Injury Thread: Tony Parker's Anke (Update: Out 4 weeks)

[spurraider21]

The injury will force Manu to get back into full Manu form. It will force Kawhi to be more directly involved on offense, and it will give us a much sharper understanding of our backup pg situation which has been impossible to decipher so far. It should also give Tony a couple of weeks to whip into shape

[superbigtime]

A grade II sprain is a big deal. 4 weeks is optimistic, even if Tony is a fast healer. Tony relies on speed and quickness with abrupt pivots, spins, and quick stops and starts. That is not just going to be there in only 28 days. Plain and simple. I have to agree with others here that HCA is overrated. If it were so great, Spurs would have made something of their recent regular season best records. Tony should heal up, but he's going to have to find his touch with only a few regular season games to go. Best record is in jeopardy, but that don't mean shit compared to Team's health especially the Big 3, Kawhi, and Splitter. Tony should heal up, but it will probably be longer than 4 weeks. As long as he's healthy, I don't care what their record is. Hopefully there is some silver lining with other players finding where their balls are.

[superbigtime]

Also blows that Parker didn't get POTM but the title was handed to Bryant for a 9-4 record.

That's an extended middle finger to the Spurs there.

[ace3g]

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1812/punisheranklebrace.jpg

[timtonymanu]

That sucks. Duncan already looks affected by his injury. If Parker can't come back and play at an MVP level, Spurs = fucked.

But of course, it will force other players to step up. Time for Duncan, Manu, Kawhi to take over.

[spurraider21]

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1812/punisheranklebrace.jpg
:lmao

[Embedded]

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1812/punisheranklebrace.jpg

ACE3G - ROFLMFAO The Punisher ANkle Brace. Need to copyright that name right now!

[cd021]

Looks like a regular ankle sprain. More time for DeColo, Mills and Joseph.
Time for someone else to step up, hopefully someone will take advantage

According to Spurs Nation, they said that the ankle may actually take several months to fully heal so when he returns he will be playing through the injury, from what i understood.

[EVAY]

According to Spurs Nation, they said that the ankle may actually take several months to fully heal so when he returns he will be playing through the injury, from what i understood.

The way some posters on here react to Parker being anything less than superstar-level-playing, he'll probably be dissed for slacking or not caring enough or something. I thought it was clear from the last two games that his shot was still impacted by his arm bruise, but he still got blasted for
'not being MVP level', presumably because the soreness in his arm impacted his ability to shoot above 50 or 60% in the most recent games and had more turnovers. None of that was attributed to him trying to play through pain...all of it was attributed to some character flaw in the man.

Well, lots of folks here have said that Tony is not so important and that we are better off without him. Now is the time to put that theory to the test.

[EVAY]

Tony carried Tim and Manu virtually all of last season and for a large part of this season. Time to see if they can return the favor.

[BackHome]

Manu will get worn down playing more time because we don't have a backup PG and Tony well can't do to much cardio when you can't walk. The bright side we will be able to get a better draft pick..lol

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

Kawhi Leonard really has to step up now. Knowing the Spurs though, this shouldn't be a huge loss for them.

[Arcadian]

4 weeks? Psh, we're fine. We just need everyone to hit their peak in the playoffs.

[blkroadrunners]

Wow, that sucks. I forgot what year it was (I think it was the 2009-10 season), but I remember Parker had a similar injury and was expected to miss serious time however miraculous ended up coming back w/i a week or so. I hope that would be the case this year somehow despite being older.

[ElNono]

that's pretty good... he gets about 3 weeks to get back in shape for the playoffs... good news all around

[jestersmash]

Wow, that sucks. I forgot what year it was (I think it was the 2009-10 season), but I remember Parker had a similar injury and was expected to miss serious time however miraculous ended up coming back w/i a week or so. I hope that would be the case this year somehow despite being older.

You "hope[d] that would be the case" or you hope that will be the case this year?

I mean it's still a possibility that he'll come back 3 weeks from now, for example. His sprain looked really minor. The fact that it's grade 2 confirms that, and 4 weeks is on the mid to high end for recovery time for a grade 2 sprain.

There's really no telling how long it'll take Tony to get back into playoff shape once he comes back. Maybe he'll take the full 4 weeks to come back, and maybe this will be his downfall in the playoffs because he's unable to get back to form quickly enough.

Maybe he'll come back somewhat prematurely (3 weeks), but he'll re-aggravate his ankle as a direct result of coming back too soon. Maybe he comes back early and we end up winning a championship because he has sufficient time to get back into "playoff shape" by coming back a week early.

The permutations are endless and it's impossible to predict, which is why Pop simply errs on conservative side for resting/recovery time for any kind of injury. At the very least you know you're decreasing the probability of re-aggravation with more rest.

[spurtech09]

Just hope TP's ankle is better by play-off time....sucks that he's gonna be out for about 4 weeks......I can care less about HCA......My concern now is can the spurs stay healthy enough come play off time....will Tony be better by than.....

[Bruno]

It's really impossible to say what kind of impact this injury will have on Spurs season.

You can have a optimistic approach:
- Parker will be back at 100% for the playoffs and will even be fresher.
- Ginobili will play a bigger role which will allow him to be ready for the playoffs.
- One of Neal, Mills, De Colo or Joseph will size this opportunity and emerges as a legit backup PG.
- Spurs March schedule is light.
- Getting some chemistry for the playoffs isn't an issue because players know each other very well.

But you can as well be pessimistic:
- Parker won't be back at 100% for the playoffs.
- The wear and tear on Ginobili and Duncan will raise the risk of an injury.
- Spurs will lose some games which will which complicate their playoffs bracket with stronger opponents and no HCA.
- Pop won't be able to find his rotation before the playoffs.

We can speculate a lot on this items but only time will tell how bad this injury will impact Spurs season.

[blkroadrunners]

You "hope[d] that would be the case" or you hope that will be the case this year?

I mean it's still a possibility that he'll come back 3 weeks from now, for example. His sprain looked really minor. The fact that it's grade 2 confirms that, and 4 weeks is on the mid to high end for recovery time for a grade 2 sprain.

There's really no telling how long it'll take Tony to get back into playoff shape once he comes back. Maybe he'll take the full 4 weeks to come back, and maybe this will be his downfall in the playoffs because he's unable to get back to form quickly enough.

Maybe he'll come back somewhat prematurely (3 weeks), but he'll re-aggravate his ankle as a direct result of coming back too soon. Maybe he comes back early and we end up winning a championship because he has sufficient time to get back into "playoff shape" by coming back a week early.

The permutations are endless and it's impossible to predict, which is why Pop simply errs on conservative side for resting/recovery time for any kind of injury. At the very least you know you're decreasing the probability of re-aggravation with more rest.

I'm hoping that will be the case this year and Parker comes back earlier than the given time (permitted his ankle is 100%) similar to the prior year, but I honestly feel De Colo/Mills can hold it down at the PG spot during Parker's time out. However, the usage between Ginobili and Duncan draw a big concern especially with their history of injuries this season.

Assuming Parker does take the full 4 weeks, there are about 9 games left in April for him to regain some of his rhythm and strength back.

[Bruno]

And Parker should give some updates about his injury on his radio show that is Monday at 1pm CST. His opinion on his injury should be enlightening because he knows damn well how his body will recover from it after all the ankle sprains he had over years.

[Brazil]

What the fuck ??? Really:bang this team cannot catch a break fuck

[TD 21]

This team just can't catch a break (and the Thunder can't stop catching them). I don't want to jump to conclusions and be too fatalistic, but my initial reaction upon hearing this was that the Heat just clinched the championship. I don't see how they can hold off the Thunder for the one seed now and failing to do so changes everything for this team.

There's some minor silver lining type things that have already been touched on, but the only long term positive that I can glean from this is that it assures they won't peak too early this season. In fact, you could easily argue that we've yet to see the best of this team this season. Hopefully we will come the playoffs this time.

[wildbill2u]

For the worst case scenario-ers out there, playoffs start in seven weeks. Obviously the Spurs are in big trouble if the prognosis is in the 6+ week range.
Plus the added pressure on Manu and Tim to take up the slack may turn into a problem. If they have to increase their minutes substantially then they also become more subject to injuries, large and small. More minutes before the playoffs means they are using up whatever is left in the tank and won't go into the playoffs as fresh as we would like.

This is going to be a long grind and unless we get a miracle 'step up' by someone on the bench, we'll be doing good to split the rest of the games 50-50. Parker meant that much to this team.

[DesignatedT]

If Parker only misses around 10 games (that's 23 days) then this really isn't going to be that big of a deal as long as he comes back healthy and ready to go. Manu could definitely use the ball in his hands and some extended minutes. He hasn't played all damn year. If a 10 game run in March when he's been resting all year burns him out then he just needs to retire. I think he can handle it and that he needs it.

As for Tim, giving him some more touches to get his groove back will be nice as well. I doubt Pop overplays him just because Tony is out.

[Obstructed_View]

Can't they invent some kind if brace that prevents those fucking things?

Not sure if serious, but I think the force of the twist would be transferred to the next joint up if the ankle were prevented from turning so far. Something has to give.

[Aztecfan03]

Class 2 sprain means ligament damage. 4 weeks might be on the low side to be honest...especially with it being his left (and bad) ankle.

I thought 4-6 weeks would have been time for a worse sprain.

[Frenchie]

Tony had a calf injury in 2011 and was expected to miss 2 to 4 weeks. He returned only a week after the injury, helping the Spurs to defeat the Heat by a wide margin.

I know this time he has an ankle injury and the sprain was painfully to watch but I'm optimistic about his recovery.

[LittleCriminal]

If I'm not mistaken didn't Parker sign a New Shoe Deal Recently? I'm for blaming those shit looking shoes!!

[Baynes]

anyone thinks it's a blessing in disguise? I mean, the spurs' biggest hole would be the back-up PG. and with this injury, we'll have 1 month for Pando de Milo and CoJo to try to win the spot. I'm pretty excited with our next games :DDDDDDD

[Baynes]

If I'm not mistaken didn't Parker sign a New Shoe Deal Recently? I'm for blaming those shit looking shoes!!
It's either you forgot to blue font your post or you just haven't watch how Parker got injured

[timvp]

And Parker should give some updates about his injury on his radio show that is Monday at 1pm CST. His opinion on his injury should be enlightening because he knows damn well how his body will recover from it after all the ankle sprains he had over years.

Yeah, this is what I'm waiting for. TP probably has sprained his ankle three dozen times in his basketball playing life so he'll know if this is major (4-6 weeks), medium (3-4 weeks) or relatively minor (~2 weeks). If he's able to walk on it already, that'd be a good sign.

[Budkin]

Not sure if serious, but I think the force of the twist would be transferred to the next joint up if the ankle were prevented from turning so far. Something has to give.

I was serious but yeah you're right. And without the ankle being able to pivot guys would be hopping robot style down the court.

[biskvito]

great opportunity for the other PGs

[Russ]

This guy came back from fucking blindness.

To have his best season.

2-3 weeks max.

[Man In Black]

I'll stick to my original evaluation of 3 weeks off the court and then he's on the court at least practicing. If anything, the good news is that it wasn't a syndemosis lgament sprain
AKA High Ankle, that would have meant 6 weeks easy.

I'm also of the opinion that every ankle has a propensity to turn whether they have just been injured or injured at sometime ago in the past. Even one that hasn't been hurt ever, can feel the wrath of an untimely foot in the way. (Think Manu 2002 against Dirk in the Worlds-Never been hurt until then)

The tape job saved TP's ankle. It's a Grade 2 true but with that cryo tank and the Spurs state of the art training center, I have no doubt that Parker will come back at close to 100% and will be clicking come playoff time. Unlike the other 2/3rds of the Big 3, he's a young 30, he's lighter than the other 2, and he's shown a capacity to heal quickly. the ankle is an area where the blood flows pretty well, unlike a shoulder or a knee, the blood capacity flows through the foot well enough. He wears a boot to make the part non weight-bearing and then is hit with a series of modalities from heat to ice to TENS(Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) treatments. He will get the kind of care that we all wish we could get whenever any of us got an ankle jacked up.

Why make a press release for 4 weeks? I think it's best to overworry. That way, it forces everyone on the team to stay locked in as opposed to thinking that TP will be there to bail them out. I expect Manu will play an additional 5 minutes or so per game but that he will still continue to share PG duties with others except in crunch time moments.

Call me a homer, but my past life as a trainer can see TP playing at close to full capacity come playoff time. After every game, he will continue to get the best care that the team can provide him and he will take advantage, why shouldn't he? He knows full well how good Will, Dice, and the Docs take care of him now as they did in the past.

I'll be there at ATT to see you for the Clippers and the Heat....Heal well TP and then show the NBA that you deserve 1st team ALL-NBA :hat

[siraulo23]

It'll be interesting to see if leonard becomes the 3rd option on the offense to ease the burden on td and manu a little bit

[maverick1948]

KENS 5 TV has TP out 4 weeks worst case. That was after 6 pm. If TP heals like he has in the past, 4 weeks may only be 2 or 3. Knowing Pop, he will only bring back TP if we are losing badly. Looking at the games, we have 7 games between now and the 20th. Against these teams, only 2 have winning records, OKC and Chicago. We have beaten Chicago shorthanded. So it is possible for us to go 6-1 or 5-2 no problem. Dont count out TP from being back for limited minutes for GS or Utah.

I think we will have a 3 way fight for PG. CJ, De Colo, and Mills will try to be the man while TP is out.

[cd021]

The way some posters on here react to Parker being anything less than superstar-level-playing, he'll probably be dissed for slacking or not caring enough or something. I thought it was clear from the last two games that his shot was still impacted by his arm bruise, but he still got blasted for
'not being MVP level', presumably because the soreness in his arm impacted his ability to shoot above 50 or 60% in the most recent games and had more turnovers. None of that was attributed to him trying to play through pain...all of it was attributed to some character flaw in the man.

Well, lots of folks here have said that Tony is not so important and that we are better off without him. Now is the time to put that theory to the test.

Parker has plenty of haters. When we get stagnant they will be clamoring for T.P. The good news is that we only play about 14 games within that span of a month at lot of which are at home. If we can go 10-4 our no worse than 9-5 we should be okay. I am still a little worried about Parker returning only 3 weeks before the playoffs. I guess that is enough time to round into form though.

[SupremeGuy]

This guy came back from fucking blindness.

To have his best season.

2-3 weeks max.Post of the day. :rollin

[DMC]

http://slickzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/off-the-cliff_thumb1.gif

[superjames1992]

The big question is whether Tony will be 100% in the Playoffs, tbh.

[Sean Cagney]

great opportunity for the other PGs

Yeah thats cool, as long as it's not Neal alot of times.

[will_spurs]

The bright side we will be able to get a better draft pick..lol

The Spurs are so far ahead of lottery teams that even if they lost the remaining 22 games on their schedule they would have a hard time missing the playoffs: Houston would have to finish 15-7 and Utah 15-8 and the Lakers 18-5 for the Spurs not to make the playoffs this year.

Another way to look at it: 10 teams in the NBA already have more losses than the Spurs would have if they lost all their remaining game, which would put them at 36 losses. And Philly is already at 34.

We're definitely not getting a better draft pick.

[chapnis]

The Spurs are so far ahead of lottery teams that even if they lost the remaining 22 games on their schedule they would have a hard time missing the playoffs: Houston would have to finish 15-7 and Utah 15-8 and the Lakers 18-5 for the Spurs not to make the playoffs this year.

Another way to look at it: 10 teams in the NBA already have more losses than the Spurs would have if they lost all their remaining game, which would put them at 36 losses. And Philly is already at 34.

We're definitely not getting a better draft pick.

29th is better than 30th btw...

[will_spurs]

29th is better than 30th btw...

An upgrade definitely worth losing your star player for a month :D

[Das Texan]

Maybe they already built in the extra Pop time on Parker's injury with that 4 weeks.


2 weeks in real time, 2 weeks in extra paranoid Pop time.

[Budkin]

http://slickzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/off-the-cliff_thumb1.gif

:lol

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Man In Black with the goods
I'll stick to my original evaluation of 3 weeks off the court and then he's on the court at least practicing. If anything, the good news is that it wasn't a syndemosis lgament sprain
AKA High Ankle, that would have meant 6 weeks easy.

I'm also of the opinion that every ankle has a propensity to turn whether they have just been injured or injured at sometime ago in the past. Even one that hasn't been hurt ever, can feel the wrath of an untimely foot in the way. (Think Manu 2002 against Dirk in the Worlds-Never been hurt until then)

The tape job saved TP's ankle. It's a Grade 2 true but with that cryo tank and the Spurs state of the art training center, I have no doubt that Parker will come back at close to 100% and will be clicking come playoff time. Unlike the other 2/3rds of the Big 3, he's a young 30, he's lighter than the other 2, and he's shown a capacity to heal quickly. the ankle is an area where the blood flows pretty well, unlike a shoulder or a knee, the blood capacity flows through the foot well enough. He wears a boot to make the part non weight-bearing and then is hit with a series of modalities from heat to ice to TENS(Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) treatments. He will get the kind of care that we all wish we could get whenever any of us got an ankle jacked up.

Why make a press release for 4 weeks? I think it's best to overworry. That way, it forces everyone on the team to stay locked in as opposed to thinking that TP will be there to bail them out. I expect Manu will play an additional 5 minutes or so per game but that he will still continue to share PG duties with others except in crunch time moments.

Call me a homer, but my past life as a trainer can see TP playing at close to full capacity come playoff time. After every game, he will continue to get the best care that the team can provide him and he will take advantage, why shouldn't he? He knows full well how good Will, Dice, and the Docs take care of him now as they did in the past.

I'll be there at ATT to see you for the Clippers and the Heat....Heal well TP and then show the NBA that you deserve 1st team ALL-NBA :hat

[jestersmash]

~1500 votes in and ESPN sportscenter believes the Spurs will be knocked out of 1st place in the West because of TP's injury.

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/8429/snspurs.jpg

[DesignatedT]

So did he talk on his radio show today? Or is that later?

[capek]

So did he talk on his radio show today? Or is that later?

Frenchies said his show is on Monday.

[DesignatedT]

Frenchies said his show is on Monday.

I'm losin it. Thought it was monday for a second. nvm

[hater]

Spurs are 50% without Parker. With all the home games and easy opponents, i'd bump that to 60%. we're looking at starting playoffs behind OKC. but all that is irrelevant, TP will probably not be 100% throught the playoffs. :pctoss

[Fabbs]

Spurs are 50% without Parker. With all the home games and easy opponents, i'd bump that to 60%. we're looking at starting playoffs behind OKC. but all that is irrelevant, TP will probably not be 100% throught the playoffs. :pctoss
Possible blessing in disguise being #2 if the Lakers get to the 8th seed.
Pop cannot handle the Lakers. Gets mentally worked every time sans 2003.

Why do you say Parker will not be 100% by playoffs? 7 weeks away.

[hater]

Possible blessing in disguise being #2 if the Lakers get to the 8th seed.
Pop cannot handle the Lakers. Gets mentally worked every time sans 2003.

Why do you say Parker will not be 100% by playoffs? 7 weeks away.

I just don't see it since he relies on his lateral quickness so much, losing even a millisecond of his footspeed and he is not the same. Hope I'm wrong. But also that ankle now can be reinjured very easily and we know TP falls down on every layup.

[DesignatedT]

It's not a high ankle sprain. He should be good by playoffs unless he rushes back on the court before it's healed. As long as he sits out until their is no pain then he will be fine. A common ankle sprain doesn't linger near as much as a high ankle sprain would. He might have some problems regarding confidence in the ankle but it should be pain free unless he doesn't let it heal properly.

[ace3g]

Elliott just said he talked to TP after the game, and TP said "3 weeks"

[Hoops Czar]

TP doesn't have the final say. Pop might still be cautious and hold him out 4 weeks.

[timvp]

Elliott just said he talked to TP after the game, and TP said "3 weeks"

Yeah, like I said in the other thread, that it was after the game and not after the MRI probably makes TP's word slightly less reliable. If TP still thinks three weeks and says so on his radio show, that'd be much brighter news, IMO.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Jeff McDonald ‏@JMcDonald_SAEN (https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN)
Doesn't change the timetable or anything, but Tony Parker spotted walking around practice gym with no crutches or boot or anything.

[024]

that doesn't sound very smart. even if the injury was minor... he should put as little weight as possible during the first week.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Possible blessing in disguise being #2 if the Lakers get to the 8th seed.
Pop cannot handle the Lakers. Gets mentally worked every time sans 2003.

Why do you say Parker will not be 100% by playoffs? 7 weeks away.

We need the number 1 seed.


Jeff McDonald ‏@JMcDonald_SAEN (https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN)
Doesn't change the timetable or anything, but Tony Parker spotted walking around practice gym with no crutches or boot or anything.

That's encouraging.

[Mugen]

IMO, the number 1 seed is not as important as matchups/health.

If i had the choice between 1) 1st Seed, Lakers 1st Round or 2) 2nd Seed, Utah/HOU 1st Round, I'd choose option 2.

I'd feel confident in the Spurs' chances advancing against the Lakers but they'd still be a much tougher 1st round opponent than UTA/HOU. Either one of the latter teams would be pretty much a bye for the Spurs, while a Laker team that managed to make the POs would require the Spurs to be playing great ball to get through relatively easily.

Plus that scenario would match OKC up with Memphis who I think is a tougher opponent for them and the Spurs with the Clippers who is an easier opponent for us.

Of course, this would mean that OKC has homecourt against us in the WCF but I'm confident the Spurs can advance to the Finals with or without homecourt. The Thunder are going to get the lion's share of favorable calls regardless if they're on the road or at home. That's just how the league works and the Spurs will have to rise above that either way. I just don't think homecourt is going to be the deciding factor if they were to meet again.

[Fabbs]

We need the number 1 seed.
2011 playoffs
2012 playoffs

How you figure?

Especially if Laker Marketing gets the #8 seed.
Much better to have Reflahoma face The Kirbys. At least that way one of those stains gets knocked out.

[DesignatedT]

This is turning more and more into a non-issue. Even if the Spurs drop a few games. I don't see how anyone can argue about this being a great thing for Manu just by looking at the last 2 games. Manu needs this. Good rest for TP as well before the playoffs. He's shown at times to be very tired out there through this season. Good rest for TP and very good for guys like Manu, CoJo and Kawhi. Three weeks out would be 8 more games.

[Mugen]

This is turning more and more into a non-issue. Even if the Spurs drop a few games. I don't see how anyone can argue about this being a great thing for Manu just by looking at the last 2 games. Manu needs this. Good rest for TP as well before the playoffs. He's shown at times to be very tired out there through this season. Good rest for TP and very good for guys like Manu, CoJo and Kawhi. Three weeks out would be 8 more games.

Agreed. The only way it becomes a major issue is if the injury is a lingering problem for the rest of the year. Standings wise, I don't understand how people who've watched this team the last couple of years don't think they could survive a major injury to the Big 3 and still win a majority of their games, especially when you factor in the favorable schedule for the rest of the RS.

Spurs should be in relatively good position to maintain the homecourt throughout the playoffs. And if they don't, It's not a huge deal for the reasons I stated above in a previous post.

Tho it's still really early, considering the early returns on CoJo's play, I think TP's injury is more of a good thing than a bad thing going forward.

[DesignatedT]

Agreed. The only way it becomes a major issue is if the injury is a lingering problem for the rest of the year.


That's what the most concerning thing was about this but Tony "walking around practice without a boot or crunches" just 3 days after the injury is extremely encouraging. I mean the first 3 or 4 days right after the injury are when it's supposed to be the worst.

[spurs10]

Agree, with DesignatedT and Mugen. Good time to develop others and let Manu find his rhythm. If we can challenge teams like the Thunder with him out, it will be a great confidence builder and have the adverse effect on them.
:toast

[Spur|n|Austin]

2011 playoffs
2012 playoffs

How you figure?

Especially if Laker Marketing gets the #8 seed.
Much better to have Reflahoma face The Kirbys. At least that way one of those stains gets knocked out.

This isn't 2011 or 2012, this is 2013. I think we've all mostly come to the conclusion that this team is different than both the last two seasons' teams.

[ace3g]

TP is doing his radio show right now, Bruno, did he say anything yet?

[GB20]

bruno!!! bruno!!! bruno!!!

[Bruno]

likely 4 weeks but could be 3 weeks.
crutches + boot for 1 week

[Mugen]

Not sure if it's mentioned before but I'm explicitly blaming PEAK for the ankle injury:

http://7.nicekicks.com/wp/files/2013/01/Tony-Parker-Unveils-His-New-PEAK-Shoes.jpg?7983b6

TP switches from Nike to a Chinese Shoe Company and immediately goes down with a serious injury....

I'm guessing Phil Knight exploits a more skilled group of child laborers than PEAK....

[Bruno]

ligaments are stretched but not torn.
Big hematoma on the bone.
The goal is to come back about 12 games before the playoffs to be ready for them.

[Bruno]

You can listen at the radio show right now:
http://www.rmcsport.fr/front_office/sport_player.html

It's now a 15 minutes interview with Pippen, so it's in English.

[Pop]

Not sure if it's mentioned before but I'm explicitly blaming PEAK for the ankle injury:

http://7.nicekicks.com/wp/files/2013/01/Tony-Parker-Unveils-His-New-PEAK-Shoes.jpg?7983b6

TP switches from Nike to a Chinese Shoe Company and immediately goes down with a serious injury....

I'm guessing Phil Knight exploits a more skilled group of child laborers than PEAK....

Meh he actually went on a tear and played better with his new shoes.

[DesignatedT]

12 games left in the reg season means he will miss 9 more games and would be a total of 25 days.

[Bruno]

I will post a transcript of what he exactly said about his ankle in an hour or two when the podcast will be available.

[Brazil]

likely 4 weeks but could be 3 weeks.
crutches + boot for 1 week

I'm a bit lost here since McDonald said that TP was spotted without crutches / boot

Jeff McDonald ‏@JMcDonald_SAEN (https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN)
Doesn't change the timetable or anything, but Tony Parker spotted walking around practice gym with no crutches or boot or anything.

[TheGoldStandard]

It's not the shoes but the unfortunate luck of the Spurs come March/April but Tony will recover in time for a run and we may see a few surprises down the stretch that could equal a great overall team accomplishment rather than Tony just running the whole show had he not gone down.

[Mugen]

Tricky thing with the 4 week timetable is that puts his return right smack in the middle of the Spurs' toughest remaining strech: 4 Games in 5 nights against MIA, MEM, ORL, and OKC.

Not sure if Pop wants to throw him back in the fire right away. But assuming no setbacks, I think he comes back against either Denver or the Clippers that last week of March and prob not play him in any b2bs for the rest of the season.

[TheGoldStandard]

Yeah, I don't see him playing starters minutes for the rest of the season until the playoff starts, we'll see 15 to 20 minutes as long as everyone is playing up to par. He definitely won't play back to back game. As stated before I'm okay with what the Spurs did last night, they shared the wealth and the young guys carried the load along with Manu. Just no Gary Neal, he's the master of PG panic, the look on his face when he's dribbling up is one of "Please don't mess up, please don't mess up" and then he dribbles the ball off his foot or gets trapped very easily and he has that look of "ah, I screwed up"

[look_at_g_shred]

I say the return of TP will be 3/29 against the Clippers.

[Mugen]

Yeah, I don't see him playing starters minutes for the rest of the season until the playoff starts, we'll see 15 to 20 minutes as long as everyone is playing up to par. He definitely won't play back to back game. As stated before I'm okay with what the Spurs did last night, they shared the wealth and the young guys carried the load along with Manu. Just no Gary Neal, he's the master of PG panic, the look on his face when he's dribbling up is one of "Please don't mess up, please don't mess up" and then he dribbles the ball off his foot or gets trapped very easily and he has that look of "ah, I screwed up"

Only playing him 15-20 mins a game for the rest of the RS would be disastrous considering he'll have to play close to 36-40 mins a game in the playoff. He's going to have to get his conditioning back somehow. I don't think he'll play every b2b but I expect him to playing close to playoff type mins. in April.

[spurraider21]

Apparently he's off the crutches and isn't even in a walking boot

[Bruno]

Transcription of what Parker said about his ankle:

So, you hurt your ankle Friday against Sacramento?
Yes, I do, sadly. Ankle injury. These are things that happened, it's a part of the sport. I landed on Isaiah Thomas and so I think I will be out 4 weeks, 3 to 4 weeks. It will depend on how I will recover. The good news is that there aren't torn ligaments and nothing is broken. There is only a big hematoma on the bone and stretched ligaments.

Are 4 weeks out the minimum?
I think 4 weeks will be the minimum.

You said last week that you have an ankle with only 1 ligament left, did you sprained this one?
Yes, that's the one I sprained. That's why it will take a little longer

It isn't maybe a coincidence that you sprained the bad one?
No, it's only bad luck. I landed on his foot. It can happen at any time. With the way I play and the number of times I drive in the paint, it can happen at any time.

What does your foot look like? Is it swollen? Do you have crutches are you walking normally?
I have crutches with the boot. I think I will be like that for one week and we will see after that.

What did you tell exactly to yourself when it happened Friday on the court?
I know that I just sprained my ankle because I have sprained my left ankle a lot. The X-Rays and the MRI have just confirmed what I thought.

And you are used to that kind of injury because it's a frequent one for basketball players?
I haven't sprain an ankle for 3 years. It was quite a long time but these things happen. It isn't a serious injury. I just hope the team will hold up and will keep the first seed while I'm out.

And the edge is that you will make the playoffs?
Yes, I will be at 100% for the playoffs.

What's the game plan? to com back a week/10 days before the playoffs to be at 100% for them?
I hope to be back on April 1st. There will remain 2 weeks of regular season and a dozen of games. I will allow me to get back in shape and be ready for the playoffs.

[Robz4000]

Well fuck, 4 weeks minimum...

[TheGoldStandard]

If the spurs can continue to get the type of assists they've been getting and we start to see everyone else return to form we should be able to hold the top seed, I can at least see winning 6 or 7 of the next 12 with 50/50 on 2 or 3 of those games.

[loveforthegame]

Bruno, thanks for the transcript. :tu

[timtonymanu]

Meh. Nothing is torn. Thats the only important thing.

Also thanks Bruno!

[DesignatedT]

Well that makes it sounds a little worse then I thought. So he is using crutches and a boot...

[slayermin]

Thank you Bruno for posting the transcript!

I don't get how he has only 1 ligament left.

[Brazil]

Thanks BrunoBruno

[hater]

good news is his top concern is Spurs retaining #1 seed

bad news is he probably won't be back until after April with, not 1 dozen, but less than 9 games left.

He probably will be back vs. Orlando at home

[mute]

As others have alluded to, this could be a blessing in disguise. You can count on a veteran like Parker to show up in the playoffs (not necessarily take over games and be amazing throughout the playoffs, I'm talking mental toughness and veteran leadership and poise). This will give guys like Mills and De Colo and Joseph some run. Also, I would like to see some more Bayne. He's quick and strong, and way better defensively than both Bonner and Blair.

[hooperflash]

Blaming his kicks for the injury makes me laugh :lol

[racm]

As others have alluded to, this could be a blessing in disguise. You can count on a veteran like Parker to show up in the playoffs (not necessarily take over games and be amazing throughout the playoffs, I'm talking mental toughness and veteran leadership and poise). This will give guys like Mills and De Colo and Joseph some run. Also, I would like to see some more Bayne. He's quick and strong, and way better defensively than both Bonner and Blair.

The question of who would back up Parker was the Spurs' biggest issue since they solved their size problems by adding Baynes and starting Splitter, then improved their perimeter defense, which was a weakness of the past two seasons. So that left "who will spell Parker when he has to take a breather" even if we know Manu handles the second unit's offense, because he's not the best guy to defend speedsters like Bledsoe.

[bklynspursfan]

Thanks Bruno!

I think he'll be just fine come playoff time.

[timvp]

Thanks, Bruno :tu

It looks like we can scratch the talk about three weeks. If his goal is April 1, that's more than four weeks.

It's good that he believes he'll be 100% for the playoffs but, man, he's going to be out for a while.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Thanks Bruno.

Who knows, he's a fast healer. Thank goodness for a home heavy March schedule.

[Bruno]

Thanks for all the thanks.

While 4 weeks sounds more likely, I wouldn't rule out only 3 weeks. Parker said "3 to 4 weeks", he said 3 weeks to Elliott before the MRI and later on his radio show he said backup PG would have 3 weeks to show what they can do while he is out. It seems that Parker has some hopes it will be 3 weeks.

Anyway, recovery isn't rocket science and it's likely impossible to say when Parker will exactly be back.

[Frenchie]

I listened to the show also and Tony seemed to not be sure when he's going to be back. He was switching from 3 to 4 weeks in every sentance he made.

Right now, I don't think he will be back until 3 weeks. But his return could be pushed or delayed following Spurs record at this time. If the Spurs are losing too many games and can't find their rythm without him, he could rush to the court.

[Man In Black]

Well that makes it sounds a little worse then I thought. So he is using crutches and a boot...

The crutches and the boot make the recovery easier because it relieves the weight and pressure from the injured body part. I'm not sure what it means for TP to have 1 ligament. It almost makes it sound like he's a bit like DeJuan, who has no ACL's but the way that I interpret that is that TP injured the #1 most common ligament for ankles. The ATFL or anterior talofibular ligament.

I don't think TP only has 1 of 7 ligaments for his Ankle:
Primary ligaments of ankle include (see below for details)
Deltoid ligament
Calcaneonavicular ligament (Spring Ligament)
Syndesmosis (includes AITFL, PITFL, TTFL, IOL, ITL)
Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)-This is the one that is most commonly sprained.
Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL)
Calcaneal fibular ligament (CFL)
Lateral talocalcaneal ligament (LTCL)

But hey...Like I say, I expect Parker to play against the Clippers and the Heat at the end of March.

[Ellsworth]

Damn, I hate these injuries... I'd trade place with TP's sore ankle right now just to have him healthy for the PO. Get well soon, we're going to need him a lot to have any chance at a :lobt2:

[Spursfan092120]

Listened to Taylor this morning on Ticket 760. He was talking to Jason Garrett (no...not the shitty NFL coach) of Airrosti, who is the personal rehab trainers for the Spurs, and specifically, Tony Parker. Jason said if he was a betting man, he'd put money on Tony being ready before the 4 week expected date. Just throwing it out there.

[AFBlue]

Listened to Taylor this morning on Ticket 760. He was talking to Jason Garrett (no...not the shitty NFL coach) of Airrosti, who is the personal rehab trainers for the Spurs, and specifically, Tony Parker. Jason said if he was a betting man, he'd put money on Tony being ready before the 4 week expected date. Just throwing it out there.

I heard the same interview and was encouraged. He seemed very confident. Of course, at the end of the interview he laid out a big caveat that Tony might be ready long before he comes back because the Spurs are notoriously cautious. :(

[SpursRock20]

The crutches and the boot make the recovery easier because it relieves the weight and pressure from the injured body part. I'm not sure what it means for TP to have 1 ligament. It almost makes it sound like he's a bit like DeJuan, who has no ACL's but the way that I interpret that is that TP injured the #1 most common ligament for ankles. The ATFL or anterior talofibular ligament.

I don't think TP only has 1 of 7 ligaments for his Ankle:
Primary ligaments of ankle include (see below for details)
Deltoid ligament
Calcaneonavicular ligament (Spring Ligament)
Syndesmosis (includes AITFL, PITFL, TTFL, IOL, ITL)
Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)-This is the one that is most commonly sprained.
Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL)
Calcaneal fibular ligament (CFL)
Lateral talocalcaneal ligament (LTCL)

But hey...Like I say, I expect Parker to play against the Clippers and the Heat at the end of March.

Maybe Tony is referring to just the main outer ankle ligaments, because in that case he only has 1 out of 3.

[Spursfan092120]

I heard the same interview and was encouraged. He seemed very confident. Of course, at the end of the interview he laid out a big caveat that Tony might be ready long before he comes back because the Spurs are notoriously cautious. :(
Yeah..I heard that too...tried to set that one aside though...lol

[TheGoldStandard]

The Spurs will handle Tony's return very cautiously and might hold off even if he's ready to go until there is time to evaluate him after he is cleared to play and of course depending on the opponents.

[ace3g]

Mike Monroe ‏@Monroe_SA (https://twitter.com/Monroe_SA) Good news for Spurs on night they got beat by 30: @tonyparker (https://twitter.com/tonyparker) ran for 15 min. on treadmill today; even Pop thinks he'll be back before 4 wks.

[loveforthegame]

Good news. :tu

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Mike Monroe ‏@Monroe_SA (https://twitter.com/Monroe_SA) Good news for Spurs on night they got beat by 30: @tonyparker (https://twitter.com/tonyparker) ran for 15 min. on treadmill today; even Pop thinks he'll be back before 4 wks.

:tu awesome news

[Bruno]

Great news indeed.

Looking at Spurs schedule, I would bet on Parker being back on March 20th against Golden State. Spurs would have 4 games left to play without Parker: vs OKC, @ Min, vs Dal and vs Cle.

[timtonymanu]

That's great. The Spurs experienced their first struggle without TP tonight. If he can come back sooner (assuming he's 100%) that is great.

[Man In Black]

It is really encouraging to see Tony on the bench with no boot and walking gait that seems fairly normal with no visible pain or unease.

[racm]

Mike Monroe ‏@Monroe_SA (https://twitter.com/Monroe_SA) Good news for Spurs on night they got beat by 30: @tonyparker (https://twitter.com/tonyparker) ran for 15 min. on treadmill today; even Pop thinks he'll be back before 4 wks.

YESSSSSSS

[Frenchie]

Tony didn't say anything very interesting tonight in his radio show. He's healing well but still has the 4 weeks timetable. He's run a bit but without changing direction tho. He thinks he could make his return earlier than expected but doesn't want to come back too early because the playoffs are only a few weeks yet.
He also said that even if its ankle is healing, it could have a sinusoidal progress. So, he has to be very careful.

[ace3g]

dan mccarney ‏@danmccarneysaen (https://twitter.com/danmccarneysaen) Pop did say Parker has begun shooting "a little bit" in addition to his treadmill work.

[BillMc]

dan mccarney ‏@danmccarneysaen (https://twitter.com/danmccarneysaen) Pop did say Parker has begun shooting "a little bit" in addition to his treadmill work.

Good sign

[Man In Black]

Pop thinks 3 weeks now as reported by David Aldridge...MIB said 3 weeks. Great minds think alike :)

[superjames1992]

I talked to Tony at the barber shop earlier. He said he was feeling a lot better and could probably be back within a week. However, he said Pop wants to rest him for another week after just to make sure he's rested for when the real season starts.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

He will be back within the next 12 days for sure

[bklynspursfan]

I think we can win our next 3 games without him, all home vs Cavs, Warriors, and Jazz with a lot of rest in between the Cavs/Warriors game. Would be nice to get him back for next Sundays game in Houston but that is probably pushing it. But we'll need him that next stretch with a 4 game in 5 nights that starts vs Miami and ends in OKC. I hope Pop rests them the home game against the Magic and plays the big names in OKC

[Mel_13]

“He’s doing fine,” Popovich said. “I guess he’s on schedule. Two weeks is (Friday). Initially they told us four weeks probably.

“I don’t think it will be quite that long. I don’t know if I’m being too hopeful, but I think it will be shorter than four weeks.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2013/03/14/spurs-duncan-finishes-his-big-night-as-a-spectator/

[Man In Black]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/video/2013/03/15/130315ginobilimov-2414315

Is that TP shooting jumpers in the background with Chip? It sure looks like him. One week to get into some rhythm and then he's back after 3 weeks.

[DesignatedT]

Yeah that is TP going through shooting drills. He looks pretty good also. I would say he's back the 27th vs DEN at the latest or maybe even before that.

[Robz4000]

I think whoever said he'd be back for Golden State was right on the money.

[Man In Black]

I wanted him back for the Clippers and Heat Easter Weekend since I'm flying in to see them play live in Texas. I knew he was going to be back sooner than 4 weeks. Thanks TP, it really looks like I am going to get my wish of seeing you play again at AT&T.

[TD 21]

Ethan J. Skolnick: Appears that Tony Parker will be back well in advance of Heat showdown on March 31 (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html). Twitter @EthanJSkolnick (http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html)

[ace3g]

TP putting weight on his left ankle;

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/486118_10151350373348173_213541690_n.jpg

via his FB

[freetiago]

why would Tony buy that poverty meat
its 0 protein and all sodium
should be using his private chefs to get quality food

[Strategic]

All I see in his basket is pasta. Having Tony able to shoot is one thing but that is hardly what his game is dependent on. His cutting ability is key.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Tony was never even in a walking boot or anything. I don't prefer him to come back when we play Denver, that team is constantly running and I don't want him chasing around Ty Lawson

[EVAY]

All I see in his basket is pasta. Having Tony able to shoot is one thing but that is hardly what his game is dependent on. His cutting ability is key.

This.

Although lately, anyone able to put the ball in the basket would be helpful. But basically you are right; Tony has to be able to cut to be as effective as we need him to be.

[spurs10]

This.

Although lately, anyone able to put the ball in the basket would be helpful. But basically you are right; Tony has to be able to cut to be as effective as we need him to be.
I was impressed he could put the pasta in the basket! Hopefully, he's back soon, but not too soon.
:flag:

[Bruno]

Some good news:

Parker practices today and the ankle is fine. He will see how his ankle is tomorrow before deciding when to come back but he thinks he will be back before the estimated 4 weeks.

[loveforthegame]

That is good news. :tu

I wouldn't mind him taking this week off and returning next.

[BillMc]

Some good news:

Parker practices today and the ankle is fine. He will see how his ankle us tomorrow before deciding when to come back but he thinks he will be back before the estimated 4 weeks.

Great news. Thanks. I'd rather they were conservative though. Health is more important than seeding.

[Captivus]

That is good news. :tu

I wouldn't mind him taking this week off and returning next.
Is that even possible? really? wow!

[Seventyniner]

The Spurs play 5 of the next 6 at home, with the only road game being in Houston. I could see Parker coming back for any of those games. Sunday at Houston or next Wednesday against Denver are the most likely candidates.

[crc21209]

Yeah I would be fine with him missing the Golden State and Utah game. I expect him to be back either Sunday @Houston or next Wednesday at home vs. Denver....

[DesignatedT]

That's good news lets just hope he isn't rushing back too soon.

[Brazil]

That's good news lets just hope he isn't rushing back too soon.

TP has no historic (at least I don't remember of any) of coming back too soon and we are talking about the Spurs not a team known to rush its players so no worries here

[timvp]

Thanks for the news, Bruno :tu

Let's hope his ankle reacts well. I'm hoping for a return ASAP. This team without TP can be ugly to watch :lol

[elemento]

Nice to hear good news from TP

He will be 100% in the playoffs , I am positive :hat

[Bruno]

The transcription/translation of what Parker said:

Give us some news about your injury after a little over 2 weeks?
It's getting way better. I've practiced well this morning and I think I'm not very far from coming back. So, we will see how my ankle react tomorrow to what I've done today and, after that, I will decided with Pop to decide when I will come back.

You sound more optimistic. At first it was one month, 4 weeks?
I think I will be back before that.

How you decided when you will be back? Is it only your choice or has Pop or the medical staff the final say?
Pop has the final say. I need, of course, to be medically cleared by the doctor but, after that, it's Pop who decides when you come back. It's also the way you come back. You can come back slowly and play at first 15 minutes or you can only come back when you are in shape and ready to play 30 minutes. We will see. It will be talks I will have soon with Pop.

[benefactor]

Thanks Bruno. Good news indeed.

[exstatic]

If he's practicing, he'll likely be back in the next game or two. That's Pop's litmus test.

I'm thinking he'll pass Wednesday, but play Friday.

[bklynspursfan]

Yea sit out vs GS and play against Utah. ^ That would be best imo. Let Cojo use his energy chasing around Curry

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Great news, TP has always been sort of a fast healer. I'm guessing friday or next week for sure, but then again it's all up to paranoid Pop.

[SpurPadre]

Great news, TP has always been sort of a fast healer. I'm guessing friday or next week for sure, but then again it's all up to paranoid Pop.

Not as fast a healer as Kobe, apparently. Then again, TP doesn't feel the need to fake or embellish injuries like Kobe "I wanna be like MJ but never will be" Bryant

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

Very good news! I can't wait to watch a healthy Spurs team end the Miami winning streak!

[timtonymanu]

Good news. I'm really looking forward to that Miami game to see how we match up with them. Spurs-Heat games have been blow outs lately or a matter where Pop sits out players. Hopefully everyone plays against Miami.

[Sean Cagney]

Very good news! I can't wait to watch a healthy Spurs team end the Miami winning streak!

LOL I hope, that would make my Easter.

[ElNono]

I had him at 3 weeks top... good news indeed.

[Man In Black]

I had him at 3 weeks top... good news indeed.

Me too. 3 weeks is great and my initial eval had it that way as well.

[racm]

The 4 week prognosis IMO was the Spurs' medical staff erring on the side of caution as always.

Sure they're not as great at PREVENTING injuries, but as far as maintenance goes they've kept the Big 3 and everyone else in good shape overall.

[scanry]

Not as fast a healer as Kobe, apparently. Then again, TP doesn't feel the need to fake or embellish injuries like Kobe "I wanna be like MJ but never will be" Bryant

Tbh Kobe doesn't have a coach like Pop protecting his players. Phil could care less if a player wanted to play through an injury. Pop is way too conservative and i'm not a big fan of that.

[exstatic]

Tbh Kobe doesn't have a coach like Pop protecting his players. Phil could care less if a player wanted to play through an injury. Pop is way too conservative and i'm not a big fan of that.

Phil hasn't been the Laker's coach in a while, tbh.

[Kuestmaster]

I read somewhere that maybe Parker is returning at the end of this week, that would be beyond awesome.

[CubanMustGo]

LOL @ the pic of TP shopping at HEB.

And that Arriosti shit is amazing. My wife had TMJ issues that resisted all kinds of treatment and the consensus was surgery was the only option. Three Arriosti sessions later you would have never known anything was wrong.

[bklynspursfan]

Tony showing off the hardware. (From his FB page)

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599559_10151352897673173_1164667241_n.jpg

[Phenomanul]

Tony showing off the hardware. (From his FB page)

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599559_10151352897673173_1164667241_n.jpg

Well technically not all of it is his... given that he wasn't here for the 1999 Championship run... and it's also missing his Finals MVP trophy...

[TheGoldStandard]

Airrosti does some amazing work and the spurs medical staff are true class, they take care of the players and always have a great plan to get them healthy quickly. Tony has always been a quick healer and has always listened, never did anything that screw up his recovery. This is very good news indeed..

Makes me think of all those other teams that have guys who can't heal, don't have the staff to get them well quickly or have knuckleheads who don't put the work in to get better.. (andrew bynum)

[bklynspursfan]

Well technically not all of it is his... given that he wasn't here for the 1999 Championship run... and it's also missing his Finals MVP trophy...

Oh yea definitely. Doesn't hurt to flaunt though.

[ace3g]

Jeff McDonald ‏@JMcDonald_SAEN (https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN) Tony Parker went through a full practice today. Won't play tomorrow, Pop says, but soon.

[024]

good sign that there were no setbacks from his previous practice

[loveforthegame]

Good news. :tu

Still thinking he'll return Sunday but won't be surprised if he plays Friday. If Pop is saying soon then it will be.

[DesignatedT]

Jeff McDonald ‏@JMcDonald_SAEN
Ginobili's assessment of Parker's first practice: "He looked fast, as always. He looked confident. Now I've just got to ask how he felt."
Expand Reply Retweet Favorite More

[Bruno]

Parker practicing 2 days in a row is just an awesome news. It sounds like he could be back for the game against Utah on Friday which will be just 3 weeks after his injury.

[Seventyniner]

Parker practicing 2 days in a row is just an awesome news. It sounds like he could be back for the game against Utah on Friday which will be just 3 weeks after his injury.

Do you think Pop might bring him off the bench on Friday and play him 10-12 minutes? Maybe 5-6 minutes in the first half to see how he feels, and another 5-6 in the second if he's good to go.

[exstatic]

Do you think Pop might bring him off the bench on Friday and play him 10-12 minutes? Maybe 5-6 minutes in the first half to see how he feels, and another 5-6 in the second if he's good to go.

Doubtful. Pop usually plays guys in their regular roles and close to their minutes, or he doesn't consider them ready to play yet.

The exception was Tony a few years ago coming off the bench at the beginning of the playoffs, but GHill had played VERY well, and Pop didn't want to upset the applecart going into the playoffs. No one is playing particularly well subbing for Tony this time.

[Chinook]

Doubtful. Pop usually plays guys in their regular roles and close to their minutes, or he doesn't consider them ready to play yet.

The exception was Tony a few years ago coming off the bench at the beginning of the playoffs, but GHill had played VERY well, and Pop didn't want to upset the applecart going into the playoffs. No one is playing particularly well subbing for Tony this time.

I disagree.

He's brought Leonard off the bench for a couple of games this season. He's also played Jackson and Neal in garbage minutes when they were coming back from injuries. Even with Diaw, he gave him some experimental burn a few games ago.

[Bruno]

Do you think Pop might bring him off the bench on Friday and play him 10-12 minutes? Maybe 5-6 minutes in the first half to see how he feels, and another 5-6 in the second if he's good to go.

That's a possibility but I don't really know. Parker said a part of his talk with Pop would be on how manage his minutes for his return. I guess it will mainly depend on his conditioning.

[Seventyniner]

That's a possibility but I don't really know. Parker said a part of his talk with Pop would be on how manage his minutes for his return. I guess it will mainly depend on his conditioning.

Alright, thanks. I can't imagine conditioning would be a big issue for 5 minutes per half, but I'm not an expert. Glad to hear that he's running on a treadmill, though, so he should be ready to go full speed once Pop clears him.

[Obstructed_View]

Doubtful. Pop usually plays guys in their regular roles and close to their minutes, or he doesn't consider them ready to play yet.

The exception was Tony a few years ago coming off the bench at the beginning of the playoffs, but Manu had played VERY well, and Pop didn't want to upset the applecart going into the playoffs. No one is playing particularly well subbing for Tony this time.

Fixed

[Obstructed_View]

As far as coming back "too soon", the only real chance of a setback would be that a recently-sprained ankle tends to be less stable, so you can twist it much easier. The time for that to go away would likely mean the whole season, so they'll just have to take their chances.

[Robz4000]

Was hoping he'd be back for tomorrow night's game. IMO the Spurs are prolly gonna lose it, putting them into a tie with OKC. That game early next month is looking like it will decide the seeding order.

[bklynspursfan]

Was hoping he'd be back for tomorrow night's game. IMO the Spurs are prolly gonna lose it, putting them into a tie with OKC. That game early next month is looking like it will decide the seeding order.

I don't see them blowing it tomorrow. They'll play with a little fire knowing GS beat them last time, especially with the way Tim has been playing. Let's also hope Kawhi continues his great play. Plus OKC has Denver tonight and are in Memphis tomorrow.

[Robz4000]

I don't see them blowing it tomorrow. They'll play with a little fire knowing GS beat them last time, especially with the way Tim has been playing. Let's also hope Kawhi continues his great play. Plus OKC has Denver tonight and are in Memphis tomorrow.

With the Spurs' struggles lately in top of GS' recent play, I don't see a victory unless they ramp up the D and hit their 3s at a high clip. OKC won't lose either tonight or tomorrow. Without a good perimeter player Memphis really no longer matches up well with OKC.

[Ice009]

Airrosti does some amazing work and the spurs medical staff are true class, they take care of the players and always have a great plan to get them healthy quickly.

Who/what is Airrosti?

[exstatic]

Who/what is Airrosti?

An injury rehab/physical therapy outfit in SA.

[bklynspursfan]

With the Spurs' struggles lately in top of GS' recent play, I don't see a victory unless they ramp up the D and hit their 3s at a high clip. OKC won't lose either tonight or tomorrow. Without a good perimeter player Memphis really no longer matches up well with OKC.

Well the Nuggets are hanging around now. I think with the Spurs recent comments acknowledging their struggles defensively, I think we'll see an improved performance on that end tomorrow. Of course we won't know till then, that's just my opinion. Having 3 days off since their last game giving up a ton of points to the Cavs, I'd be shocked if they're that bad again

[TheGoldStandard]

Spurs have had an adequate time to rest between games so we'll see a pretty good game from Duncan and I don't see Jarrett Jack having a big game like last time.

[look_at_g_shred]

Spurs have had an adequate time to rest between games so we'll see a pretty good game from Duncan and I don't see Jarrett Jack having a big game like last time.

You must not watch Spurs games.

[TheGoldStandard]

You must not watch Spurs games.

There is such a thing as wishful thinking

[ace3g]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/737cec98c89502ca7ee4387bbf2b04e6/tumblr_mk0sxlnWGb1rugvcno1_1280.jpg

Tony Parker scrimmaging at the end of today’s practice.

via spurs.com

[bklynspursfan]

314783660312252416

[rmt]

Spurs probably win vs UTA with the horrible way they've been playing. HOU is not so clear-cut, but if they hold off till DEN that's an extra 4 days rest.

[Seventyniner]

Parker coming back against Houston makes the most sense to me. The Spurs won't need him against Utah but they will against the Rockets.

[DesignatedT]

If there is any shred of doubt I'd prob just hold him out until DEN.

[Robz4000]

Spurs can beat Utah with or without Tony, but they should play him. At this point he needs to start building up a rhythm for the harsh stretch coming up, as well as for the playoffs. No reason for him to play 35 mins, but 12-15 should be fine.

[ElNono]

They need to start easing him in... if he wants to test the ankle for 5-10 mins against Utah off the bench, he should.

[hooperflash]

TP wearing some white ankle wraps for safe measure, I like it!

[Brazil]

They need to start easing him in... if he wants to test the ankle for 5-10 mins against Utah off the bench, he should.

pretty much, Utah should be easy stuff even w/o him unless pop want to troll Lakers

[Kool Bob Love]

They need to start easing him in... if he wants to test the ankle for 5-10 mins against Utah off the bench, he should.


Fix.