Honestly, let's have real talk about Tracy McGrady

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

I thought he looked pretty good at the end there. He showed good athleticism for his age and he has good age. I think Pop should play him a little bit. Honestly, can he be worse than Neal? He had two blocks in the few minutes he played and a nice assist to Blair after burning RJ, and a couple of rebounds. I know he's unproven, maybe he will suck, but I say if Spurs survive this series, try him out a little bit in the WCF. Granted, playing garbage ball the competition is easy, but still, it's worth a try, because Neal aint cutting it. It'd be nice to have a backup SF behind Leonard!

[Budkin]

I'd love for him to stay with us after the season.

[hoopdreams11]

I agree neal is getting abused on D if he can't hit shots he is a liability

[dbreiden83080]

He should get a few min. He has that length and a ton of experience. How bad can he be?

[HarlemHeat37]

He looks like he still has a burst, tbh..

A lot of people confuse his style and demeanour for being slow, but he has always looked like he's playing effortlessly..

He probably can't score anymore, but his passing has looked good in every stint he's had the past few years, and he has length..regardless, he can't be worse than Neal, it's not possible..

[turkish spurs fan]

in last ball, he showed he knows what he can add for spurs. he knows we dont wait scores from him, we may need his intelligence. i am still hopefull

[Mr. Body]

That missed J was as soft a missed jump shot I've ever seen. How'd it not go down.

[TheGoldStandard]

He was running half speed because its garbage time. He has size, can rebound, pass and he'll hit a shot if he gets looks. I'd say take Gary's minutes, he can at least run PnR

[Marcus Bryant]

Awesome human victory cigar.

[024]

Neal is shooting 32% in the playoffs and providing no defense. How can Mcgrady be any worse? He looks like a good defensive matchup with Barnes.

[Knoxxx]

Gary is a "quick hook" guy just like Bonner. If they don't make one of their first two shots, back to the bench quickly.

[DPG21920]

Awesome human victory cigar.

:lmao pretty much. He's indeed the most bad ass victory cigar in sports history. I like having end of bench guys with pedigree. They are at least capable of good moments and give you hope.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

His body language was pretty crappy all night... Not good for his chances at sticking around for next season.... But who knows

[Danny.Zhu]

Don't kid yourself.

Tony Allen will make TMac regret coming back to the NBA if Pop dares to let him play when matters.

[bayareaspursfan]

I thnk pop will play t-mac over neal soon. I think thats why he left tony and manu in for a little bit with t-mac. He could've emptied the bench but he kept one of the big 3 with t-mac. I think thats a positive sign(or i hope it is)

[Sean Cagney]

I agree neal is getting abused on D if he can't hit shots he is a liabilityAgreed, to me Neal just sucks.

[BatManu20]

Seriously with some minutes this guy could produce. He showed me more in those 3 minutes than Bonner has all series.. play the man.

[BatManu20]

His body language was pretty crappy all night... Not good for his chances at sticking around for next season.... But who knows

His body language has been like that his entire career tbh. He's known for looking like he's not even trying. He's still better than Bonner and Neal.

[Libri]

Maybe what's holding him back is that he's still learning the playbook.

[Obstructed_View]

The lack of Jack makes Harrison Barnes look like an all-star against either Neal or Bonner. McGrady would be a great option for a few minutes. Seriously, how could he be worse? He's got a longer reach and quicker feet than either of them.

[phxspurfan]

The lazy eye helps his court vision

[m33p0]

he looked disinterested, embarassed even.

[lil'mo]

Neal is better suited for a series against Memphis than he is against these warriors. On these warriors, every guy can score so Neal's terrible defense is magnified. He'll be much more valuable against Memphis where he can be hidden on less offensively talented players. Neal was the one of the Spurs best player in the 2011 series against Memphis tbh

[mute]

LOL if baffles me how one dimension a player in the NBA can be... cough cough Gary Neal and Matt Bonner... like others have said, there's no WAY he could any worse than neal

[freetiago]

Neal makes Tony Allen look like Lebron slashing to the basket every time we play them

[Spurs21Fan4Ever]

Don't kid yourself.

Tony Allen will make TMac regret coming back to the NBA if Pop dares to let him play when matters.

Yeah and Neal will do just fine against Tony Allen.

[ace3g]

Funny I didn't even realize he had 2 blocks in the game, especially that last one, was far from the TV; thought it was CJ. I mentioned it earlier in Lakers series but funny he has had more of an impact on the team defensively and ball movement/passing than scoring; which isn't a bad thing.

Not only can and probably should replace Neal's minutes he can be another Diaw when Diaw is out of the game, thus eliminating Bonner from the rotation.

[spurraider21]

Neal won't be brought back next season. Tmac can help fill that void, along with a (hopefully) improved De Colo

[HarlemHeat37]

Neal is better suited for a series against Memphis than he is against these warriors. On these warriors, every guy can score so Neal's terrible defense is magnified. He'll be much more valuable against Memphis where he can be hidden on less offensively talented players. Neal was the one of the Spurs best player in the 2011 series against Memphis tbh

Neal was a much better player in 2011, though..he's progressively broken down since his breakout series vs. Memphis..

He's going to have less defensive responsibility if the Spurs play Memphis, but he won't get any good looks against them..

[hoopdreams11]

We are going to need him to match up with Durant or prince and pondexter and if we make it to the finals Miami has 5 6'8" guys LeBron, lewis, battier, James Jones and Miller.

[John B]

Pop is slowly giving him minutes when available, and as he gets comfortable with the system. I think will see him more as we get deeper in the playoffs. I like his poise and ballhandling. I hope he stays and take Kawhi on his wings and show him the ropes.

[Gagnrath]

Guy's I'm not saying keep neal in the games right now but we have pointed out numerous times that he is playing with lingering injuries/maladies this year. Until he has an off season to get right physically I'm not declaring him done, I don't see any reason though to keep him active with mills and mcgrady around.

[Juggity]

I don't know if Tmac's conditioning is up to par yet, but I wouldn't be opposed to shifting a few Neal minutes his way.

[Spur|n|Austin]

He looked smooth in his brief time on the court tonight. As much as I'd like to see the opposite, I don't see Pop entering him into the line-up.

[freetiago]

Neal was a much better player in 2011, though..he's progressively broken down since his breakout series vs. Memphis..

He's going to have less defensive responsibility if the Spurs play Memphis, but he won't get any good looks against them..

Neal was horrible in the Memphis series
he only hit the big game 5 shot but he was airballing shots before that
hes been a terrible playoff performer overall for the Spurs
he had 2 good series against Jazz/Clippers but i wouldnt really count those tbh

[HI-FI]

some good comments above, except those that say he's disinterested or bad body language. that's TMAC, he always looks like he barely has a pulse, until he explodes when it's needed.

His touch and passing hasn't gone anywhere. I'd rather him play than Neal, no doubt.

[HarlemHeat37]

McGrady can also post-up, that skill didn't diminish with age, he's still 6'8 and stronger than most wings..

He doesn't know the system, but that isn't as much of an issue against opposing bench players for 5 minutes..

[cutewizard]

McGrady with Manu and Baynes on the second unit would be nice....

i wonder why Pop does not play Baynes at all, cmon, how about 4 minutes of playing time to rest Timmy's knees

Baynes at center, then Manu and Tmac feeding him, hows that

[Nathan89]

Joseph deserves all of Neal's minutes. Tmac can take the 6 minutes given to Bonner tonight though.

[EricB]

This nonsense has got to stop...

[Mugen]

He could be cartwheeling all over the court and I'd still prefer him over Gary tbh.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BKR9EnJCcAAMB8R.jpg:large

[mercos]

I'd love to see it happen, but I highly doubt it will. Pop likes to stick to his guns, and unfortunately T-Mac ain't one of them.

[ace3g]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbmMFv7eLQw


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQgKJZZ8dug

[therealtruth]

The guy has the ability to create offense without needing shots. We've missed that in a backup pg since TJ Ford left. If the Spurs gave Finley a chance they've got to give TMac a chance.

[still.focused]

#TheBarnesStopper
LOL?

[spurs1990]

http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/AP_NBA/201305142340852483321-p2.jpg

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

I thought his body language was terrible tonight... While he was on the bench and even on the court, it's probably not that big of a deal, but its not going to help his case for more playing time

[superbigtime]

Honestly, can he be worse than Neal?

exactly.

[Obstructed_View]

This nonsense has got to stop...

Translation: Pop sees something in practice.

[chapnis]

I wouldn't mind T-Mac getting 10min/game behind Kawhi next season.

[chapnis]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BKR9EnJCcAAMB8R.jpg:large

He's thinking 'What am I even doing?'

[ace3g]

http://binaryapi.ap.org/c6c8cebae34c44909fbe39c255bb69bc/940x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06GuaMq4E55J2/x500.jpg

[Indazone]

Body Language? crofl T-Mac's a career lazy eye looking slacker but he scores in bunches when he wants to and his court vision is really good. His passing and setting up his teammates excels. He might not be dunking over Shawn Bradley anymore but you don't loose the passing ability and ability to shoot jumpers and post up and he can still dunk.

[Indazone]

At min you can use him for this

oOA6DPaZqug

:lol

[Mal]

Turned the game off with about 3 minutes to go. Before that McGrady looked like he wouldnt give a single fuck. He`s face mimic was weird. A little like I am happy I am here, I kinda dont give a shit. Does this changed later in garbage time ?

[Indazone]

He always looks like that. He can still play though

Vehe-ozQtG4

[Baseline]

TMac would be an amazing playmaker if Pop would give him minutes. To me, the guy was the best player in the NBA for a 2-3 year stretch, and he's ten times the playmaker K. Bryant ever was. He could run the point for 3-4 possessions and give TP and Manu a blow. Run him off some pick n rolls, he's a great passer, and he can hit the pull-up J all night. Pop just isn't comfortable playing him. Too bad for us.

And really, if all he did was spot up from the three-point line, would he be any worse than Neal?

[Whisky Dog]

Why do so many people want him taking Neal's minutes? You want Mac playing PG or SG? Fuck that, if anything try him at SF or small ball PF instead of using Bonner. That said, I don't know if he's even Do as well as Bonner.

I want Neal's minutes taken by Joseph

[hater]

Yes tmac can play point. He also cant do worse than neal on the defensive nd.

Tmac led all players with blocks tonight. Btw

[DapDaGenius]

Isn't Neal a free Agent after this season?

[spurspokesman]

Agreed, to me Neal just sucks.

This.

[exstatic]

I'd love for him to stay with us after the season.

I'd rather develop young players like Bertans and/or Hanga. We're not going to have more than a roster spot or maybe two. I'd hate to waste it on yet another old fart.

[rmt]

I'd rather develop young players like Bertans and/or Hanga. We're not going to have more than a roster spot or maybe two. I'd hate to waste it on yet another old fart.

Only just a SKILLED fart for CHEAP - no value in those at all. He'd be a great 10 - 15 minute backup for Leonard. Probably less trouble than SJax and after a year in the system - would contribute in the playoffs next year (at least I hope Pop would let him).

[letmk]

I thought his body language was terrible tonight... While he was on the bench and even on the court, it's probably not that big of a deal, but its not going to help his case for more playing time

I don't know whether TMac can contribute this late in the season. But you can't hold body language against him. He plays like this even on a night when he got triple-double.

[exstatic]

Only just a SKILLED fart for CHEAP - no value in those at all. He'd be a great 10 - 15 minute backup for Leonard. Probably less trouble than SJax and after a year in the system - would contribute in the playoffs next year (at least I hope Pop would let him).

I don't think we should settle for "less trouble than Jack" as our criteria. Seems like we may be setting the bar a little low.

There's been a fundamental shift in SA's search for roster players in the last 4 years. As the core ages, SA has changed from wanting veteran experience to younger players who they can develop and who can take minutes off the big three's shoulders. The last real Old Guy we signed was Dice in 2009.

[John B]

http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/AP_NBA/201305142340852483321-p2.jpg

Caption this

[letmk]

I don't think we should settle for "less trouble than Jack" as our criteria. Seems like we may be setting the bar a little low.

There's been a fundamental shift in SA'a search for roster players in the last 4 years. As the core ages, SA has changed from wanting veteran experience to younger players who they can develop and who can take minutes off the big three's shoulders. The last real Old Guy we signed was Dice in 2009.

Assuming Bonner is gone, outside big 3 and Diaw, Spurs are not that experienced at all. CoJo, Leonard, Green, De Colo, Baynes and Mills are all young. Splitter is in his late 20s but he is also new in NBA.

I haven't seen enough TMac to say either way about keeping him. But this is a different Spurs team which should not automatically reject an older player.

[Obstructed_View]

Why do so many people want him taking Neal's minutes? You want Mac playing PG or SG? Fuck that, if anything try him at SF or small ball PF instead of using Bonner. That said, I don't know if he's even Do as well as Bonner.

I want Neal's minutes taken by Joseph
You know that the guy torching Neal all game long was Barnes, who is a small forward, right? Pop runs three to four guard lineups with Neal.

:lol, you mean you think Bonner did something well in this series?

[kaji157]

Considering our second unit i would like him to be inserted in this one.

Joseph-Manu-Tmac-Splitter-Diaw

I think that would be a hell of a second unit.

[8FOR!3]

There is a time when the Spurs should use T-Mac in their lineup.

When Golden State puts out:
Curry
Thompson
Barnes

You want Green to guard Curry because he's done a great job on him. Kawhi's had Klay Thompson on lock. The problem is if you've got a point guard out there he's got to guard Barnes and that's why we're getting posted up constantly. T-Mac could play the SF position on defense and run the point for 5 minutes a game. I think Ginobili should take that role the rest of the time.

[RD2191]

:wakeup

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

I just like that McGrady now has a chance to advance to not just the second round, but the third and possibly fourth as well (WCF and Finals.)

[Mark in Austin]

Clearly, McGrady has something left. That's not the issue. But if you don't have the defensive rotations down, you don't get more minutes. At this point, he's a worse defender in the Spurs system than Neal or Bonner. Would I love to have McGrady soaking up Neal & Bonner's 12 minutes? If he knew the playbook, absolutely.

[philldafunk]

I've been playing with him off the bench on 2K13, and he's been putting up points.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

It's a tough call. He definitely seemed to still have some athleticism. When GS goes to that three guard set (with Barnes at the 3), they just punish Neal on the block.

If I were Pop, I'd go with the normal rotation of Neal in game 6. If he comes in and doesn't do shit, then second half give his minutes to TMac for that matchup situation.

Hell, just based on last night, if Jefferson gets run in game 6, I'd bring in TMac to work him over until Jackson takes him out of the game. He clearly was no match for Air Gay last night.

[SuperDave]

He's been with the team for a month now, and he still doesn't look to be in great shape. Makes me wonder how much work he's putting in. He is moving okay, though, and clearly still has the vision.

Tough to see him getting minutes when it's obvious he's still learning the system. Don't read too much into garbage time.

[Leetonidas]

It was real nice seeing the crowd stand up for him and give him an ovation with the clock running out. Hope he can stick next year and get some rotation time

[Raven]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

he looked like complete garbage tbh

[Spur|n|Austin]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

he looked like complete garbage tbh

He played 4 minutes.

[Raven]

He played 4 minutes.

good enough to see he has absolutely no confidence in his shot and is only trying not to make mistakes, which for tmac means he is absolute garbage since his offense is the only reason he was in this league for this long.

[Spur|n|Austin]

No confidence in his ONE shot?! wtf

[will_spurs]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

he looked like complete garbage tbh

http://i.imgur.com/MDrwP5V.jpg

[hotsauce0987]

It’s funny when they show Gary Neal when the spurs score. He looks like a little school girl that just meet Justin Bieber

[Raven]

No confidence in his ONE shot?! wtf

that's exactly the point, he was passing shots.

[100%duncan]

Can't be any worse than Neal tbh.

[SpursRock20]

that's exactly the point, he was passing shots.
Let's be real. He did not have any open shots to take. It's not like he was afraid of the moment. The one shot he did take was a nice iso play where he faded away and the ball found a way to dribble out. He also found Blair on an easy layup. Needless to say, he did not look amused out there, but that is just his demeanor. If you can't tell that he was one of the most skilled players out there in the final seconds, I don't know what to tell you.

[ohmwrecker]

I've been playing with him off the bench on 2K13, and he's been putting up points.

Did you tell Pop?!

[Raven]

Let's be real. He did not have any open shots to take. It's not like he was afraid of the moment. The one shot he did take was a nice iso play where he faded away and the ball found a way to dribble out. He also found Blair on an easy layup. Needless to say, he did not look amused out there, but that is just his demeanor. If you can't tell that he was one of the most skilled players out there in the final seconds, I don't know what to tell you.

yes he had open shots, and yes he was afraid of the moment.

[spursince#99]

yes he had open shots, and yes he was afraid of the moment.


you're A clown

[SpursRock20]

yes he had open shots, and yes he was afraid of the moment.
Since you chose to ignore my first sentence, I'm done with you.

[elbamba]

I think it makes more sense to go with De Colo for a few short stretches in the second and end of the third quarters and sit Neal and McGrady. De Colo has deceptive length and athleticism that could be helpful in short 2-3 minute stretches.

[Raven]

Since you chose to ignore my first sentence, I'm done with you.

fine by me, but seriously, stating that there were no open shots in garbage time means either that he is too slow or afraid to do anything or that the statement is false. either way not cool.

[2centsworth]

He looked fat and slow with signs of a freaky athletic past. Any talk of him helping on
the offensive end is delusional, but he has an opportunity to help on d. But Tmac and opportunity
have a bad history

[benefactor]

fine by me, but seriously, stating that there were no open shots in garbage time means either that he is too slow or afraid to do anything or that the statement is false. either way not cool.
You were never a good poster, but you are quickly becoming the worst fucking poster on this site. Like TDMVPDPOY with decent grammar.

[dg7md]

I don't really know about T-Mac as a solution more than just temporary. I doubt he comes back next year, win or lose the title.

Over Neal, though? This series? Maybe. Next? No way, I don't trust McGrady in any capacity to be a real playmaker in his age.

[Whisky Dog]

You know that the guy torching Neal all game long was Barnes, who is a small forward, right? Pop runs three to four guard lineups with Neal.

:lol, you mean you think Bonner did something well in this series?

Barnes was on fire last night and he would have been too quick for this slow pudgy version of Mac. Neal also was on him a lot on switches. Besides, on the offensive end I don't want Mac running point. TP or Joseph only on point except the times Manu takes it in half court (I'm not like that much these days either).

I don't think Bonner has done a damn thing right other than hitting a 3. I just think McGrady would be even worse if you have him at SG or point, and just as bad if not worse at PF/SF. I just don't see him contributing anything and would rather Joseph and Diaw get those minutes.

[freetiago]

All the "system" preachers probably cant even tell you what the Spurs system is
its their default answer to everything though
McGrady has been in the league for over 10 years and played under good coaches
he understands how to make defensive rotations
he was also one of the best SG defenders when he wanted to be

[HarlemHeat37]

McGrady may not have anything left, but every potential flaw that doubters have mentioned also applies to Gary Neal in every capacity, tbh:lol..

[ohmwrecker]

?
I don't really know about T-Mac as a solution more than just temporary. I doubt he comes back next year, win or lose the title.

Over Neal, though? This series? Maybe. Next? No way, I don't trust McGrady in any capacity to be a real playmaker in his age.

Was it the 4 great plays in 4 minutes that led you to this conclusion?

[pikkiwoki]

Barnes was on fire last night and he would have been too quick for this slow pudgy version of Mac.

T-Mac still plays pretty good one on one iso defense. When he plays on ball, iso defense is one of the few times his defensive energy level still perks up. Barnes isn't quick enough to take advantage of his old age tbh. Barnes was getting his by picking on midgets. T-Mac's length would bother him.

OTOH Barnes might exploit him in transition since Mac likes to jog instead of run these days.

[spurraider21]

I'm starting to lose hope in Neal, and I've been one of his strongest backers all season long on this site. Along with Jax, I kept going with the "they make big shots" thing. I said I felt comfortable with the Neal-Manu backcourt since Manu can essentially run the point there. However, with Neal playing so poorly, even I'm losing patience there. At least when Manu isn't shooting well he is still running the offense and generating points, and makes plays on the other end as well. Neal has never been a great "point guard" and was always been a poor defender, but he made up for all that and then some because of his dynamite scoring punch, where he can just come off a screen and nail a 3 as if it was a wide open spot up shot. He also was able to get into the lane and was decent with his floaters. While he WAS coming along in the end of the regular season, he's back to what we've seen all year. If he's not going to be a LETHAL 3 point shooter, he's not really worth being out there, as his defense is matador and he doesn't exactly run the offense (to be generous). If he's only getting about 5-10 minutes per game, why not throw Tmac in there instead? His defense can't be worse than Neal's and he can contribute more on offense

[ace3g]

http://media.kens5.com/images/20130514_Spurs_Warriors_Game5_25.JPG

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Barnes was on fire last night and he would have been too quick for this slow pudgy version of Mac. Neal also was on him a lot on switches. Besides, on the offensive end I don't want Mac running point. TP or Joseph only on point except the times Manu takes it in half court (I'm not like that much these days either).

I don't think Bonner has done a damn thing right other than hitting a 3. I just think McGrady would be even worse if you have him at SG or point, and just as bad if not worse at PF/SF. I just don't see him contributing anything and would rather Joseph and Diaw get those minutes.

I think the end demonstrated that he could match up with Jefferson. In a limited capacity if GS goes to RJ at the 4 or 5, and the option for Pop is to trot Bonner out there, I'd say send in TMac instead

[SenorSpur]

I thought he looked pretty good at the end there. He showed good athleticism for his age and he has good age. I think Pop should play him a little bit. Honestly, can he be worse than Neal? He had two blocks in the few minutes he played and a nice assist to Blair after burning RJ, and a couple of rebounds. I know he's unproven, maybe he will suck, but I say if Spurs survive this series, try him out a little bit in the WCF. Granted, playing garbage ball the competition is easy, but still, it's worth a try, because Neal aint cutting it. It'd be nice to have a backup SF behind Leonard!

Yes it would!

[Raven]

McGrady may not have anything left, but every potential flaw that doubters have mentioned also applies to Gary Neal in every capacity, tbh:lol..

at this point i have no argument about it anymore. just play a shortened rotation tbh

[Raven]

You were never a good poster, but you are quickly becoming the worst fucking poster on this site. Like TDMVPDPOY with decent grammar.

worse than robzdiaz or whatever? now i am offended.

[GrandeDavid]

I would play McGrady over Neal ten times over any day.

[Obstructed_View]

Clearly, McGrady has something left. That's not the issue. But if you don't have the defensive rotations down, you don't get more minutes. At this point, he's a worse defender in the Spurs system than Neal or Bonner. Would I love to have McGrady soaking up Neal & Bonner's 12 minutes? If he knew the playbook, absolutely.

I find that incredibly difficult to believe. Positionally, Bonner looks like Francisco Elson on both sides of the floor.

[Obstructed_View]

Barnes was on fire last night and he would have been too quick for this slow pudgy version of Mac. Neal also was on him a lot on switches.

Barnes is already too quick for Bonner and Neal. McGrady has not looked slow in his garbage minutes, and he's got more length than both Bonner and Neal and even in potato couch shape is probably quicker than both.

I'd be fine with Joseph and Diaw getting the minutes, but if not, put TMac out there. Unless there's a rule that baskets start counting for four points with Mcgrady defending, there's simply not a downside.

[Obstructed_View]

good enough to see he has absolutely no confidence in his shot and is only trying not to make mistakes, which for tmac means he is absolute garbage since his offense is the only reason he was in this league for this long.

Agenda.

[hater]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

he looked like complete garbage tbh

yes. Gary Neal did. TMac led the spurs in blocks :lol

[kaji157]

I just like that McGrady now has a chance to advance to not just the second round, but the third and possibly fourth as well (WCF and Finals.)

LOL in the end McGrady has the chance to advance deeper in the playoffs than the Rockets ever did since he entered the league. (16 years)

[kaji157]

Back to topic. Neal needs to be benched untill he heals, and re-signed next year. This slump will also help get him on the cheap.
That said, when he is fully healed he must play only SG minutes, while TP and CJ should manage the 1 spot along with "human cigar towell waving" Mills.
In the meantime we have to try to find someone to sub in for the 3 spot and sometimes the 1-2 (that means playing alongside Manu). DeColo and McGrady are the only players we have that may be up to the task. Pop just needs to stop being so stubborn and try both.
Neal is injuried, he has planctar facitis, remember what it did to Duncan, diminishing him a lot. Neal is nothing with it. Pop has to stop trusting an injuried role player.

I would understand this if it was Tony, Manu or Tim, you don´t have anyone to cover those holes. But the holes Neal leaves, those can be covered... with other role players.

[TD 21]

Neal was a much better player in 2011, though..he's progressively broken down since his breakout series vs. Memphis..

He's going to have less defensive responsibility if the Spurs play Memphis, but he won't get any good looks against them..

The great thing about playing the Grizzlies is, Neal's spot in the rotation can be eliminated altogether, since the Grizzlies almost never play small ball and wouldn't bother even thinking of doing so against the Spurs, who don't exactly have Durant to slide to PF (even then, they've stayed big at times).

The Spurs can easily go down to a three wing rotation and even the lack of a backup SF won't be an issue, as Leonard will play more minutes than Prince and Pondexter is an undersized SF, with no post game to speak of.

[Mark in Austin]

I find that incredibly difficult to believe. Positionally, Bonner looks like Francisco Elson on both sides of the floor.

Even if Bonner and Neal are late on rotations, etc, they have YEARS of familiarity with the system and main players. McGrady has had... a couple practices? This year, McGrady is an insurance policy, nothing more. I'd love for them to re-sign him though...

[cd021]

Seriously with some minutes this guy could produce. He showed me more in those 3 minutes than Bonner has all series.. play the man.

He had an offense rebound, block, and assist in the 3 minutes and 47 seconds of a blowout home win. Lets hold off on making him a rotation piece in the next round just yet. Though I was as excited as anyone to see him play.

[emanueldavidginobili]

He looked very, very slow tbh but he can't be worse than Neal

[taps]

I've been playing with him off the bench on 2K13, and he's been putting up points.

:lol The ultimate endorsement.

[GSH]

I'll be honest and say I didn't read 5 pages of posts on Tracy McGrady. If I was feeling really optimistic, I would hope that T-Mac could be like Grant Hill, in his resurrection with Phoenix. I didn't believe that there was any way he could stay healthy for more than 30-40 games, when Phoenix signed him. I also thought he was way too broken down to be anything more than a conversation piece. He proved me way, way wrong. He wasn't the Grant Hill of old, but he was a damned solid player, AND he turned out to be pretty durable, too.

McGrady was a scoring machine. (Sometimes the machine was efficient, and sometimes it was really inefficient.) If he could accept being a role player, and not have ADHD on the defensive end, he'd be worth having around. The problem is, it hasn't been that long since he couldn't accept that the Rockets were Yao Ming's team. I'd love to believe that he could become a different person... but I don't. If I had seen him on the sidelines, hawking the games and trying to soak up the Spurs' system, I might hold out a little hope. But to me he's looked like a guy who still believes that he should be starting, instead of a guy who is grateful for another chance in the NBA.

[ace3g]

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gAP8es2Fj0uA/1400x.jpg

[waisman]

But , NEAL is number one shooter in SAS .

[TrainOfThought5]

But , NEAL is number one shooter in SAS .

Neal is the number one Chucker in SA. that is all.

[Obstructed_View]

Even if Bonner and Neal are late on rotations, etc, they have YEARS of familiarity with the system and main players. McGrady has had... a couple practices? This year, McGrady is an insurance policy, nothing more. I'd love for them to re-sign him though...

So you're saying that even though Bonner is slower than a fat Tracy McGrady, is shorter, doesn't defend, doesn't hit shots, is late on rotations, fouls without preventing baskets, and inspires opposing players to drool over the mismatch, he should be getting minutes over McGrady because...he's been doing this exact same shit to the Spurs for a longer time??

[moisaenz]

If we were up 3-1 pop would give him a chance with the starters but as of right now that is not going to happen. Besides he is a veteran, don't you think he knows many of the plays pop runs? He played against the spurs for years.

[Darius McCrary]

It will be criminal to go Neal or Bonner against MEM, instead of McGrady.

We are missing the size Stephen Jackson brought us, and will miss those minutes even more against MEM.

Imagine Neal guarding Dooling. Bonner guarding Darrell Arthur.

S
M
H

[Chingo Bling]

So do you guys think that Baynes, T-Mac and Diaw are going to be the big factors against Los Osos? Some big bodies? T-Mac can go out and break Prince in half, no? Baynes can bang with Gasol and Diaw can make Z-Bo work. Que creen ustedes?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

He looked very, very slow tbh but he can't be worse than Neal

Yeah, he was practically running in concrete when he took Jefferson off the dribble for an open shot, and an assist to Blair. And even more so when he got back on the break to block a shot :rolleyes

[Gagnrath]

So you're saying that even though Bonner is slower than a fat Tracy McGrady, is shorter, doesn't defend, doesn't hit shots, is late on rotations, fouls without preventing baskets, and inspires opposing players to drool over the mismatch, he should be getting minutes over McGrady because...he's been doing this exact same shit to the Spurs for a longer time??


Are you really ignorant enough to think after watching bonner for years that he is shorter than T-Mac? Bonner is 6-10 and thats a very legit height, T-mac has been listed as 6'8" his whole career and personally I think its a bit rounding up.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Are you really ignorant enough to think after watching bonner for years that he is shorter than T-Mac? Bonner is 6-10 and thats a very legit height, T-mac has been listed as 6'8" his whole career and personally I think its a bit rounding up.

Bonner plays like he's 6'5" in heels. I think McGrady blocked more shots in game 5 than Bonner has the whole year.

[Obstructed_View]

Are you really ignorant enough to think after watching bonner for years that he is shorter than T-Mac? Bonner is 6-10 and thats a very legit height, T-mac has been listed as 6'8" his whole career and personally I think its a bit rounding up.

According to the DX measurements for both guys without shoes, Bonner is 6'9" with a 6'8" reach. McGrady is 6'7" with a 7'4" reach.

After watching Bonner for years, I'm surprised his arms are that long, since he rarely puts them up before he fouls.

[Obstructed_View]

The problem here is, none of it is true. It is all made up by someone on a message board.

Even if he's late on rotations, he's better to have in the game because due to his years with the team he's aware of what he's doing wrong when he does it...

[Gagnrath]

O_V then say T-Mac plays with more length or reach, rather than saying that bonner is shorter since he demonstrably isn't. I do agree that Bonner doesn't use his size well and does have fairly short arms for his height but when you say shorter you are very strongly implying height.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

McGrady advances through two playoff series!

[Snaq O'Meal]

According to the DX measurements for both guys without shoes, Bonner is 6'9" with a 6'8" reach. McGrady is 6'7" with a 7'4" reach.

After watching Bonner for years, I'm surprised his arms are that long, since he rarely puts them up before he fouls.

Damn! Never knew that TMac is even longer than Kawhi!

[ace3g]

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dY25Nxa7J8c8/1400x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gyb5s87jL26G/x1400.jpg

[Obstructed_View]

Oh well, maybe he'll be needed in the finals.

[ironman2886]

Screw Neal. I'd rather play McGrady. In terms of Bonner, it depends who the type of player he is guarding. If he is guarding a slow, average offensive back to the basket center, then Bonner can defend that, and on offense stretch the floor.
Randolph is a bull in the paint with nice touch around the basket, and is the best rebounder in the game. Randolph basically can get position when he wants to. If Randolph wants to shoot, he will(he hasn't been shooting a lot of jumpers this season.) Length and quickness will bother Zbo. Bonner has neither.
Marc Gasol is primarily a baseline jump shooter now. He can finish in the post if he gets position obviously with his giant size and soft hands. You can't give Gasol any space, and length would help. Again, Bonner doesn't have length, or the toughness to bother Gasol. Gasol will shoot and make those all day.
Bonner can't even guard Arthur because of his quickness, and offensive game. Baynes would be a better option with his size, and grit in this series. Gasol will probably play 42-45 minutes per game so minutes will be there.

[Paulie]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405685_377555469014994_1594292368_n.jpg

[KenziE]

Get TMac in the game before garbage time and see how his competitiveness shows up and maybe give him 5mins or so cant hurt to see what hes got left

[BackHome]

To get past the Grizz Pop is going to have to play McGrady and Baynes at least ten minutes a game.

[Scola]

T Mac sighting, late in 4th, jacking up 3s :lol

[dg7md]

T-Mac Finals MVP.

[davidbowie]

tmac kinda sux tbh but whatever i love seeing him out there :)

[DAF86]

:lol at people actually thinking T-Mac should be playing meaningful minutes. Just stop it, please.

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

Has McGrady scored a single point at all for the Spurs this postseason? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like every shot has missed.

[Obstructed_View]

T Mac sighting, late in 4th, jacking up 3s :lol

End of the shot clock tbh.

[Gagnrath]

They were trying to feed him on the third team a bit when they realized with 3 minutes left that he was the only one that hadn't scored. Its weird his initial shot selection wasn't bad but just kept rimming out.

[Indazone]

It's always nice to root for the underdog tbh :)

[ace3g]

Veteran guard/forward Tracy McGrady (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/players/playerpage/6691/tracy-mcgrady), who has become the Spurs' victory cigar in games after being signed at the end of the season, said that when the Spurs brought him in, they made it abundantly clear there were no assurances as far as his playing time.


"There were no promises. Pop said 'I might play you or might not.' And he came to ask if I was cool with that. And I said I was cool with that. I want to play if I can, but if not, I'll support the guys."



http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/22274448/spurs-practice-report-kawhi-leonard-knows-to-sit-in-the-corner

[8FOR!3]

I think some of his misses have a lot to do with him not being in basketball shape. It's not like he's jacking up air balls, most of his shots are rimming out.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Ive noticed more effort in rebounding and drive&kick then I have in him trying to get his own shot. It's garbage time so wgaf but he does try to play within the team and not monkey ball.

I actually like the idea of bringing him back next year for depth at the 3 assuming he does not do like Jack did and flip out over 15 mpg. We need better wing players especially ones that can run the pnr and score for the second unit.

[ace3g]

I'm sure the first game he does hit some shots, then people (doubters) will notice the other things he was doing when he was missing like good passes, rebounds, and steals.

[Mr. Body]

I love the idea of bringing him back next year. The playoffs may not be his time, but spot minutes off the bench, perhaps more, next year? Absolutely.

[ace3g]

Mike Monroe @Monroe_SA
(http://twitter.com/Monroe_SA).@Real_T_Mac (http://twitter.com/Real_T_Mac) “It’s possible I can be champion before I leave game. Tho it won’t be type of role I'd like, I'll still be part of something.”

[SpursRock20]

Mike Monroe @Monroe_SA
(http://twitter.com/Monroe_SA).@Real_T_Mac (http://twitter.com/Real_T_Mac) “It’s possible I can be champion before I leave game. Tho it won’t be type of role I'd like, I'll still be part of something.”




McGrady just being real tbh. He knows that he isn't really contributing, but he also knows he signed up for it. Just enjoy the ride.

[100%duncan]

Milk what you can milk from Tmac imho, whatever that is.

[SpursRock20]

http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9295767/tracy-mcgrady-happy-play-role-san-antonio-spurs

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

McGrady's now advanced through 3 playoff series!

[ace3g]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiwgH2Mt4Ug