wish Pop would get over his hard-on for the floor-spreading big.

Did anyone notice that the Hornets start two traditional bigs on their frontline. Coach Williams doesn't seem at all fascinated by incorporting a big, who masquerades as a SF.

[SenorSpur]

That's what Tony Parker said Tiago Splitter was telling him during the Rockets game.

Gotta love how his confidence is skyrocketing. :tu

Damn right. I was pumping my fist in the air when I heard TP utter those comments from Splitter.

[SenorSpur]

Mahinmi with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks in 25 minutes. Damn.

No no. Don't let it go. Keep the updates coming. It's only emphasize what some of us on this board have feared - that Ian would continue developing and become a productive rotation player in this league. Many of us had hoped it would be in S.A..

So, what's the reason the Spurs elected to simply let him walk away again? :bang

[TD 21]

Ian obviously needs minutes to develop. The Spurs couldn't give him that. The people complaining about not having him right now, seem to just want him so he could sit on the end of the bench and be as unproductive as he always was. Just so we can say we have Ian Mahinmi.

They could have told him that they were planning on sitting Duncan and McDyess out of plenty of games and that he'd compete with Blair for backup center minutes.

If it's minutes Mahinmi wanted, then why did he sign on a team that had two starting centers and is notorious for not playing young players? It's not as if he knew Chandler would be gone in a season and he'd be playing about as much as Haywood.

Why is it the Mavs are able to sign players who have no chance of playing? Before you predictably reply "money", look at Wright and Yi. They didn't go their for the money, like Brewer. Wright at least signed before they "acquired" Odom. Yi signed when they already had about 37 bigs ahead of him. Why? Because the Mavs obviously fed them lies about the role they'd play.

[jag]

Don't tell me that this year spurs have no minutes to give him... wtf?

We have 2 true bigs and 2 bigs with SF size... also do you expect we will finish the year with 0 injury ?

So basically you want him to sit on the end of the bench and play Malcolm Thomas minutes, just waiting for someone to get injured? As inconsistent as Blair has been, Mahnimi isn't better than him. And he isn't better than Tiago. He's not better than Tim, and we all know Bonner's minutes hold a special place in Pop's heart.

You want him to sit on the end of the bench just so we can say we have Ian Mahinmi. He wouldn't develop like he is right now; he'd just sit there.

If you want to go into a discussion about how angry it makes you that Bonner is still receiving minutes, then start a Bonner thread. Or better yet just post in one of the hundreds of Bonner threads. Accept the fact that Bonner isn't going anywhere and you'll realize there are no minutes for Mahinmi. There are barely minutes for a player better than Mahinmi, Tiago Splitter.

[DPG21920]

Ian is better than Blair IMO.

[jag]

Ian is better than Blair IMO.

Put Blair on that Mavs team without Dirk, and with Brian Cardinal and Brendan Haywood as competition for minutes, and what kind of numbers do you think he'd put up??

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Ian is better than Blair IMO.

Definitely arguable this season.

Last season it was not.

It seems like Spurs shoulda resigned Mahinmi and traded Blair when his value was high after his viscous dunk in the rookie-sophmore game last year

[DPG21920]

Put Blair on that Mavs team without Dirk, and with Brian Cardinal and Brendan Haywood as competition for minutes, and what kind of numbers do you think he'd put up??

Doesn't matter. Ian is light years better defensively and has a much more varied offensive game including a 15 jump shot.

[ohmwrecker]

Ian is better than Blair IMO.

He's definitely taller.

[SenorSpur]

So basically you want him to sit on the end of the bench and play Malcolm Thomas minutes, just waiting for someone to get injured? As inconsistent as Blair has been, Mahnimi isn't better than him. And he isn't better than Tiago. He's not better than Tim, and we all know Bonner's minutes hold a special place in Pop's heart.

You want him to sit on the end of the bench just so we can say we have Ian Mahinmi. He wouldn't develop like he is right now; he'd just sit there.

If you want to go into a discussion about how angry it makes you that Bonner is still receiving minutes, then start a Bonner thread. Or better yet just post in one of the hundreds of Bonner threads. Accept the fact that Bonner isn't going anywhere and you'll realize there are no minutes for Mahinmi. There are barely minutes for a player better than Mahinmi, Tiago Splitter.

Perhaps Mahinmi wasn't better than Blair when he was in S.A.. However to make that statement now is an indication that you've not seen him in a Mavs uniform.

He's already a better shooter than Blair. He has better footwork around the rim. He obviously has size, so that automatically makes him a better shotblocker and rim-protector. It also appears that Ian isn't quite as foul-prone as he once was. The kid is figuring it out.

Meanhile Blair, while decent around the rim, but is still atrocious on defense, and his rebounding prowess has seemingly regressed. It certainly appears to me that Mahinmi is now the better player.

[therealtruth]

This is pretty much all it comes down to. The Spurs weren't going to keep both and they chose Splitter. There are only so many bigmen you can develop at once, and Blair and Splitter were the ones they went with. Mahinmi is better than neither.

Bitching about Scola is warranted, but at this point it's just pointless. Bitching about Mahinmi is illogical, based on the decisions the Spurs had to make with who to keep and who to let walk. They made the right decision with Mahnmi.

Mahinimi is better than Blair. He's bigger, has the jumpshot, and makes the same stupid fouls.

[jag]

Doesn't matter. Ian is light years better defensively and has a much more varied offensive game including a 15 jump shot.

Ian could end up being better, but as of right now I dont see it.

[Brazil]

I dont get your logic Jag honestly. It wasn't a good decision by no means for the spurs.
Ian would have opportunities this year and yes right now he is better than Blair, he can score, rebound and blk.

[therealtruth]

Perhaps Mahinmi wasn't better than Blair when he was in S.A.. However to make that statement now is an indication that you've not seen him in a Mavs uniform.

He's already a better shooter than Blair. He has better footwork around the rim. He obviously has size, so that automatically makes him a better shotblocker and rim-protector. It also appears that Ian isn't quite as foul-prone as he once was. The kid is figuring it out.

Meanhile Blair, while decent around the rim, but is still atrocious on defense, and his rebounding prowess has seemingly regressed. It certainly appears to me that Mahinmi is now the better player.

Blair has had all the opportunities in the world and has regressed.

[jag]

Perhaps Mahinmi wasn't better than Blair when he was in S.A.. However to make that statement now is an indication that you've not seen him in a Mavs uniform.

He's already a better shooter than Blair. He has better footwork around the rim. He obviously has size, so that automatically makes him a better shotblocker and rim-protector. It also appears that Ian isn't quite as foul-prone as he once was. The kid is figuring it out.

Meanhile Blair, while decent around the rim, but is still atrocious on defense, and his rebounding prowess has seemingly regressed. It certainly appears to me that Mahinmi is now the better player.

I've seen him with the Mavs. And he's not as polished as people are making him sound right now. He's still extremely inconsistent. Either way, he would have never received the minutes to develop in SA. So it's a moot point.

[Brazil]

Ian could end up being better, but as of right now I dont see it.

I see it right now Jag, what Ian needed is a coach who trust him and regular minutes.

[jag]

I see it right now Jag, what Ian needed is a coach who trust him and regular minutes.

I know you do, Brazil. I know you do.

[jag]

If you really want to get into it, Scola is better than both Ian and Blair.

[Brazil]

Don't get me wrong I don't think Ian is going to be a solid starter in an elite team one day but IMO he can be a very solid rotation player in a good team. This is all the bad I wish him.

[Brazil]

If you really want to get into it, Scola is better than both Ian and Blair.

and probably Tiago

[jag]

and probably Tiago

As of right now, yes.

[angelbelow]

I've seen him with the Mavs. And he's not as polished as people are making him sound right now. He's still extremely inconsistent. Either way, he would have never received the minutes to develop in SA. So it's a moot point.

I think hes looked good enough to be a 3rd/4th big here. His contribution could shift Blair and/or Bonner out of the rotation, which can only be a good thing right now with the way they're playing. I know that's not really your argument and that you probably agree if that Ian were here, he would help. But Ian didn't really have the minutes to develop in Dallas either.

He pretty much just watched from the bench the entire 2011 championship season. (56 games 8 mpg.) I think the bulk of his improvement comes from practice and offseason work. He could have done that here.

That 15 footer is the one that stings. When Duncan was still a formidable post presence, we desperately searched for that 2ndary big who could hit from that range. Kurt Thomas and Dice were probably the 2 best that we found; However, Kurt was always injured and out of shape and Dice came when Duncan was no longer an elite post player. Ian adding that 15 footer was probably influenced by the coaching staff here.

[TE]

Ian has more potential than Blair. So I guess that makes him a better basketball player in the long term.

[SenorSpur]

Don't get me wrong I don't think Ian is going to be a solid starter in an elite team one day but IMO he can be a very solid rotation player in a good team. This is all the bad I wish him.

True. And according to the local Mavs beat writer, he's continuously worked hard to get himself into that position.

[MaNu4Tres]

True. And according to the local Mavs beat writer, he's continuously worked hard to get himself into that position.

And the Spurs are the team that trained and mentored him for 5 years before he went to Dallas for pennies on the dollar.

[Obstructed_View]

The second one looked clean. The first one was a blatant foul though; Landry was all over his arms.

They called Duncan for fouls on two blocks that were just as close. Hopefully those were just home court calls.

[Obstructed_View]

Ian obviously needs minutes to develop. The Spurs couldn't give him that. The people complaining about not having him right now, seem to just want him so he could sit on the end of the bench and be as unproductive as he always was. Just so we can say we have Ian Mahinmi.

As we saw with Pop refusing to play Splitter last year, the Spurs WOULDN'T give him minutes. Matt Bonner was starting when Ian was here, so there were minutes to be given.

[Obstructed_View]

Damn right. I was pumping my fist in the air when I heard TP utter those comments from Splitter.

When he was a rookie, Emmitt Smith told the media that they'd have won a game if Jimmy Johnson had given him the ball more. Instead of benching him or trading him (like Pop would have done), JJ fed Emmitt the ball the next game. They won, and just kept winning. Splitter did the same thing but handled it right by telling the right person.

Jesus, can you imagine what would have happened if Splitter had told Jeff McDonald that? We'd all be wondering why Splitter was suddenly traded for Kirk Heinrich.

[Obstructed_View]

If it's minutes Mahinmi wanted, then why did he sign on a team that had two starting centers and is notorious for not playing young players? It's not as if he knew Chandler would be gone in a season and he'd be playing about as much as Haywood.

Mahinmi signed with Dallas the day before they traded for Chandler.

[TJastal]

This is pretty much all it comes down to. The Spurs weren't going to keep both and they chose Splitter. There are only so many bigmen you can develop at once, and Blair and Splitter were the ones they went with. Mahinmi is better than neither.

Bitching about Scola is warranted, but at this point it's just pointless. Bitching about Mahinmi is illogical, based on the decisions the Spurs had to make with who to keep and who to let walk. They made the right decision with Mahnmi.

Mahinmi would have allow Tiago to be a starter. Mahinmi & Bonner would have been a decent bench duo. You are an idiot who was wrong and just needs to stfu about Mahinmi.

[Old School 44]

Can't wait for Manu to get back, but I love the chemistry that seems to be developing between Tiago and Tony. Their pick and roll is really coming around nicely. Not sure if this relationship would be developing as fast if Manu was available.

[mingus]

it was ridiculous that Mahinmi never got any pt while here. i still believe he can be a Serge Ibaka type player in his prime.

[SA210]

We need this twin tower philosophy back, now, this season.

[Bruno]

During his 3 last years in Europe, Splitter was a good scorer and the central point of Vittoria offense. Their offense was based on 2 plays: pick and roll of Tiago with the PG (Prigioni and then Huertas) and ball in the low post for Tiago.

Tiago's offense with Spurs is basically the same. It isn't a surprise that it works. The Splitter/Parker connection is especially looking great with a deadly pick and roll. Parker is too good an accustomed at putting the ball in the low post after all these years with Duncan.

[jag]

When he was a rookie, Emmitt Smith told the media that they'd have won a game if Jimmy Johnson had given him the ball more. Instead of benching him or trading him (like Pop would have done), JJ fed Emmitt the ball the next game. They won, and just kept winning. Splitter did the same thing but handled it right by telling the right person.

Jesus, can you imagine what would have happened if Splitter had told Jeff McDonald that? We'd all be wondering why Splitter was suddenly traded for Kirk Heinrich.

:lol Yeah, I can't see that working out too well. Props to Tony for continuing to feed him the rock.

[wildbill2u]

Mahinmi with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks in 25 minutes. Damn.

And that doesns't count the altered shots or giving up the ball when he comes at the offensive player. He's starting to 'beast' all over the court.
PGs are starting to look for him when he moves without the ball toward the basket because he has great hands. He was shooting 78% for the year recently.

Folks in Dallas, including their broadcasters and some coaches, are calling him the most improved player in the league. Interesting that the coaches have enough confidence in him to let him have minutes at the end of the games.

One thing I have especially notices is how he is filling out. He was such a skinny kid when he came to the Spurs.

[therealtruth]

Can't wait for Manu to get back, but I love the chemistry that seems to be developing between Tiago and Tony. Their pick and roll is really coming around nicely. Not sure if this relationship would be developing as fast if Manu was available.

Manu's even more craftier on the pick and roll. It would definitely give the team more options. TP who's a passer will also make Manu's job easier. Manu and Ford were playing pretty good together because Ford was pass first. I think if the team resolves their big situation they can contend.

[TJastal]

And that doesns't count the altered shots or giving up the ball when he comes at the offensive player. He's starting to 'beast' all over the court.
PGs are starting to look for him when he moves without the ball toward the basket because he has great hands. He was shooting 78% for the year recently.

Folks in Dallas, including their broadcasters and some coaches, are calling him the most improved player in the league. Interesting that the coaches have enough confidence in him to let him have minutes at the end of the games.

One thing I have especially notices is how he is filling out. He was such a skinny kid when he came to the Spurs.

I noticed that last year, I think that was a factor in why he was fouling so much. When he would set a pick he would sometimes knock a guy on the floor by accident. The fouling has gotten under control so I can only assume he is starting to learn how much he can bang around with his increased girth. Damn I need to catch a mav game sometime and see whazzup with him.

[cantthinkofanything]

Sounds like something RJ would say tbh.

[Rummpd]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics?league=west&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba %2fhollinger%2fstatistics%3fleague%3dwest

Ian and Tiago with almost identical PER - would be great to still have both (Spitter's has come up from about 13 in the last two weeks) but the problem is if both here one or the other would continued to be messed with by Pop. Hope both go onto big success.

[cheguevara]

it was ridiculous that Mahinmi never got any pt while here. i still believe he can be a Serge Ibaka type player in his prime.

:lmao :lmao

[letmk]

It's all about cost. Unlike veterans like Delembert, it costs very little to keep Mahinmi. Unless Mahinmi had some behavior issues, which was never reported by any media, you keep a young athletic 7-footer. Simple as that.

Obviously we are far less knowledgeable than Pop & Buford in terms of basketball operations, but I think the management over-thinks too much oftentimes.

[SpurNation]

Pros and cons regarding the Blair/Mahinmi debate. And I don't have an opinion one way or another regarding Mahinmi and Blair but...

...The obvious question I think would be...

So if it was after 5 years that Mahinmi finally started proving to be worth keeping after going to another team...should the Spurs wait 5 years or more on Blair?

[dbestpro]

The idea of Splitter, Duncan, Green, Manu and Parker (Leonard, Ford, Neal) looks like it could make a playoff run. Now if we only had adequate bigs to play backup.

[objective]

Pros and cons regarding the Blair/Mahinmi debate. And I don't have an opinion one way or another regarding Mahinmi and Blair but...

...The obvious question I think would be...

So if it was after 5 years that Mahinmi finally started proving to be worth keeping after going to another team...should the Spurs wait 5 years or more on Blair?

There's not much similarity in situations as far as proving worth.

Mahinmi was only able to prove his worth when he was given minutes. He never received those minutes in San Antonio, Pop even went to absurd (http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201001030TOR.html) lengths to find ways to deny him minutes.

In Dallas while playing scrub minutes behind two legit starting caliber centers, he still played 2.5 times more minutes for the Mavs than he had amassed in his entire Spurs career.

Blair on the other hand has been given loads of opportunities, going back to to the start of his rookie year.

[Old School 44]

^ +1

I doubt if we'll ever know the back story to the Mahinmi saga. I think it almost had to be personal with Pop and Mahinmi's relationship. Those rare times Mahinmi did play, he played well enough to warrant a second or third look, but he didn't get them.

[Reeko_Htown]

Jordan Hill and a tired Scola have that effect on opposing PFs.

[Buddy Holly]

Splitter >> Ian and it's not close. Sure he had a big game against Phx yesterday, but in the two previous games he had 6 pts 2 rbs and 6 pts 4 rbs. He's more up and down than George Hill.

[ChumpDumper]

Ian is playing the way he always has and is healthy.

Good for him.

Posting his stats doesn't put him on this team any more than it has with Scola or Jackson. Sorry, I learned a long time ago I have no influence on the team whatsoever so it's no use continuing to cry over spilled milk. I would have been fine keeping any of these players of course, but it didn't happen. I also have ideas about how much and where a guy like Splitter should play -- I've posted them a time or two. I simply don't feel the need to whine about it in every thread.

[024]

didn't mahinmi have a very cheap option that the spurs didn't pick up? spurs should have kept him as the fifth big. he could have definitely gotten some minutes over blair now that blair deserves some benching. mahinmi as an insurance big is also not that bad. if he ever got over his fouling (looks much better in dallas), he would have been a nice option to go to when blair and bonner are crumbling or if a big gets injured.

[ChumpDumper]

Sure it would have been nice, but they didn't.

Now what?

[jjktkk]

When he was a rookie, Emmitt Smith told the media that they'd have won a game if Jimmy Johnson had given him the ball more. Instead of benching him or trading him (like Pop would have done), JJ fed Emmitt the ball the next game. They won, and just kept winning. Splitter did the same thing but handled it right by telling the right person.

Jesus, can you imagine what would have happened if Splitter had told Jeff McDonald that? We'd all be wondering why Splitter was suddenly traded for Kirk Heinrich.

Comparing Emmitt Smith's situation to Splitters is extremely hilarious and a massive fail.

[SenorSpur]

Well, it just so happens that Ian will be an UFA this offseason. With the Mavs lusting after D-Howard, and rightfully so, perhaps the Spurs can explore the possibility of bringing him back into the fold. It's not like they couldn't use him.

[ChumpDumper]

Well, it just so happens that Ian will be an UFA this offseason. With the Mavs lusting after D-Howard, and rightfully so, perhaps the Spurs can explore the possibility of bringing him back into the fold. It's not like they couldn't use him.Sure. Until then....

[jjktkk]

Sure it would have been nice, but they didn't.

Now what?

More whining about Mahimni?

[SenorSpur]

I've seen him with the Mavs. And he's not as polished as people are making him sound right now. He's still extremely inconsistent. Either way, he would have never received the minutes to develop in SA. So it's a moot point.

The only point that is rendered moot is all this discussion about the Spurs being "thin" on the frontline. The fact is it didn't have to happen. Had Ian still been with the Spurs, we wouldn't be talking about the Turd Towers or what players the Spurs could or should target at the trade deadline. We also wouldn't be witnessing teams like the Rockets, Hornets and Kings continously overwhelm the Spurs with the frontline athleticism.

Watching the manner in which Ian has developed, it's clear he would've provided the Spurs EXACTLY what they've been missing from a reserve big man. All they needed to have done was invest some continuous PT in him. After all, the frontline, has been the Spurs biggest need, yet they arrogantly acted, at the time, as though it was no big deal. It's not as though this organization was "knee deep" in young bigs. And to allow one to simply walk away without proper development is both arrogant and short-sighted.

Fast forward two years, and the Spurs STILL have a glaring hole, that has gotten worse, when it didn't really have to.

[jjktkk]

Isn't there a "we should of kept Stephen Jackson" thread we could bump??:blah

Actually read some one complaining about the Spurs getting rid of Beno too. :lol

[024]

Sure it would have been nice, but they didn't.

Now what?
by your logic, no spurs decisions should ever be criticized because they already happened. people are reopening the mahinmi thing because mahinmi has been proving that he can earn a large chunk of minutes on a playoff team. it was clear that pop wasn't going to ever play mahinmi but this just shows that he was wrong not to give him another chance and reinforces everyone's criticism of popovich not playing splitter enough.

[jjktkk]

The only point that is rendered moot is all this discussion about the Spurs being "thin" on the frontline. The fact is it didn't have to happen. Had Ian still been with the Spurs, we wouldn't be talking about the Turd Towers or what players the Spurs could or should target at the trade deadline. We also wouldn't be witnessing teams like the Rockets, Hornets and Kings continously overwhelm the Spurs with the frontline athleticism.

Watching the manner in which Ian has developed, it's clear he would've provided the Spurs EXACTLY what they've been missing from a reserve big man. All they needed to have done was invest some continuous PT in him. After all, the frontline, has been the Spurs biggest need, yet they arrogantly acted, at the time, as though it was no big deal. It's not as though this organization was "knee deep" in young bigs. And to allow one to simply walk away without proper development is both arrogant and short-sighted.

Fast forward two years, and the Spurs STILL have a glaring hole, that has gotten worse, when it didn't really have to.

Bolded your key phrase two years, as Mahmni left 2 years ago when the Spurs still had Dice. With Dice out of the picture, maybe the Spurs would of kept Mahimni.

[ChumpDumper]

by your logic, no spurs decisions should ever be criticized because they already happened.That's a load of shit.
people are reopening the mahinmi thing because mahinmi has been proving that he can earn a large chunk of minutes on a playoff team. it was clear that pop wasn't going to ever play mahinmi but this just shows that he was wrong not to give him another chance and reinforces everyone's criticism of popovich not playing splitter enough.People have said they should have kept Ian hundreds of times here. It's been done. You just did it again.

Now what?

[024]

That's a load of shit.People have said they should have kept Ian hundreds of times here. It's been done. You just did it again.

Now what?
play splitter more and don't make the same mistake with him that the spurs did with mahinmi. do you follow that argument?

[jjktkk]

WOW, it's been awhile since I have been on here, but are there really? :lol:lol:lol


I'd much rather they not pick it up than do what they did with Beno and Mahinmi and pick up the guy's option then grind him into the ground with their heel for an extra year.

[ChumpDumper]

play splitter more and don't make the same mistake with him that the spurs did with mahinmi. do you follow that argument?That has also been said hundreds of times.

Now what?

[jag]

Ian is playing the way he always has and is healthy.

Good for him.

Posting his stats doesn't put him on this team any more than it has with Scola or Jackson. Sorry, I learned a long time ago I have no influence on the team whatsoever so it's no use continuing to cry over spilled milk. I would have been fine keeping any of these players of course, but it didn't happen. I also have ideas about how much and where a guy like Splitter should play -- I've posted them a time or two. I simply don't feel the need to whine about it in every thread.

Post of the thread, tbh.

[ace3g]

johnschuhmann John Schuhmann

LeBron James leads the league in FG% from inside 5 feet. He's 81-for-108 (75.0%). Next is Tiago Splitter: 52-for-70 (74.3%).

33 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
Retweeted by JMcDonald_SAEN

[mystargtr34]

I still remember that 15 and 9 game Ian had against the Nets.. i though that would be the coming out party. The next 5 games after that.

DNP-CD
DNP-CD
5:28 (blowout loss)
13.59
DNP-CD

Theres no way it was ever going to work out playing for a coach like Pop. You give Pop a team full of vets where you know what your going to get.. he'll squeeze everything out of them. But if your trying to rebuild or develop a young team, i dont know if many people would want Pop around for that.

[angelbelow]

Ian is playing the way he always has and is healthy.

Good for him.

Posting his stats doesn't put him on this team any more than it has with Scola or Jackson. Sorry, I learned a long time ago I have no influence on the team whatsoever so it's no use continuing to cry over spilled milk. I would have been fine keeping any of these players of course, but it didn't happen. I also have ideas about how much and where a guy like Splitter should play -- I've posted them a time or two. I simply don't feel the need to whine about it in every thread.

Biggest reason why I don't want to drag out this Ian thing. It just didn't happen..

All i was trying to say is that it stings that hes hitting that 15 footer more consistently and hes becoming a productive player at the salary hes getting paid.

Btw, I don't think he'll sign here. His market value is probably 3 million right now but might get overpaid MLE or higher.

[jag]

Biggest reason why I don't want to drag out this Ian thing. It just didn't happen..

All i was trying to say is that it stings that hes hitting that 15 footer more consistently and hes becoming a productive player at the salary hes getting paid.

Btw, I don't think he'll sign here. His market value is probably 3 million right now but might get overpaid MLE or higher.

But why focus on Ian? Scola is much better than Ian.

[Blake]

Btw, I don't think he'll sign here. His market value is probably 3 million right now but might get overpaid MLE or higher.

Higher than the MLE? For Ian?

someone please make that happen so we can rofl

[angelbelow]

But why focus on Ian? Scola is much better than Ian.

I guess its a case of the "here and now." I think he fits incredibly well with our team this year. Not to exaggerate but I think hes a nice 3rd/4th to have. Athletic, has size, competent on offense, good rebounder and he has a really friendly salary.

But like I said before, I don't really want to focus on Ian because it simply didn't happen. I'm not sure I would have re-signed him if I was the decision maker because paying a 6th big 700K with luxury tax (1.4 /yr) would have been hard to justify. (But as a sidelining fan ofcousre I would have re-signed him.) Occasionally, it'll sting when we look at box scores and such and worth a fun discussion (like this thread.)

[jjktkk]

I guess its a case of the "here and now."

You know the saying.... "hindsight is a ...."?

[angelbelow]

Higher than the MLE? For Ian?

someone please make that happen so we can rofl

There's never a shortage of hilariously overpaid contracts :lol

If Ian continues to be productive the MLE might be easy for his agent to spin.

[angelbelow]

You know the saying.... "hindsight is a ...."?

Well.. like I said, I'm not sure if I would have re-signed him with I were Pop/Rc or anyone else in the circle of trust. So hindsight doesn't really help. Its only fun when magically transferring Ian from the Mavericks to our team.

[TD 21]

Mahinmi signed with Dallas the day before they traded for Chandler.

I'm aware of this. But everyone knew the Mavs were poised to add either a second or third big with Dampier's massive partially guaranteed contract. There were rumors about Jefferson, but ultimately they felt Chandler was the better fit (of course, it didn't hurt that they didn't have to give up any real value for him, either). It was obvious whoever they got, along with Nowitzki, Haywood and Marion playing some at the four, were going to receive virtually all of the meaningful minutes at the big positions.

[Obstructed_View]

Comparing Emmitt Smith's situation to Splitters is extremely hilarious and a massive fail.

Coming from you, that's a compliment.

Because you're a moron.

Thanks.

[Obstructed_View]

Actually read some one complaining about the Spurs getting rid of Beno too. :lol

You really need to learn how to read. I said picking up Beno's option was a mistake. :lol

[Obstructed_View]

I'm aware of this. But everyone knew the Mavs were poised to add either a second or third big with Dampier's massive partially guaranteed contract. There were rumors about Jefferson, but ultimately they felt Chandler was the better fit (of course, it didn't hurt that they didn't have to give up any real value for him, either). It was obvious whoever they got, along with Nowitzki, Haywood and Marion playing some at the four, were going to receive virtually all of the meaningful minutes at the big positions.

Clearly you weren't aware of it, because you said Mahinmi signed to a team with two starting centers. They had one in Haywood but Dampier was out the door one way or another. Chandler was likely a Raptor as Mahinmi was signing his contract. Figuring that he had a chance to beat out Haywood for minutes if not the starting job was a pretty good strategy considering he's on his way to doing that as we speak.

[jjktkk]

Because you're a moron.



:cry:cry:cry

[jjktkk]

You really need to learn how to read. I said picking up Beno's option was a mistake. :lol

Yea you didn't want Pop to pick up Beno and Mahimni's options, then have Pop, as you say, " grind him into the ground with their heel for an extra year". :downspin: :lol

[TD 21]

Clearly you weren't aware of it, because you said Mahinmi signed to a team with two starting centers. They had one in Haywood but Dampier was out the door one way or another. Chandler was likely a Raptor as Mahinmi was signing his contract. Figuring that he had a chance to beat out Haywood for minutes if not the starting job was a pretty good strategy considering he's on his way to doing that as we speak.

Clearly I was, because I just told you I was. It was obvious they were going to get another big, even if they technically didn't have one at the time. Whether Chandler became a Raptor or not, the Mavs were going to acquire a top three big using Dampier's contract. Because that's what the Mavs do, they stack player on top of player and rarely give young players a chance.

As if he figured he had a chance to beat out Haywood. How quickly people change their minds. It was but two years ago around this time that SpursTalk was clamoring for Haywood. Many were calling him a "top ten center" (even though he was obviously only going hard for one final big contract). Now, after the fact, you're telling me an unproven player thought he had a chance to beat him out for minutes, on a team notorious for not giving young players a chance? Get real. He was delusional if he thought he was going their to be anything more than the fifth big and even that wasn't a certainty at the start of last season.

[silverblk mystix]

That's a load of shit.People have said they should have kept Ian hundreds of times here. It's been done. You just did it again.

Now what?

Well, for starters how about admitting that you were wrong for years for Popsucking the shit outta pop and for defending his ridiculous Bonner-Boner-Meter sham of a fuckin coaching performance?

How about this;

My name is Cumdumpster and I shall have a little more respect for people who actually know wtf they are talking about and I shall not be so fuckin' smug for having 90,000 posts of ill-informed garbage. I'm sorry.

[ducks]

this thread waz suppose to be about splitter not ian

[ChumpDumper]

Well, for starters how about admitting that you were wrong for years for Popsucking the shit outta pop and for defending his ridiculous Bonner-Boner-Meter sham of a fuckin coaching performance?

How about this;

My name is Cumdumpster and I shall have a little more respect for people who actually know wtf they are talking about and I shall not be so fuckin' smug for having 90,000 posts of ill-informed garbage. I'm sorry.lol U mad

[TJastal]

Clearly I was, because I just told you I was. It was obvious they were going to get another big, even if they technically didn't have one at the time. Whether Chandler became a Raptor or not, the Mavs were going to acquire a top three big using Dampier's contract. Because that's what the Mavs do, they stack player on top of player and rarely give young players a chance.

As if he figured he had a chance to beat out Haywood. How quickly people change their minds. It was but two years ago around this time that SpursTalk was clamoring for Haywood. Many were calling him a "top ten center" (even though he was obviously only going hard for one final big contract). Now, after the fact, you're telling me an unproven player thought he had a chance to beat him out for minutes, on a team notorious for not giving young players a chance? Get real. He was delusional if he thought he was going their to be anything more than the fifth big and even that wasn't a certainty at the start of last season.

Perhaps ... he knew he was better than what Pop gave him credit for.

9-Lk1wtS-YQ&feature=related

[Obstructed_View]

Clearly I was, because I just told you I was.
Fair enough. I should have taken you at your word. :toast

[Obstructed_View]

this thread waz suppose to be about splitter not ian

Yeah my fault. I was listening to the Mavs game while I was reading this thread. Sorry, guys. I'm glad Splitter's getting minutes, so it seemed to be relevant.

[therealtruth]

The Mavs have been stockpiling bigs because Cuban realizes you need them to win and can't have enough. Meanwhile Pop is in love with small ball.

[Paranoid Pop]

Tp said in his radio show that Ian was always first to arrive at training and the last one to leave, that he worked a lot with weights too but that he just had bad luck during his time with the Spurs, lots of small injuries and everything. With someone as injury-prone as Manu on the team this kind thing may have scared the FO.

[jjktkk]

The Mavs have been stockpiling bigs because Cuban realizes you need them to win and can't have enough. Meanwhile Pop is in love with small ball.

Cuban can afford to stockpile bigs. Holt can't/won't. And stockpiling bigs does not guarantee anything, other than making your bench look real cool on tv.

[LongtimeSpursFan]

The Mavs have been stockpiling bigs because Cuban realizes you need them to win and can't have enough. Meanwhile Pop is in love with small ball.

Dampier, Haywood, Chandler, Mahinmi, Cardinal...you mean those bigs? If you add up those contracts they easily over 100 million dollars. Out of those bigs only Chandler has had success. Spending that much money for limited success doesnt seem cost-effective.

[therealtruth]

Dampier, Haywood, Chandler, Mahinmi, Cardinal...you mean those bigs? If you add up those contracts they easily over 100 million dollars. Out of those bigs only Chandler has had success. Spending that much money for limited success doesnt seem cost-effective.

My point is the Spurs have had years to address the big situation and they've stood pat. Splitter is the last real big they got to try to address it and then they didn't even want to play him. Cuban is overspending but he's tried to address the problem.

[SenorSpur]

My point is the Spurs have had years to address the big situation and they've stood pat. Splitter is the last real big they got to try to address it and then they didn't even want to play him. Cuban is overspending but he's tried to address the problem.

That's the truth.

A team doesn't have to overspend on bigs. After years of finally misses, the Spurs now have depth and athleticism on the perimeter and they didn't have to overspend to do it. They drafted well and invested in young, cheap options. That strategy works for other parts of the team too.

[jjktkk]

That's the truth.

A team doesn't have to overspend on bigs. After years of finally misses, the Spurs now have depth and athleticism on the perimeter and they didn't have to overspend to do it. They drafted well and invested in young, cheap options. That strategy works for other parts of the team too.

You realize that its easier finding perimeter players than bigs don't you?

[SenorSpur]

You realize that its easier finding perimeter players than bigs don't you?

Of course. It's a bit more difficult, yet it's not impossible. Again for a team like the Spurs, the best strategy has usually been to draft and develop their own. You do realize that don't you?

[jjktkk]

Of course. It's a bit more difficult, yet it's not impossible. Again for a team like the Spurs, the best strategy has usually been to draft and develop their own. You do realize that don't you?

"its a bit more difficult"?

[MaNu4Tres]

What needs to happen for him to play more?

[ace3g]

Splitter has been much more aggressive looking for his shot in the post in recent games and credits a more confident approach to improved foul shooting. After making only 54.3 percent of his free throws in his rookie season, he is making them at a 72.7 percent clip this season. He made 6 of 7 foul shots against the Hawks.

“When you know that you will make free throws, you can play more aggressive,” he said. “(You can) go to the rim and you’re not thinking, ‘What if I get fouled and miss free throws?’

“That’s a big thing and of course it’s helped my confidence. At the end of the day when you start playing good, you have confidence and attack the rim. If you are going to get fouled you are going to make it.

“It’s like a snowball.”

For Splitter, the snowball of confidence is rolling downhill, seemingly growing bigger with each game.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/01/26/spurs-notebook-splitter-opening-floor-for-teammates/

[therealtruth]

What needs to happen for him to play more?

The Spurs need to get a big to take his place on the bench.

[silverblk mystix]

What needs to happen for him to play more?

Pop needs to retire or step back to the front office....

[mathbzh]

You realize that its easier finding perimeter players than bigs don't you?

Which is precisely why the Spurs should have picked up Ian option and why they should be careful with Splitter's feeling.

[SenorSpur]

Which is precisely why the Spurs should have picked up Ian option and why they should be careful with Splitter's feeling.

Exactly.

[DrSteffo]

Which is precisely why the Spurs should have picked up Ian option and why they should be careful with Splitter's feeling.

Agreed.

[MI21]

The quote from ace3g makes a lot of sense.

Splitter's ability to hit FT's or at least feel like he can hit FT's has almost directly correlated with a much more aggressive style of play around the hoop with less flip shots from the hip. The flip shots are still handy because defenders have to decide whether he is going to go hard or go flip, so it's a win-win situation.

[DMC]

That hook shot is looking pretty damn fluid. That's gotta worry some other coaches just a bit, if they weren't so sure Pop was going to bench him.

[DMC]

Pop needs to retire or step back to the front office....
This isn't going to happen. Regardless of his strange ways, Pop is one of the best coaches in the league, if not THE best. Who else gets this squad to the playoffs?

If Tiago has a few more solid performances, Pop has to shift his thinking. I'm sure he's always doing that anyhow, but being prez of basketball ops and coach at the same time maybe gives him a tad more power than he needs. They need to hire a prez of basketball ops and let Pops coach.

Also, it's Pop's bday tomorrow so happy birthday Pop.

[therealtruth]

This isn't going to happen. Regardless of his strange ways, Pop is one of the best coaches in the league, if not THE best. Who else gets this squad to the playoffs?

If Tiago has a few more solid performances, Pop has to shift his thinking. I'm sure he's always doing that anyhow, but being prez of basketball ops and coach at the same time maybe gives him a tad more power than he needs. They need to hire a prez of basketball ops and let Pops coach.

Also, it's Pop's bday tomorrow so happy birthday Pop.

Splitter could have been doing this last year. Splitter doesn't have anything more to prove. Pop delayed his development. So much for being one of the best coaches.

[TJastal]

This isn't going to happen. Regardless of his ways, Pop is one of the best coaches in the league, if not THE best. Who else gets this squad to the playoffs?

If Tiago has a few more solid performances, Pop has to shift his thinking. I'm sure he's always doing that anyhow, but being prez of basketball ops and coach at the same time maybe gives him a tad more power than he needs. They need to hire a prez of basketball ops and let Pops coach.

Also, it's Pop's bday tomorrow so happy birthday Pop.

I'm betting Tiago will stay in his bench role @ 21 minutes a game for the rest of the year. Or less. That is, until halfway through the first playoff series when Blair & Bonner are both getting torched and the spurs are down 2 games, then suddenly Pop will have an epiphany and crank up Splitter's minutes to 35+ and expect him to save the season.

[Fireball]

Pop values Splitter as the second best big on the team ... thats why Bonner and Blair play in garbage time and not Tiago. Pop just seems afraid playing him more, but in the playoffs he will have no other choice. Problem is Splitter needs to get accustomed to play for 35 minutes (i.e. he has to be in shape for that and has to keep himself out of foul trouble).