timvp
04-21-2013, 11:18 AM
Tim Duncan
Defensively, Tim Duncan will have his hands full with Dwight Howard. While Duncan has had relative success in recent years, it won't be easy slowing Howard -- especially since he's now the Lakers top option and has many things to prove. Duncan's focus on D should basically be two things: Keep Howard away from the rim area and stay out of foul trouble. Offensively, Duncan's jumper will be important. He needs to let it fly without hesitation. If he can hit enough of his Js, the Lakers will be forced to think twice about packing the lane with bigs. Duncan's jumper will also make the pick-and-roll sets flow more fluidly, which would be great news for the Spurs considering how often they'll be running pick-and-rolls against L.A.
Manu Ginobili
The goal of this series for Manu Ginobili is to be healthy at the end. Pop needs to be smart about his minutes. Ginobili needs to be smart about how much he exerts himself. One more hamstring snag and it's adios until next season. Basketball-wise, passing should be his main emphasis. The Lakers are susceptible to ball and player movement. If Ginobili can get the ball hopping for the bench unit, he's done his job. Scoring-wise, he should get plenty of looks from three-point land in this series.
Tony Parker
We'll soon know the health of Tony Parker. If the Frenchman isn't at least 80-85% of his normal self, the Spurs will struggle immensely and very well could lose this series. If Parker is near 100%, the Lakers are toast. It should be obvious early where Parker stands on the health scale. In recent weeks, he's been unable to jump, his speed has been missing in action and his change of direction has been labored. Let us pray that this latest break in action plus the extra adrenaline from the bright lights of the playoffs will allow Parker to play at or near his peak.
Kawhi Leonard
Expectations for Kawhi Leonard should be kept in check for the most part due to Metta World Peace. The Lakers ace perimeter defender will likely keep Leonard from doing much in halfcourt sets. That said, the sophomore's focuses this series should be elsewhere. Getting out and running should be where he tries to get his offense. Leonard needs to wreak havoc on D and then sprint to the other end once the ball is secured. Defensive rebounding needs to be another primary focus -- especially when he's on the court with the bench. If he can average 8+ rebounds this series, that'd be huge.
Danny Green
All eyes will be on Danny Green and his ability to knock down three-pointers under playoff pressure. And that's fair. He's been slumping from beyond the arc recently but the Spurs can't afford for that slump to extend into the playoffs. He should get open looks -- he needs to knock 'em in. On D, concentration will be the name of the game. The Lakers don't have a shooting guard of note but that doesn't mean Green can fall asleep on the weakside, provide untimely help or excessively roam. Instead, he needs to play smart, help on the boards and stay tenacious regardless of how he's shooting on the other end.
Tiago Splitter
Like Green, how Tiago Splitter adapts to the playoff atmosphere will be put under the microscope. The postseason means more physicality and more mental toughness is required -- let's hope Splitter is ready for that. On D, he needs to use his length against Pau Gasol and force the Lakers power forward into shooting over the top as much as possible. But equally important is Splitter staying out of foul trouble. Without Boris Diaw around, the Brazilian needs to be extremely careful when it comes to fouling. I wouldn't mind him giving up a few layups if it means no foul trouble. Offensively, when he's on the court with Duncan, it will be Splitter's passing that will be needed. High-low passes should be open, as well as passes to cutters who are taking advantage of occupied help defenders. When Splitter is on the court with the bench, his pick-and-roll action will become the focus of the team's offensive sets. During that time, he needs to illustrate why I've called him the best pick-and-roll executing bigman in the NBA.
Gary Neal
Suddenly, Gary Neal is really, really important to this team. In essence, he is getting all of his former responsibilities while also absorbing Stephen Jackson's minutes. Depending on how the Spurs are playing, Neal's role will change. If their pick-and-roll sets are working, he can blend into the background and just become a spot-up shooter. But if the Spurs are struggling to score, Neal needs to step up and be the top option of the second unit. But, again, he needs to read and react to what is needed. He can't ballhog if the Spurs are doing well running standard sets. He can't stand around if the Spurs are desperate. Let's hope he exhibits chameleon-like skills this series. As far as Neal's D … well, it's not going to be pretty but thankfully he shouldn't be forced to defend anyone with speed. As long as he doesn't lose his man on the weakside (like he tends to do), his D should be tenable. Bonus points if he can be aggressive on the defensive backboard.
Matt Bonner
In theory, Matt Bonner should get open shots this series. The Lakers aren't good at defending stretch power forwards so he should get plenty of looks from deep. Unfortunately, you can't use logic when Bonner reaches the postseason. Everything goes out the window -- or at least that's what history suggests. Let us wish, no matter how farfetched, that Bonner's playoff demons will be exorcised this year. On D, he needs to be physical against Gasol, unleash hard fouls against Howard and rebound (or at least physically box out).
DeJuan Blair
Who knows if DeJuan Blair or Bonner will be the first bigman off the bench? Hopefully at least Pop knows at this point. If it's Blair, he needs to avoid getting swallowed up on D. To do that, he must utilize his quickness advantage and do his work early to keep their bigs from attaining deep post position. Going for steals and otherwise mucking up the game is the best way for Blair to be decent on D. On O, he really shouldn't try to do too much. Take open layups -- but that's about it. Any jumpers or post moves need to be taken out of the mix.
Nando De Colo
Offensively, Nando De Colo will need to make plays without turning the ball over. The Lakers are poor at forcing turnovers so he needs to exploit that fact. Forcing the action more than usual against L.A. is a good idea. If De Colo can create -- for himself or others -- he could end up playing a lot of minutes this series. On D, he needs to pressure the basketball. Make the Steves sweat. And it'd also be nice if De Colo could help on the defensive glass. He's actually quite a good rebounder for a guard when he's focused on that aspect.
Cory Joseph
I want to see hellacious pressure from Cory Joseph on defense. I'm talking 100 feet of ball-hawking torture. If Joseph can press the Lakers guards effectively, he could earn the backup point guard spot in the rotation and become a surprising X-factor. On the offensive side, he needs to push the pace. He lacks some skill right now at this point in his career but he can at least get San Antonio's offense moving at a quick pace.
Patrick Mills
Patrick Mills shot well to end the season -- so don't be totally surprised if Pop breaks him out this series. If the Spurs are struggling to shoot and/or score, going with Mills makes a lot of sense. If he gets his opportunity, his job duties will be simple: Run fast and shoot threes. That's it. Just get up and down quickly and let it fly when open. On D, Mills would need to overcome his lack of size by playing with unbridled energy.
Aron Baynes
If Pop trusts Aron Baynes even one iota, the big Australian could see some action this series if Bonner and Blair prove to be too small. Physically, he makes sense as a counter against Howard and Gasol. However, it's unlikely that he gets any minutes. In fact, he might not even be on the active roster.
Boris Diaw
It sounds like Boris Diaw is out for this series. But if he could return at any point, that would be very advantageous. While not a good rebounder, his post defense would be very valuable in this series. Diaw's passing would also help spread the floor. Let's hope for a quick-as-possible return to health following his back surgery.
Tracy McGrady
Personally, I don't expect him to play a minute outside of garbage time. I'm sure there will be those calling for Tracy McGrady to play -- but I just don't see it. The playoffs aren't the time to work in a new piece to the puzzle -- especially when the team has been struggling enough as is.
Pop
This series will require a lot of juggling by Pop. He'll need to figure out who's healthy and adjust quickly. He'll need to select the backup point guard who adds the most to the table. He'll need to concoct a bigman rotation that will limit any size deficiency. All in all, this will be a very hands-on series for Pop and one that will test his coaching ability. Hopefully he's up for the challenge.
Defensively, Tim Duncan will have his hands full with Dwight Howard. While Duncan has had relative success in recent years, it won't be easy slowing Howard -- especially since he's now the Lakers top option and has many things to prove. Duncan's focus on D should basically be two things: Keep Howard away from the rim area and stay out of foul trouble. Offensively, Duncan's jumper will be important. He needs to let it fly without hesitation. If he can hit enough of his Js, the Lakers will be forced to think twice about packing the lane with bigs. Duncan's jumper will also make the pick-and-roll sets flow more fluidly, which would be great news for the Spurs considering how often they'll be running pick-and-rolls against L.A.
Manu Ginobili
The goal of this series for Manu Ginobili is to be healthy at the end. Pop needs to be smart about his minutes. Ginobili needs to be smart about how much he exerts himself. One more hamstring snag and it's adios until next season. Basketball-wise, passing should be his main emphasis. The Lakers are susceptible to ball and player movement. If Ginobili can get the ball hopping for the bench unit, he's done his job. Scoring-wise, he should get plenty of looks from three-point land in this series.
Tony Parker
We'll soon know the health of Tony Parker. If the Frenchman isn't at least 80-85% of his normal self, the Spurs will struggle immensely and very well could lose this series. If Parker is near 100%, the Lakers are toast. It should be obvious early where Parker stands on the health scale. In recent weeks, he's been unable to jump, his speed has been missing in action and his change of direction has been labored. Let us pray that this latest break in action plus the extra adrenaline from the bright lights of the playoffs will allow Parker to play at or near his peak.
Kawhi Leonard
Expectations for Kawhi Leonard should be kept in check for the most part due to Metta World Peace. The Lakers ace perimeter defender will likely keep Leonard from doing much in halfcourt sets. That said, the sophomore's focuses this series should be elsewhere. Getting out and running should be where he tries to get his offense. Leonard needs to wreak havoc on D and then sprint to the other end once the ball is secured. Defensive rebounding needs to be another primary focus -- especially when he's on the court with the bench. If he can average 8+ rebounds this series, that'd be huge.
Danny Green
All eyes will be on Danny Green and his ability to knock down three-pointers under playoff pressure. And that's fair. He's been slumping from beyond the arc recently but the Spurs can't afford for that slump to extend into the playoffs. He should get open looks -- he needs to knock 'em in. On D, concentration will be the name of the game. The Lakers don't have a shooting guard of note but that doesn't mean Green can fall asleep on the weakside, provide untimely help or excessively roam. Instead, he needs to play smart, help on the boards and stay tenacious regardless of how he's shooting on the other end.
Tiago Splitter
Like Green, how Tiago Splitter adapts to the playoff atmosphere will be put under the microscope. The postseason means more physicality and more mental toughness is required -- let's hope Splitter is ready for that. On D, he needs to use his length against Pau Gasol and force the Lakers power forward into shooting over the top as much as possible. But equally important is Splitter staying out of foul trouble. Without Boris Diaw around, the Brazilian needs to be extremely careful when it comes to fouling. I wouldn't mind him giving up a few layups if it means no foul trouble. Offensively, when he's on the court with Duncan, it will be Splitter's passing that will be needed. High-low passes should be open, as well as passes to cutters who are taking advantage of occupied help defenders. When Splitter is on the court with the bench, his pick-and-roll action will become the focus of the team's offensive sets. During that time, he needs to illustrate why I've called him the best pick-and-roll executing bigman in the NBA.
Gary Neal
Suddenly, Gary Neal is really, really important to this team. In essence, he is getting all of his former responsibilities while also absorbing Stephen Jackson's minutes. Depending on how the Spurs are playing, Neal's role will change. If their pick-and-roll sets are working, he can blend into the background and just become a spot-up shooter. But if the Spurs are struggling to score, Neal needs to step up and be the top option of the second unit. But, again, he needs to read and react to what is needed. He can't ballhog if the Spurs are doing well running standard sets. He can't stand around if the Spurs are desperate. Let's hope he exhibits chameleon-like skills this series. As far as Neal's D … well, it's not going to be pretty but thankfully he shouldn't be forced to defend anyone with speed. As long as he doesn't lose his man on the weakside (like he tends to do), his D should be tenable. Bonus points if he can be aggressive on the defensive backboard.
Matt Bonner
In theory, Matt Bonner should get open shots this series. The Lakers aren't good at defending stretch power forwards so he should get plenty of looks from deep. Unfortunately, you can't use logic when Bonner reaches the postseason. Everything goes out the window -- or at least that's what history suggests. Let us wish, no matter how farfetched, that Bonner's playoff demons will be exorcised this year. On D, he needs to be physical against Gasol, unleash hard fouls against Howard and rebound (or at least physically box out).
DeJuan Blair
Who knows if DeJuan Blair or Bonner will be the first bigman off the bench? Hopefully at least Pop knows at this point. If it's Blair, he needs to avoid getting swallowed up on D. To do that, he must utilize his quickness advantage and do his work early to keep their bigs from attaining deep post position. Going for steals and otherwise mucking up the game is the best way for Blair to be decent on D. On O, he really shouldn't try to do too much. Take open layups -- but that's about it. Any jumpers or post moves need to be taken out of the mix.
Nando De Colo
Offensively, Nando De Colo will need to make plays without turning the ball over. The Lakers are poor at forcing turnovers so he needs to exploit that fact. Forcing the action more than usual against L.A. is a good idea. If De Colo can create -- for himself or others -- he could end up playing a lot of minutes this series. On D, he needs to pressure the basketball. Make the Steves sweat. And it'd also be nice if De Colo could help on the defensive glass. He's actually quite a good rebounder for a guard when he's focused on that aspect.
Cory Joseph
I want to see hellacious pressure from Cory Joseph on defense. I'm talking 100 feet of ball-hawking torture. If Joseph can press the Lakers guards effectively, he could earn the backup point guard spot in the rotation and become a surprising X-factor. On the offensive side, he needs to push the pace. He lacks some skill right now at this point in his career but he can at least get San Antonio's offense moving at a quick pace.
Patrick Mills
Patrick Mills shot well to end the season -- so don't be totally surprised if Pop breaks him out this series. If the Spurs are struggling to shoot and/or score, going with Mills makes a lot of sense. If he gets his opportunity, his job duties will be simple: Run fast and shoot threes. That's it. Just get up and down quickly and let it fly when open. On D, Mills would need to overcome his lack of size by playing with unbridled energy.
Aron Baynes
If Pop trusts Aron Baynes even one iota, the big Australian could see some action this series if Bonner and Blair prove to be too small. Physically, he makes sense as a counter against Howard and Gasol. However, it's unlikely that he gets any minutes. In fact, he might not even be on the active roster.
Boris Diaw
It sounds like Boris Diaw is out for this series. But if he could return at any point, that would be very advantageous. While not a good rebounder, his post defense would be very valuable in this series. Diaw's passing would also help spread the floor. Let's hope for a quick-as-possible return to health following his back surgery.
Tracy McGrady
Personally, I don't expect him to play a minute outside of garbage time. I'm sure there will be those calling for Tracy McGrady to play -- but I just don't see it. The playoffs aren't the time to work in a new piece to the puzzle -- especially when the team has been struggling enough as is.
Pop
This series will require a lot of juggling by Pop. He'll need to figure out who's healthy and adjust quickly. He'll need to select the backup point guard who adds the most to the table. He'll need to concoct a bigman rotation that will limit any size deficiency. All in all, this will be a very hands-on series for Pop and one that will test his coaching ability. Hopefully he's up for the challenge.