Van Gundy "Rockets are favorites if they play the Spurs"

[DesignatedT]

JVG just said on ESPN NBA shootaround that the Rockets should be favorites if they match up with the Spurs and that they would knock the Spurs out in the first round.


Thoughts?

[crc21209]

Hmm...says the guy who coached the Rockets :lol

[bbarry]

That's his opinion. And if Spurs get knocked out in 5 or less, then I guess he's right.

[Robz4000]

:lmao

Then again, with how bad the Spurs look, it could happen...

[Spur|n|Austin]

Thoughts? My thought is that JVG has been pretty booty hurt for many years now. That's also a major upset and takes more than that statement to prove it. At least ONE game of the first round.

[sook]

good fucking lord. He also said we played the suns 4 times so "Those were automatic wins"

JVG is a jinx

[emanueldavidginobili]

I actually like everyone doubting the Spurs. We need some haters right now, last two years everyone has been riding the Spurs. This playoffs will be one of the most unpredictable ones I literally have no idea what is going to happen

[Kool Bob Love]

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/JeffVanGundy051311.jpg

[ThaBigFundamental21]

I have never liked JVG as an analyst. He has always been a snob towards the Spurs. I really don't know why. Anyone else here know what his deal is? Aside from that, right now the Spurs aren't playing well, that being said, in a 7 game series I like the Spurs.

[Chinook]

I have never liked JVG as an analyst. He has always been a snob towards the Spurs. I really don't know why. Anyone else here know what his deal is? Aside from that, right now the Spurs aren't playing well, that being said, in a 7 game series I like the Spurs.

Because the Spurs took away his best chance to win a ring?

[Budkin]

"<insert team here> are the favorites if they play the Spurs."

[weeks]

pfft, he's only saying that because he's been watching us play.

[Canibspur]

I actually like everyone doubting the Spurs. We need some haters right now, last two years everyone has been riding the Spurs. This playoffs will be one of the most unpredictable ones I literally have no idea what is going to happen

Like your take. Seems like we bring our best the years we are being overlooked or dismissed.

Then again, I don't remember seeing a team slumping into the playoffs like this, injuries or not, win the whole fuckin thing. Gotta keep the faith though. They can come out of this.

[jestersmash]

I have never liked JVG as an analyst. He has always been a snob towards the Spurs. I really don't know why. Anyone else here know what his deal is? Aside from that, right now the Spurs aren't playing well, that being said, in a 7 game series I like the Spurs.

Strange. I've always loved JVG as an analyst because he's just brutally honest, regardless of the team he's talking about. He doesn't have an ulterior agenda of propping up big market teams or teams he has a personal connection to (teams he or his brother have coached in the past).

[jestersmash]

Every time a superstar gets a phantom foul call, JVG has no problem pointing that out on national T.V. He's just super honest.

[bklynspursfan]

He said cause the Spurs won't have Manu. Like every other professional analyst who said Manu won't be there in the first round. These guys should be required to follow every teams beat writer so they know what the hell they're talking about

[Poolboy5623]

If he knew what he was talking about, he'd be a coach....somewhere. he's not though, and is instead part of the good ole media. He's just doing his job. I've never taken anything the guy says seriously...I mean he's coached how many years?..and his best memory is being drug around the floor by a players ankles..yay, good for him.

[BatManu20]

http://www.realclearsports.com/blognetwork/Van%20Gundy%20Hugs%20Leg.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/241/449177255_2251492970.jpg

[Poolboy5623]

Every time a superstar gets a phantom foul call, JVG has no problem pointing that out on national T.V. He's just super honest.

Yeah, he's great at pointing out the obvious.

[lefty]

http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Jeff-Van-Gundy-Stare.gif

[exstatic]

I have never liked JVG as an analyst. He has always been a snob towards the Spurs. I really don't know why. Anyone else here know what his deal is? Aside from that, right now the Spurs aren't playing well, that being said, in a 7 game series I like the Spurs.

1999

[SenorSpur]

Hmm...says the guy who coached the Rockets :lol

Exactly. What else would he say?

[Hoops Czar]

Hmm...says the guy who coached the Rockets :lol

And fired by the Rockets... Hmm

[hater]

Spurs will be underdogs vs any team except the Lakers.

Van Gundy is dead on

[boutons_deux]

Spurs suck, Rockets got the 1st round

[Johnny RIngo]

Spurs have lost 8 of their last 13. They deserve to be shitted on right now. This team is a mess and hasn't had an impressive win since beating OKC in SA almost a month ago. They're either gassed or Pop has lost the locker room

[boutons_deux]

Spurs the ONLY WC playoff team with a losing record in Last10, 3-7, matching EC 8th place Bucks 3-7. :lol

Spurs are such psycho head case. 58W! :lol

[Johnny RIngo]

Spurs the ONLY WC playoff team with a losing record in Last10, 3-7, matching EC 8th place Bucks 3-7. :lol

Spurs are such psycho head case. 58W! :lol

Starts at the top. Pop breeds a losing culture with his tanking bullshit and keeping shitheads like Bonner, Mills, and Blair on the team.

[tim_duncan_fan]

He's right. We suck ass right now, to be honest. I don't see any bright spots on this team besides Tim right now. Are we gonna beat the Lakers or Rockets with just Tim?

[Reck]

Spurs are damned if they do damned if they dont.

If they play the Lakers they lose that series and apparently if Spurs draw the Rockets they also lose. Why show up at all then? :lol

It amazes me how little respect the Spurs get. For a 4 time championship team this is very sad.

[spurs1990]

He has always been a snob towards the Spurs. I really don't know why. Anyone else here know what his deal is?


Van Gundy gushes endlessly anytime he calls a Spurs game. He and Breen always mentioned the Spurs and their "right way" of playing before the current slump.

Lastly, Van Gundy is the guy who said on air during a game that "we wants to move to San Antonio and get on the waitlist for season tickets" so he can watch the Spurs play.

No TNT/ESPN announcer has it out for the Spurs....hmmm, maybe Steve A Smith but even then he gives them props when they're due.

[TampaDude]

Hey, I'd rather have people be down on the Spurs than puffing them up like last season.

Look at it this way...expectations are down so the pressure is off. Better to be the hunter than the hunted.

[stephen jackson]

now i gotta sit through two hours of rockets lakers with van gundy whos smart ass idea on espn was this omfg

[stephen jackson]

Van Gundy gushes endlessly anytime he calls a Spurs game. He and Breen always mentioned the Spurs and their "right way" of playing before the current slump.

Lastly, Van Gundy is the guy who said on air during a game that "we wants to move to San Antonio and get on the waitlist for season tickets" so he can watch the Spurs play.

No TNT/ESPN announcer has it out for the Spurs....hmmm, maybe Steve A Smith but even then he gives them props when they're due.

hes a two face when he calls our games its all love but otherwise hate.

[Monkeyboy14]

in all honestly though, who do you think this banged up spurs team has a better chance against in the first round? Lakers or Rockets?

[EricB]

Spurs will be underdogs vs any team except the Lakers.

Van Gundy is dead on

Forgot the blue font

[HarlemHeat37]

Van Gundy has no bias against the Spurs, tbh..

He said that if Ginobili is healthy and producing, he would choose the Spurs, btw..

I don't think the Spurs would lose to Houston in a series, but I understand the skepticism, it's certainly valid..the Spurs have looked terrible down the stretch..

The worst part of the Houston matchup is Asik's ability to defend Duncan..Tim is the only impact player on the Spurs roster at the moment, the Spurs will have trouble winning a series with a struggling Duncan..

[jestersmash]

JVG just said the Spurs would beat the Lakers in a 1st round series, regardless of whether Manu returns to form or not. He said the Lakers wouldn't win any playoff series, let alone one against the Spurs.

His rationale for saying the Rockets will beat the Spurs hinges largely on the fact that Manu has been injured. There's no indication that Manu will magically turn into his usual 20/5/5 self in the playoffs. It's a valid argument.

JVG said if Manu were to turn back to his usual self, the entire series would flip and the Spurs would be heavy favorites.

[stephen jackson]

even without ginobili we should beat both. disrespect

[TheGoldStandard]

With healthy players we're a top 3 team in the league.

[DesignatedT]

I dont think Manu has to average 20-5-5 in the playoffs.

[Johnny RIngo]

even without ginobili we should beat both. disrespect

How is it disrespect if the Spurs have been beyond terrible the past month? Whether you want to call it injuries or a temporary funk, there's no reason to favor the Spurs...especially with the shape Parker/Ginobili are in.

[DesignatedT]

Now that I am looking at it, Manu averaged under 14 - 4 -4 in last years playoff. I didn't realize he only shot .338% from long range.

[Johnny RIngo]

Now that I am looking at it, Manu averaged under 14 - 4 -4 in last years playoff. I didn't realize he only shot .338% from long range.

Manu failed the team last year. Spurs were touted as having a big three but, in last year's playoffs, it was more like a big two with Ginobili deciding to show up once in a blue moon.

[jestersmash]

I dont think Manu has to average 20-5-5 in the playoffs.

'09-'10
'10-'11

[jestersmash]

Oh my bad you said you don't think he has to average that, not that he hasn't.

Yeah that's probably true. "20/5/5" has kind of evolved into a euphemism for "all nba caliber guard" for me, tbh. I throw out that line pretty casually.

[tim_duncan_fan]

even without ginobili we should beat both. disrespect

Your avatar makes me sad.

[DesignatedT]

I think if Manu can put up similar scoring and assist numbers the spurs will be fine. Something like 14 PPG and 5 APG. He's going to be shooting the rock and getting open looks so he has to shoot the three at a better clip then the last 3 post-seasons. He needs to be up around 40% from long range.

[100%duncan]

Van Gundy has no bias against the Spurs, tbh..

He said that if Ginobili is healthy and producing, he would choose the Spurs, btw..

I don't think the Spurs would lose to Houston in a series, but I understand the skepticism, it's certainly valid..the Spurs have looked terrible down the stretch..

The worst part of the Houston matchup is Asik's ability to defend Duncan..Tim is the only impact player on the Spurs roster at the moment, the Spurs will have trouble winning a series with a struggling Duncan..

This.

[angelbelow]

Would prefer the Lakers anyways. Houston has a lot of fire power and we have a lot of injures.

[DesignatedT]

All the potential matchups have a big who can help nuetralize Duncan. LAL with Howard, HOU with Asik and potentially GS with Bogut ( if he's healthy)

[DesignatedT]

Playing Houston would be better for the Spurs in the long run IMO. The Lakers are the weaker team and playing that team doesn't do much to get you ready for DEN in the 2nd round. Running up and down with Houston does.

[hater]

JVG just said the Spurs would beat the Lakers in a 1st round series, regardless of whether Manu returns to form or not. He said the Lakers wouldn't win any playoff series, let alone one against the Spurs.

:lmao no wonder I like this guy Van Gundy. I posted this early this morning :lol


cosign. lakers are like jackson 5 without MJ. They and the Dantonio system will get terribly exposed in playoffs(if they make it). they are not going to win more than 1 playoff game vs anyone.

what really worries me is facing Houston or GS in the 1st round :wow

[hater]

Playing Houston would be better for the Spurs in the long run IMO. The Lakers are the weaker team and playing that team doesn't do much to get you ready for DEN in the 2nd round. Running up and down with Houston does.

I was thinking Houston is more similar to OKC which is the team to beat. But let's wake up. Spurs need all the help they can get in round 1. They need to get their shit straight before even thinking of facing competition. IMO round 1 is Spurs training camp. Season Starts in round 2 (if they make it that far):lol

[Johnny RIngo]

I think if Manu can put up similar scoring and assist numbers the spurs will be fine. Something like 14 PPG and 5 APG. He's going to be shooting the rock and getting open looks so he has to shoot the three at a better clip then the last 3 post-seasons. He needs to be up around 40% from long range.

Manu won't even average 10 ppg in the post-season - guarantee that.

[Malice]

"<insert team here> are the favorites if they play the Spurs."

Pretty much this. Fuck man...this season went from potential to shit in literally a few weeks...

[therealtruth]

If Gary Neal, DB, MB are playing lots of minutes I don't think it will be pretty.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Man I do not want to play the rockets Harden is that good and he will live at the free throw line

[Spurs da champs]

Exactly. What else would he say?
I guess getting fired by the Rockets & having no more players on the roster he coached gives him the bias to say Rockets? Smh

He's doesn't sound stupid saying this, not at all; Asik is big & gives Timmy problems, Harden is a Spur killer, they're fast & the Spurs are not. How absurd!

[milkyway21]

http://www.realclearsports.com/blognetwork/Van%20Gundy%20Hugs%20Leg.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/241/449177255_2251492970.jpg

awesome PICS OF VGUNDY !!! :lmao

It seems everyone has forgotten when the Spurs back up crew almost dismantled Miami before (with no Duncan, Parker, Manu, Green, & Leonard) :rolleyes

BELIEVE !

[DesignatedT]

Man I do not want to play the rockets Harden is that good and he will live at the free throw line

lol on sunday it was " better not get these lakers or were toast" then on monday it was "we need to avoid gs and curry at all cost" now people are watching the hou game and saying this :lol

[Robz4000]

Spurs could still see Golden State tbh...

[DesignatedT]

Was just about to say that. Portland only down 3 at the end of the 3rd. Watch out for that game.

[mute]

you guys are the same ppl that got mad for john berry picking okc over the spurs in 6 games.. calling him a retard

[hater]

you guys are the same ppl that got mad for john berry picking okc over the spurs in 6 games.. calling him a retard

:lmao

[milkyway21]

I want the Lakers to face OKC in the 1st rnd

[Roxsfan]

I think he's saying that bc of youth, athleticism, speed etc......over veteran player/coach/grit.

[DesignatedT]

Alright well Golden State pulled away so it's either Rockets or Lakers for sure.

[SCdac]

Any one know what our record is when all of Duncan, Parker, and Manu are playing this season? ... I'm assuming it's pretty good... add Leonard/Splitter and probably even better.

That hasn't happened a whole lot this season, but if it happens the entirety of the playoffs, I think the Spurs can get to the WCF... From there, who knows.

Spurs have been playing like crap in the last couple weeks, but it's misleading IMO. Pop has been extra cautious with his best players (resting them) and it reflects in the record. If we roll into the playoffs with everybody playing (not necessarily at full health, but at least playing) I like our chances to get out of the first and second round.

[SenorSpur]

I guess getting fired by the Rockets & having no more players on the roster he coached gives him the bias to say Rockets? Smh

He's doesn't sound stupid saying this, not at all; Asik is big & gives Timmy problems, Harden is a Spur killer, they're fast & the Spurs are not. How absurd!

I didn't hear the context of his comment. However, if he framed it the way you did, then of course, it would justify his stance. Van Gundy has been known to make a controversial comment or two, which is why not knowing the context, it does come off a bit bias.

Back to the matchup, you are correct. Harden is a known Spurs killer and Asik is one of the top defensive centers in the NBA. If he neutralizes Duncan and the Rockets shut Parker out of the lane, the Spurs are in BIG trouble.

[widowmaker]

Stand by. Lakers are gonna win tonight.

[DatBoyGood]

Man we better not let the Lakers think they have any chance against us when we play them.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Wow Pau and Dwight are playing hard right now!!!

[widowmaker]

The case of the gifted 7th seed. Must see tv. James harden returns to okc and spurs vs lakers lol.

[DesignatedT]

Haha this has been a good game.

[DesignatedT]

We get it. Winner gets 7, Loser gets 8. Stop saying it.

[Johnny RIngo]

Man we better not let the Lakers think they have any chance against us when we play them.

Tell that to Parker. He's the one that shits himself when he sees the purple and gold jerseys.

[DatBoyGood]

WTF

[DatBoyGood]

And they had another TO

[DesignatedT]

Wow.

[DatBoyGood]

Harden struggling big time

[widowmaker]

Damn Howard just mauled harden.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Hahahaah harden not getting calls right now

[DesignatedT]

:lol foul on howard.

[SenorSpur]

Damn Howard just mauled harden.

It's shocking that the refs didn't reward Harden with yet another call.

[crc21209]

It's shocking that the refs didn't reward Harden with yet another call.

Basketball reasons tbh..:lol. If that were Duncan it would've been a foul on him...

[widowmaker]

Basketball reasons tbh..:lol. If that were Duncan it would've been a foul on him...

Oh yeah no doubt. With that said I fully expect that kind of play once tony or manu get in the lane like that. Not making any excuses jist keeping it trill.

[DesignatedT]

/thread

[Fireball]

I do not know why most people here dislike van Gundy. He always gives the Spurs props when they are playing good. Right now they are banged up and playing like shit, so he is right about Houston having more talent and the upper hand with Ginobili not being Ginobili. He also said that the Lakers do not have "enough" (of whatever) to win a playoff series this year. Now we are playing the Lakers and I hope van Gundy was right ...

[spurs10]

He is an idiot in almost every way you can define the word. I'm sure someone like Pop is very intimidating to him, in that Pop is everything he never will be. :lol

[KaiRMD1]

With the way the Spurs are playing, I think almost every team is favored to beat the Spurs man.

[Sean Cagney]

With the way the Spurs are playing, I think almost every team is favored to beat the Spurs man.
Yep, and unless they can turn that around they are the team to face in round one right now. I have not seen A THING IN WEEKS! Just reassuring tonight IMO losing to the Wolves at home that make me thing we will win a series. Do I think they can win a series, yes! BUT right now this team sucks lol.

[spurs10]

Yep, and unless they can turn that around they are the team to face in round one right now. I have not seen A THING IN WEEKS! Just reassuring tonight IMO losing to the Wolves at home that make me thing we will win a series. Do I think they can win a series, yes! BUT right now this team sucks lol.
Well, you are right. It's been hard to watch to be sure. I still have this feeling that our flame-out in the WCF stuck in the craw of this team and RS wins are of little importance to them. Pop wasn't trying to win tonight or either of the last two previous games. Now whether they can all of a sudden just turn it on is yet to be seen, but surely they can turn it up a notch!!?? I really believe they have a preferable path back to the WCF and could have a bit of momentum going by then. Either that, or we have been playing our best and just suck!:toast

[Sean Cagney]

Well, you are right. It's been hard to watch to be sure. I still have this feeling that our flame-out in the WCF stuck in the craw of this team and RS wins are of little importance to them. Pop wasn't trying to win tonight or either of the last two previous games. Now whether they can all of a sudden just turn it on is yet to be seen, but surely they can turn it up a notch!!?? I really believe they have a preferable path back to the WCF and could have a bit of momentum going by then. Either that, or we have been playing our best and just suck!:toast
IF they have been playing this bad and just suck, well I have no clue at all :( I don't know how you go from that good to that bad in no time! I hope they are not focused and get focused now! Seriously.

[ThaBigFundamental21]

Van Gundy gushes endlessly anytime he calls a Spurs game. He and Breen always mentioned the Spurs and their "right way" of playing before the current slump.

Lastly, Van Gundy is the guy who said on air during a game that "we wants to move to San Antonio and get on the waitlist for season tickets" so he can watch the Spurs play.

No TNT/ESPN announcer has it out for the Spurs....hmmm, maybe Steve A Smith but even then he gives them props when they're due.

Honestly, I didn't know that. That is pretty cool of him to say. But still, every time I watch a game he commentates on he seems to show us no love Maybe I'm too used to Sean Elliott, LMAO. JK there. He just seems wishy washy.