Pop: "Nando is our back up PG"

[DPG21920]

Per Jeff McDonald:

@JMcDonald_SAEN: Pop also acknowledged Nando De Colo is his backup PG, citing a spurt in confidence over the past few weeks.

[Robz4000]

Welp, finally

[hater]

told u dummies!

[Cane]

Tbh I like the French Steve Blake and I think his game will translate better in the playoffs than the smaller score-first guards

[hater]

^ Nando is a decent defender. Blake gets abused by pretty much anyone

[Two10Whitey]

No way!!!!

[Floyd Pacquiao]

All because of him upping his level of play on the defensive end...that was the only thing holding him back imo

[EricB]

Should've announced this from day 1. He's always been the better of the candidates. Yo yoing his minutes all year was stupid.

[J_Paco]

Good move. He's been playing considerably better since the all-star break. Hoping his confidence and play can stay at a good level throughout the remained of the season and playoffs.

Next season is going to be an interesting battle between Joseph and De Colo for the back-up point.

[capek]

Been hoping Nando would get here by the season's end, been calling for it since Dec. Wish Bayne's would have gotten more of a chance this year, but one out of two is something I guess.

[Russ]

I was hoping that might happen.

De Colo has a savvy about him that the other candidates do not (not including Neal in that group). He also seems to play bigger than the others.

And he's a better passer. And at least as good a shooter.

Come to think of it, what took Pop so long? :flag:

[timtonymanu]

:tu

Nando is definitely the best option. I wouldn't have mind CoJo either, but he still a little raw. Hopefully Nando keeps it up so we don't see Neal guarding the likes of Steve Blake, Andre Miller, Eric Bledsoe, or Derek Fisher/Reggie Jackson in the playoffs. :bang

[superjames1992]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY! POP FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ace3g]

With his jumper much smoother now and he doesn't really have the defensive lapses like he did earlier in season (back door passes), all he needs to work on now is to try and attack the basket from time to time.

[Captivus]

Finally he decides! It may work or not, at least he gives someone confidence ans the rest of the team a little more predictability.

[spurraider21]

I like this. Especially with Manu's issues this year, Nando is the best playmaker of the backup PG candidates. I also still remember him playing damn good defense against D-Wade in the November Miami game. I figure he will struggle with small, quicker point guards though. I really wanted CoJo to win this, but his passivity on offense was something that couldn't be dealt with. He can be useful in spot minutes, since he has become a decent shooter, and is still the best defender of the group.

[Mugen]

I'll believe it when Manu is back and healthy tbh. I think Pop still goes back to Neal in the playoffs.

[ThaBigFundamental21]

Really, now every loves Nando? You all loved Joseph 2-3 weeks ago. CoJo is okay, but he has a long way to go.

[HI-FI]

I was hoping that might happen.

De Colo has a savvy about him that the other candidates do not (not including Neal in that group). He also seems to play bigger than the others.

And he's a better passer. And at least as good a shooter.

Come to think of it, what took Pop so long? :flag:

couldn't agree more. My confidence in him was based on his court vision and his command of the team, which was obvious even on limited minutes. Sure he still needs work, and like said above, the battle between him and CoJo should get interesting. But I'm very happy with this move. A little overdue, but better late than never.

[superjames1992]

Really, now every loves Nando? You all loved Joseph 2-3 weeks ago. CoJo is okay, but he has a long way to go.
I've been a Nando homer ever since he got here and said Cojo was a D-League "All-Star" (in other words, the tallest midget).

Tbh, Cojo played better than I thought he would, but Nando is the superior option. I'd prefer Cojo over the Hero or Patty Cakes, though.

[Budkin]

Pop actually takes a step to solidify the rotations, now to sit Bonner and Blair the rest of the season...

[DesignatedT]

Cojo played well but the Spurs need Nando's passing and court vision. Nando is no slouch defensively as well which I believe made this decision a lot easier.

[Budkin]

And there goes the lead.

OOPS, not game thread.

[Brazil]

:tu at least we have a decision

[siraulo23]

with his jumper much improved, being more aggressive defensively and the only pg who can be a playmaker outside of tp, it's a no brainer

hopefully he doesnt get rattled during the POs

[jjktkk]

All because of him upping his level of play on the defensive end...that was the only thing holding him back imo

Thinking this, although Cojo is also a good defender.

[Brunodf]

So once Manu gets back Neal will be out of the rotation?
http://www.thisisjustcool.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/image/boy%20and%20dog%20praying.JPG

[palangi]

I wonder if this makes cojo tradable now this offseason. he has shown some good flashes so teams might be interested.

[playblair]

cojo/de colo >>>>>>mills/neal................... play cojo ......................

[letmk]

I still like CoJo better. If nothing else, just for his defense and taking care of the ball.

[AFBlue]

I'm still of the opinion that CoJo gives you the most consistency at the position, but I think Pop is looking for more than just steady play with Manu out. I don't know if De Colo makes up for his bonehead plays with enough brilliant ones, but I guess Pop feels differently.

[TD 21]

I'm still not convinced. Does this mean while Ginobili is out, or even when he comes back? I'll concede that at this point, it probably depends on the play of Neal and De Colo from here on out as opposed to being predetermined, but still.

[HarlemHeat37]

None of the backup PGs are impressive, tbh..

De Colo is still too erratic, Mills is a shorter Neal, and Joseph is too soft and conservative..if Joseph plays with aggression, he's probably the best of the 3, but he rarely strings together a stretch of constant aggression..

[mercos]

I prefer CoJo myself, but I'll take Pop finally settling on someone. He let this situation linger to long. We needed to establish a rhythm with the rotation earlier.

[playblair]

hh is a cojo hater............................................. . hh thinks rj >>>>>jackson...........................

[freetiago]

his Joseph is actually attacking off screens and hitting floaters like tonight ill take him
De Colo is good for 2-3 stupid plays a game

[EVAY]

Good decision, Pop. Neither Cojo nor deColo are terrific, but deColo has the better bball i.q., imo. And god knows this team needs all of that it can get.

But lest anyone imagine differently, were we to get to the finals (a big IF), we have zero chance against Miami without Ginobili functioning at a high level.
It really doesn't matter who the backup is. The drop off from Ginobili to anyone else is too great to overcome.

[ElNono]

I'm glad he settled on one... hopefully it stops the shuffling and there's more consistent minutes for the winner (DeColo). I'm with Harlem, we're used to more aggressive PGs, and none of them fit that mold. Hopefully they discover their aggression with more minutes.

[Splits]

Can't believe Baynes didn't get the chance to prove himself at the point. He's proved himself everywhere else! Have you seen how wide his shoulders are?

[crc21209]

I wasnt too impressed with De Colo tonight and I liked the energy CoJo brought....

[spurraider21]

I wonder if this makes cojo tradable now this offseason. he has shown some good flashes so teams might be interested.

Not at all. Neal will probably walk, and Mills has a 1.15 million dollar player option. There's a chance both walk. Plus we have CoJo locked up for another 2 seasons, and he's not exactly a cap burden. I think the front office will make some sort of effort to retain one of the 2 aforementioned, though, as we do need a sharpshooter off the bench.

[HI-FI]

I liked seeing both Nando and CoJo on the court at the same time, i thought the ball movement was picking up again. Hopefully we can see more of that since Manu will take awhile to get into any sort of rhythm.

[99 Problems]

Pop's comment only confirms that GNeal is back up PG come P/offs.

[Ice009]

Pop's comment only confirms that GNeal is back up PG come P/offs.

What are the comments he said?

[99 Problems]

What are the comments he said?


That Nando is the back-up pg.

[TheyCallMePro]

Wow. I can't believe all of you are so happy about this. I know Joseph is young, but he obviously plays the best defense and makes the least amount of mistakes running the offense out of all the back-up Pgs. Also, I think Joseph is simply more talented than De Colo, and is a better shooter. I'm not surprised though, Pop always values older foreign players over new guys like Joseph. Still, I just can't get over with how average De Colo looks at times. To me he's a slow, bad shooter, who makes poor decisions and a poor defender. Frankly I'd take Neal over De Colo just because Neal can at least provide some offense. But I think Pop overthought this one. Ultimately Parker is so much better than the rest right now that it shouldn't be a huge concern unless he's injured, but to me I'd think having a defensive specialist like Joseph, or a offensive specialist like Neal, would be better than having a decent all around player like De Colo at back-up point.

[Pop]

De colo should play SG, cojo is the only one who can defend fast PGs and he's a nice fit next to Manu or De colo. If Manu is injured.

The de colo manu/Neal backcourt is fucking scary vs the clips for instance.

[Bill_Brasky]

None of the backup PGs are impressive, tbh..

De Colo is still too erratic, Mills is a shorter Neal, and Joseph is too soft and conservative..if Joseph plays with aggression, he's probably the best of the 3, but he rarely strings together a stretch of constant aggression..
Yup, Joseph has a better looking shot and when he's aggresive, he makes plays on D as well, tbh.

[Ice009]

That Nando is the back-up pg.

I thought that you were implying that he said something else after the game.

[MI21]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Pop fall back to Neal during a tight playoffs game, tbh.

I quite like De Colo though, his size is quite an asset and I would like to see the Spurs work with him over the offseason to help him take more advantage of that (post ups).

[hater]

after this game. Corey seems to play smarter. De Colo made some dumb mistakes.

still it seems Nando has more ginobilesque game which I'm sure Pop likes

[polandprzem]

Bit late
All the time I was talking about De Colo as the backup PG and that Pop should have give him opportunities to make mistakes and learn. But most ppl here were talking NEal as the best option.

[Hoops Czar]

Per Jeff McDonald:

@JMcDonald_SAEN: Pop also acknowledged Nando De Colo is his backup PG, citing a spurt in confidence over the past few weeks.
That's not really saying much.

[NickiRasgo]

COACH POPOVICH ON DE COLO: ‘HE’S THE BACKUP’

http://www.projectspurs.com/2013-articles/april/coach-popovich-on-de-colo-he-s-the-backup.html (http://www.projectspurs.com/2013-articles/april/coach-popovich-on-de-colo-he-s-the-backup.html)

[Horse]

Nando has been terrific and I have no problem with this, However CoJo sparked that win last night and has been I believe the most consistant.

[TJastal]

:lol @ finally making an "an announcement" 75 games into the season. Did Pop inadvertently find his old tattered twice washed to-do list in one of his pants pockets?

[hater]

:lol @ finally making an "an announcement" 75 games into the season. Did Pop inadvertently find his old tattered twice washed to-do list in one of his pants pockets?

um, we had all 3 "backups" sucking at different times during the season.

who would you have picked and at what part of the season?

[Raven]

i'm not convinced, he suffers when under pressure as a ball handler.

[Pop]

um, we had all 3 "backups" sucking at different times during the season.

who would you have picked and at what part of the season?

Cojo is the best fit next to Manu on both ends imo.


:lol @ finally making an "an announcement" 75 games into the season. Did Pop inadvertently find his old tattered twice washed to-do list in one of his pants pockets?

Agreed it's hilarious that it took him this long :lol.

[ChumpDumper]

um, we had all 3 "backups" sucking at different times during the season.

who would you have picked and at what part of the season?He would have picked someone who sucked and used him all season long no matter how much he sucked.

That's how you find the best player.

[playblair]

............... @ nando being the back up pg ..................... ..... @ getting bullied by fisher ..............

playcojo ...........................

[MinuteByMinuteSports]

I guess the jinx continues (aka De Colo). I have noticed a pattern since he became Tony's back up. Everything has been a disaster with him coming off the bench for TP. When he was a benchwarmer and playing during garbage time, everything was clicking with the Spurs. Now it seems that every time he's on the floor, it's like he spreads venom all over. Nothing clicks. We miss our shots, bad D, he turns the ball over, and makes bad passes. I've predicted that if he played tonight we would lose. I even told some friends and I bet them all that as long as Nando keeps being TP's back up we WILL lose. I said we would lose to MIA, MEM, and OKC. I even said our guys would get hurt because of him. Everything comes in three's. We played LAC, and Nando played. Manu went down (again). Orlando game, Nando plays and SJax got hurt. Tonight TP got injured again.

When we were down by one, and the SOB was sitting down we had a chance to get a lead. We did well for awhile, but when he came back in disaster struck. Everything went out the window. So Spurs fans I will predict if De Colo is on the playoff roster, we will be kicked out in the first round. I don't understand why Pop relies too much on a rookie when you have experience with CoJo that can be used in playoffs. The old Pop that cared would have never depended on a rookie in the playoffs.

But I guess Pop is stuck with stupid. Don't get your hopes up high, the Spurs won't make it as long as jinx plays. When we get kicked out, I'll be back to say I told you so.

[Gagnrath]

I actually kinda like a CoJo, Neal backcourt, in theory. Neal should keep up scoring, Corey distributes and plays defense, and there is a back-up ball handler in case of traps.

[superjames1992]

Need to change the title to "starting PG," tbh, since Parker is likely out for a bit.

[MinuteByMinuteSports]

I guess the jinx continues (aka De Colo). I have noticed a pattern since he became Tony's back up. Everything has been a disaster with him coming off the bench for TP. When he was a benchwarmer and playing during garbage time, everything was clicking with the Spurs. Now it seems that every time he's on the floor, it's like he spreads venom all over. Nothing clicks. We miss our shots, bad D, he turns the ball over, and makes bad passes. I've predicted that if he played tonight we would lose. I even told some friends and I bet them all that as long as Nando keeps being TP's back up we WILL lose. I said we would lose to MIA, MEM, and OKC. I even said our guys would get hurt because of him. Everything comes in three's. We played LAC, and Nando played. Manu went down (again). Orlando game, Nando plays and SJax got hurt. Tonight TP got injured again.

When we were down by one, and the SOB was sitting down we had a chance to get a lead. We did well for awhile, but when he came back in disaster struck. Everything went out the window. So Spurs fans I will predict if De Colo is on the playoff roster, we will be kicked out in the first round. I don't understand why Pop relies too much on a rookie when you have experience with CoJo that can be used in playoffs. The old Pop that cared would have never depended on a rookie in the playoffs.

But I guess Pop is stuck with stupid. Don't get your hopes up high, the Spurs won't make it as long as jinx plays. When we get kicked out, I'll be back to say I told you so.

[Boomersgold]

I guess the jinx continues (aka De Colo). I have noticed a pattern since he became Tony's back up. Everything has been a disaster with him coming off the bench for TP. When he was a benchwarmer and playing during garbage time, everything was clicking with the Spurs. Now it seems that every time he's on the floor, it's like he spreads venom all over. Nothing clicks. We miss our shots, bad D, he turns the ball over, and makes bad passes. I've predicted that if he played tonight we would lose. I even told some friends and I bet them all that as long as Nando keeps being TP's back up we WILL lose. I said we would lose to MIA, MEM, and OKC. I even said our guys would get hurt because of him. Everything comes in three's. We played LAC, and Nando played. Manu went down (again). Orlando game, Nando plays and SJax got hurt. Tonight TP got injured again.

When we were down by one, and the SOB was sitting down we had a chance to get a lead. We did well for awhile, but when he came back in disaster struck. Everything went out the window. So Spurs fans I will predict if De Colo is on the playoff roster, we will be kicked out in the first round. I don't understand why Pop relies too much on a rookie when you have experience with CoJo that can be used in playoffs. The old Pop that cared would have never depended on a rookie in the playoffs.

But I guess Pop is stuck with stupid. Don't get your hopes up high, the Spurs won't make it as long as jinx plays. When we get kicked out, I'll be back to say I told you so.

I think we should go back to having Neal play the backup point guard. As you've said, ever since De Colo "won" the spot, the Spurs have gone downhill.

[TJastal]

He would have picked someone who sucked and used him all season long no matter how much he sucked.

That's how you find the best player.

If they all suck how do you find the best player? Do you have some special rating system based on suckage? Would make sense given what you regularily watch...

[TJastal]

Duplicate post ^

[ChumpDumper]

If they all suck how do you find the best player?Keep trying players and find out which one sucks the least, which is what was done.
Do you have some special rating system based on suckage? Would make sense given what you regularily watch...Given your record of predicting the performance of Spurs draft picks, you should be the one who explains his methodology, which seems to be based on purposely not watching them play basketball at all.

[jjktkk]

If they all suck how do you find the best player? Do you have some special rating system based on suckage? Would make sense given what you regularily watch...



Exactly. Mills' speed would be more useful against fast athletic teams like the thunder. When you stop to consider just how effective Mills has been in the 2nd unit I just don't understand why he wasn't made Parker's backup midway through the season.

If only you watched the Spurs on tv, instead of checking box scores, you might reconsider your bad take.