Do we really need TJ for the playoffs?

[analyzed]

With TJ out with a scary injury, although I see it could affect our regular season play. (to keep Tony Fresh and to keep Neal to his shooting role)

I don't really think TJ will play any significant role at all for us to go deep into the playoffs. Between Tony , Neal and Manu (yes he plays quarterback) in a shorten playoff rotation , TJ won't be missed muched. Oh you can even add Green who has played some PG min.

Speaking of changes in the rotation for the playoffs, What's your take on what they will be? it's obvious we currently are going 10 deep , and Timmy and Tiago hardly play together to keep both fresh. But come playoff time I see changes. Here are a few of the things I'm interested in:

1. Yes: will Tiago and Tim play more minutes together? With that mind what happens to Blair's minutes? Among our 4 bigs , I see him as the guy whose minutes will go down significantly in the playffs

2. The wings, who plays more : Kawhi, Green or RJ ? and who finishes? Don't be suprise in some games if none of them do, Pop seems to like going with a peremeter combination of Tony, Neal and Manu to end tight games. I know you guys don't like small ball. but that's what it looks like.

[Hoops Czar]

He's pure garbage. Spurs never should have signed him.

[William Hung]

tl;dr but yes Spurs need Ford or sign another backup veteran PG who can learn the system quickly. Otherwise you have an exhausted 1st option come playoff time.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

That depends on how well the Neal/Manu backcourt functions going forward.

[Cane]

TJ would help since he has some handles and can dribble up the court. When Gary Neal or CJ brings up the ball, they can find themselves facing too much pressure which results in an easy turnover for the bad guys.

When it comes to shortening the rotation, players like Blair and RJ will be put on a short leash if they don't bring energy and defensive awareness.

[analyzed]

speaking of manu and neal playing PG: quotes from spursnation:
This time, he will enjoy the added bonus of playing next to a healthy Ginobili, who at times can act as a de facto point guard. Ginobili was out with a broken hand for the duration of Ford’s first stop on the injured list.

“He’s basically a pressure release,” Neal said. “When all else fails, you can call a play for Manu.”

One day, Neal would love nothing more than to return to his familiar role as a score-first shooting guard. In the meantime, Neal will just accept his NBA minutes however — and wherever — they come.

“At the end of the day, if I get stuck with (point guard) duties I have to perform,” Neal said. “I can’t lay an egg. The team is counting on me.”

[William Hung]

“At the end of the day, if I get stuck with (point guard) duties I have to perform,” Neal said. “I can’t lay an egg. The team is counting on me.”

I wonder if RMJ said the same thing.:lol

[sehui]

I think TJ is very important; getting the ball stolen from Cory Joseph or Gary Neal or Manu when bringing up the ball usually leads to 2-6 fastbreak points off TOs. That margin is critical during the postseason - I'd feel much more confident with TJ bringing up the court with his ball security.

[timvp]

A healthy TJ Ford makes the Spurs better. Without him, the Spurs would have only one above average ballhandler on the roster. Plus, even if he's not in the rotation, he's a useful player as a change of pace option who can create shots when the offense stagnates.

[tenbeersbold]

TJ looked like a PG we haven't had for a while,would be nice to keep him around if Parker gets blocked in the lane and/if/or Manu loses a step/gets injured...

Plus he can ball handle better than Manu,good to have in the post-season

[slick'81]

wtf wants neal or joseph at pg?!? of course we need tj

[FkLA]

Yes we do. You never really know when youre going to need someone to come in and bail Parkers ass out.

http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/2108568.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921F7C3FC3F69D929FD40CDF4B460EB7293 88BBAE3BB5B883F1BAE3535AD6371ADA

[Hoops Czar]

TJ looked like a PG we haven't had for a while,would be nice to keep him around if Parker gets blocked in the lane and/if/or Manu loses a step/gets injured...

Plus he can ball handle better than Manu,good to have in the post-season

If Manu gets injured? TJ Ford has only played in three more games than Ginobili all season. And so far this season, its been Pop giving Ford the quick hook when the offense gets stagnant. Your looking at a guy that might spell Parker 8 minutes a game this postseason.

[ace3g]

If the Spurs wanted to make a small trade for a PG, Jeremy Pargo (who many ST members were high on) hasn't received much playing time for the Grizzlies.

[angelbelow]

Hell yeah he is. Depth in the playoffs is crucial for a teams success. I don't mean run a 12 man rotation but players will have off nights while others will have good nights. Depending on who we play, we may or may not need him. So while you don't play a 12 man rotation every single game, being able to mix and match is definitely a nice luxury to have.

In short, I don't see him making a big impact but its nice to have him healthy and eager.

[therealtruth]

He's the new Speedy Claxton. He can bail Parker out when he's struggling.