Beating a dead horse here, but the Spurs sorely need an intimidating shot blocker.

[xellos88330]

I think that is what is wrong with the Spurs' defense these days. The Spurs are great at getting decent position to defend on the perimeter, but they cannot crowd the shooters. Look at the other top teams. They all have at least one big shot blocker who blocks shots above the rim. This frees the perimeter defenders to play an aggressive pressure defense in the half court. If the defense falls apart, our interior defense is too slow (not to mention our rebounding isn't that great) and more often than not. If they miss, they will get the rebound because the position is broken due to slow help and/or lack of athleticism.

[Mikeanaro]

Nobody respects them, thats the worst thing that can happen to your team, even when they come to town say WE ARE GONNA PLAY AGAINST THOSE SENILE BASTARDS, and every scrub like Maynor makes good numbers against Spurs.

[Spurs da champs]

What's the word on Tyrus Thomas???

[RD2191]

Nobody respects them, thats the worst thing that can happen to your team, even when they come to town say WE ARE GONNA PLAY AGAINST THOSE SENILE BASTARDS, and every scrub like Maynor makes good numbers against Spurs.

[HarlemHeat37]

:lol Spurs had an elite defense last year, despite the lack of an "intimidating presence"..

The defense went downhill once Beli replaced Green in the starting lineup, tbh..

The Spurs had an elite perimeter defensive duo in Green/Leonard last year, they were able to effectively cover the 3-pointer and also defend individually..Pop's puzzling decision to sub Beli for Green in an effort to generate more offense has resulted in a broken defense this season..

When Green/Leonard are in, the Spurs defense is elite and they defend the 3 at a high level..when 1 or 2 of the Beli/Mills/Manu trio is on the floor, the perimeter defense has gone downhill, tbh..Manu is competent enough to defend for stretches, but Beli is a huge liability on D and Patty is physically disadvantaged..

Kawhi and Green are the only 2 perimeter players on the roster(Joseph, too, I guess) that possess the athleticism to recover after opposing penetration, and they have complimented Duncan/Splitter very well..

[RD2191]

:lol Spurs had an elite defense last year, despite the lack of an "intimidating presence"..

The defense went downhill once Beli replaced Green in the starting lineup, tbh..

The Spurs had an elite perimeter defensive duo in Green/Leonard last year, they were able to effectively cover the 3-pointer and also defend individually..Pop's puzzling decision to sub Beli for Green in an effort to generate more offense has resulted in a broken defense this season..

When Green/Leonard are in, the Spurs defense is elite and they defend the 3 at a high level..when 1 or 2 of the Beli/Mills/Manu trio is on the floor, the perimeter defense has gone downhill, tbh..Manu is competent enough to defend for stretches, but Beli is a huge liability on D and Patty is physically disadvantaged..

Kawhi and Green are the only 2 perimeter players on the roster(Joseph, too, I guess) that possess the athleticism to recover after opposing penetration, and they have complimented Duncan/Splitter very well..
Well Green and Splitter were so useless on offense that Pop had to start looking for someone to help out the starting unit.

[HarlemHeat37]

Well Green and Splitter were so useless on offense that Pop had to start looking for someone to help out the starting unit.

The bigger problem with the offense is that Duncan's shot has been erratic(it was efficient, last year) and Parker hasn't been nearly as dominant as last year..

I'd sub Diaw for Splitter in the starting lineup, but the defense would still be fine with Green/Leonard on the floor together without Tiago IMO..

[RD2191]

The bigger problem with the offense is that Duncan's shot has been erratic(it was efficient, last year) and Parker hasn't been nearly as dominant as last year..

I'd sub Diaw for Splitter in the starting lineup, but the defense would still be fine with Green/Leonard on the floor together without Tiago IMO..
Well Diaw needs to be aggressive every game if he's gonna get the start, tired of him taking games off. I agree on the rest.

[Mugen]

Not the problem tbh. As HH pointed out, the Spurs being minus their only two perimeter defenders is the reason why the defense is garbage at the moment. Duncan is already a top level shot blocker in the league, no real need for another one. Right now the team is just a flashback of the pre-Green/Leonard 2011 squad that couldn't stop anybody.

[look_at_g_shred]

Let's wait until Tiago, Green ,and Leonard are back on the floor, and forget this whole thing ever happened.

[poop]

What Bonner and Ayers aren't intimidating enough bigs for you? I mean have you seen their '+\-' ?!??!?!?!



:rolleyes

[Spurs da champs]

Athleticism is a problem, especially at the power forward position; Terrence Jones & Serge Ibaka kill the Spurs...I don't see the Spurs beating the Thunder & I'm not confident of their ability to take on the Rockets in the PO's, simply because those 2 just blow right by Tiago/Timmy.

[RD2191]

Athleticism is a problem, especially at the power forward position; Terrence Jones & Serge Ibaka kill the Spurs...I don't see the Spurs beating the Thunder & I'm not confident of their ability to take on the Rockets in the PO's, simply because those 2 just blow right by Tiago/Timmy.

[Duncan2177]

Andrew Bynum is available. :hat

[DMC]

Shot blocking is overrated. Intimidating shot blocking is highly overrated. We just need someone to contest shots. That would be a great start.

[DMC]

Athleticism is a problem, especially at the power forward position; Terrence Jones & Serge Ibaka kill the Spurs...I don't see the Spurs beating the Thunder & I'm not confident of their ability to take on the Rockets in the PO's, simply because those 2 just blow right by Tiago/Timmy.

Spurs would eat Ibaka alive if it weren't for Kevin Durant's 7 foot ass shooting threes from the parking lot. Spurs have to defend the 3pt line and that leaves Ibaka open to get put backs and offensive boards. On the other end, no one in SA attacks the rim except Tony and Manu, other than on pick and rolls and fast breaks.

[Spurs da champs]

Spurs would eat Ibaka alive if it weren't for Kevin Durant's 7 foot ass shooting threes from the parking lot. Spurs have to defend the 3pt line and that leaves Ibaka open to get put backs and offensive boards. On the other end, no one in SA attacks the rim except Tony and Manu, other than on pick and rolls and fast breaks.
So Ibaka is a problem, k.

[DMC]

So Ibaka is a problem, k.

Duncan cannot post up worth a shit any more. That makes a lot of bigs look better than they are. Hell Joakim looked like Hakeem.

[Spurs da champs]

Duncan cannot post up worth a shit any more. That makes a lot of bigs look better than they are. Hell Joakim looked like Hakeem.

I agree (tho I think Noah just had a good game, & I don't make much of it because Spurs only play the Bulls twice a year), but that doesn't change the fact that Ibaka is a Spur killer. We're in agreement, enough beating around the bush, now.

[wildcardX]

Who's available and who can the Spurs trade for him?

[spurraider21]

can adonal foyle come out of retirement? i'd prefer him to ayers right now

[DMC]

I agree (tho I think Noah just had a good game, & I don't make much of it because Spurs only play the Bulls twice a year), but that doesn't change the fact that Ibaka is a Spur killer. We're in agreement, enough beating around the bush, now.

You should make much of every match up. It means something. If Tim cannot be effective in the post against a player like Noah, he's basically useless on the offense when his long 2 isn't falling. His bread and butter was always the post up or that bank shot. He doesn't do either much now.

[DMC]

can adonal foyle come out of retirement? i'd prefer him to ayers right now

David Robinson

[Kyuui-Musikq]

Jarvis Varnado

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Jarvis-Varnado/Summary/2326

[Biernutz]

The Spurs need an Intimidating shot blocker? Timmy is only rated 6th in blocks this season. I guess that's not good enough.
He only needs about ten more to pass Shaq on the all time list on blocks. What a piece of crap. Could we bundle him with Bonner and Manu
for Gary Neal........

His stats for this year average per game in how many minutes?


14.8 Points

9.9 rebounds

2.9 ast

[Chinook]

This shows what's wrong with the mentality of most Spurs fans. Duncan is an elite shot-blocker. A huge problem with the defense is that he struggles in all other aspects of help defense. That was fine when Green and Leonard were in front of him, because Duncan's feeble attempts to help were enough for them to get back in the play, but Beli and the others need a big with Splitter's mobility (at least) to help them.

Duncan is a smarter, slower Ibaka. He can anchor a defense only if he's protected before the shot. He needs a dominant PnR defender next to him and his wings back. It would also help if he could move back outside and stop wrecking the offense so that Splitter, Green and Leonard could do more on that end as well.

[TheGoldStandard]

Spurs do need a real bench center who can rebound and block/ alter shots but I wouldnt worry about OKC, they are peaking way too early.

[TheGoldStandard]

This shows what's wrong with the mentality of most Spurs fans. Duncan is an elite shot-blocker. A huge problem with the defense is that he struggles in all other aspects of help defense. That was fine when Green and Leonard were in front of him, because Duncan's feeble attempts to help were enough for them to get back in the play, but Beli and the others need a big with Splitter's mobility (at least) to help them.

Duncan is a smarter, slower Ibaka. He can anchor a defense only if he's protected before the shot. He needs a dominant PnR defender next to him and his wings back. It would also help if he could move back outside and stop wrecking the offense so that Splitter, Green and Leonard could do more on that end as well.

So then he's not like ibaka. Serge can knock down that hump shot, can hit a corner 3, not great in the post. But he plays next to perk and Collison so he's able to just anchor defense no matter who's next to him. He can come across the weak side to block shots and he can alter shots. Duncan is a good defender but he's not Serge elite anymore.

Duncan is elite because a lot of defenders blow by our perimeter guys and Duncan steps up to meet them at the point of the shot

[Chinook]

So then he's not like ibaka. Serge can knock down that hump shot, can hit a corner 3, not great in the post. But he plays next to perk and Collison so he's able to just anchor defense no matter who's next to him. He can come across the weak side to block shots and he can alter shots. Duncan is a good defender but he's not Serge elite anymore.

Duncan is elite because a lot of defenders blow by our perimeter guys and Duncan steps up to meet them at the point of the shot

I said a smarter, slower Ibaka. Duncan is still a better post defender and rebounder due to being smart. But Ibaka's quickness allows him to defend farther away from the basket.

Anyway, no. Duncan is able to step up because Leonard and Green funnel players to him. So he barely has to move when those two are in front of him. When I say protect I don't mean that. I mean they get back to their men on the PnR more quickly than usual and he's able to return to his spot without having to defend the ball. Essentially, his hedge is below average (and worse on some days) but that's all the New Two need for the most part. They (and Splitter) let Duncan focus on doing what he's best at.

[wildbill2u]

Strange how no one here seems to realize that we have the #6 shotblocker in the league, Tim Duncan, who is ahead of Dwight Howard in blocks this season.

Pining away for some kid who can leap like a deer to block shots but can't do much of anything else is ignorant since even a good shot blocker is only going to do his thing a couple of times a game. Might be exciting to see someone swat one into the stands, but it isn't very useful since the other team gets another offensive play.

[TheGoldStandard]

Strange how no one here seems to realize that we have the #6 shotblocker in the league, Tim Duncan, who is ahead of Dwight Howard in blocks this season.

Pining away for some kid who can leap like a deer to block shots but can't do much of anything else is ignorant since even a good shot blocker is only going to do his thing a couple of times a game. Might be exciting to see someone swat one into the stands, but it isn't very useful since the other team gets another offensive play.

I suppose this is the FOs reason to stand pat and go after Jeff Ayres and stick with Bonner for so long.

[Chinook]

I suppose this is the FOs reason to stand pat and go after Jeff Ayres and stick with Bonner for so long.

Lol strawman.

I think we all agree the team could use an awesome four to rotate with Duncan, Splitter and Diaw. But by no means is shot-blocking the missing piece of the defense. If Ayres had played as advertised, the big rotation would be really strong. If there is an upgrade needed as a pure big, it would be for a better offensively player who isn't a complete stiff on D.

[TheGoldStandard]

Lol strawman.

I think we all agree the team could use an awesome four to rotate with Duncan, Splitter and Diaw. But by no means is shot-blocking the missing piece of the defense. If Ayres had played as advertised, the big rotation would be really strong. If there is an upgrade needed as a pure big, it would be for a better offensively player who isn't a complete stiff on D.

How was Ayres advertised? And who advertised it, they should be banned from ever advertising.

Spurs have holes that they wait 2 or 3 seasons to address. I remember when there was a lack of "bigs" now we are top heavy but they're not that great. Pop has been willing to take on projects in hopes they can develop some basketball skill on the premise that Duncan can cover up there shitty play.

[Biernutz]

I said a smarter, slower Ibaka. Duncan is still a better post defender and rebounder due to being smart. But Ibaka's quickness allows him to defend farther away from the basket.

Anyway, no. Duncan is able to step up because Leonard and Green funnel players to him. So he barely has to move when those two are in front of him. When I say protect I don't mean that. I mean they get back to their men on the PnR more quickly than usual and he's able to return to his spot without having to defend the ball. Essentially, his hedge is below average (and worse on some days) but that's all the New Two need for the most part. They (and Splitter) let Duncan focus on doing what he's best at.

Why would you want to funnel the ball closer to the basket so he can do a tear drop over any 7 footer.
Danny and Leonard are out there to stop the progress toward the basket. Keep them out of the
lanes and make them take lower % 18 ft shots. You need to keep young point type of players away
from the basket. They are too quick for all the big men...
.
NBA Stats... Defensive Impact: Statistics measuring the impact a player has on defense, including blocks, steals and protecting the rim, which measures the opponent's field goal percentage at the rim while it is being defended. Rim protection is defined as the defender being within five feet of the basket and within five feet of the offensive player attempting the shot.

Ibaka is League rated 2nd and has 2.5 blocks per game at 32 min and Timmy is rated 5th in the League and has 2.0 blocks per game
at 29min .... It's a wash with Tim playing 3 less games.
Ibaka is making $12mill this year with Tim making $10 mill......

Why spend $2mill more for the same.......

[Chinook]

Why would you want to funnel the ball closer to the basket so he can do a tear drop over any 7 footer.
Danny and Leonard are out there to stop the progress toward the basket. Keep them out of the
lanes and make them take lower % 18 ft shots. You need to keep young point type of players away
from the basket. They are too quick for all the big men...
.
NBA Stats... Defensive Impact: Statistics measuring the impact a player has on defense, including blocks, steals and protecting the rim, which measures the opponent's field goal percentage at the rim while it is being defended. Rim protection is defined as the defender being within five feet of the basket and within five feet of the offensive player attempting the shot.

Ibaka is League rated 2nd and has 2.5 blocks per game at 32 min and Timmy is rated 5th in the League and has 2.0 blocks per game
at 29min .... It's a wash with Tim playing 3 less games.
Ibaka is making $12mill this year with Tim making $10 mill......

Why spend $2mill more for the same.......

Duncan's rejections come from baseline help. Green and Leonard funnel their guards to the baseline, but they don't always stop them completely. Instead of giving their guards a direct path to the basket, they push them to the side where it's a lot harder to get passed them and Duncan. This leaves Tim in the position of just having to reach over and block the shot. When Beli et al get beat, it's usually on middle penetration, which is significantly harder for bigs to cover, as there's more room and thus uncertainty. The PnR is a different animal entirely.

Now, if you're saying Ibaka and Duncan have similar impacts I sort of agree. However, Ibaka's weaknesses are much easier to cover than Duncan's are. Without elite perimeter defenders in front of him, Duncan would struggle more than Ibaka would.

[Chinook]

How was Ayres advertised? And who advertised it, they should be banned from ever advertising.

Spurs have holes that they wait 2 or 3 seasons to address. I remember when there was a lack of "bigs" now we are top heavy but they're not that great. Pop has been willing to take on projects in hopes they can develop some basketball skill on the premise that Duncan can cover up there shitty play.

He was advertised as a mobile big with hops and range. His inability to hit from outside completely breaks him playing next to Duncan or Splitter. There aren't many bigs out there that were available for half the MLE who can fill that role. Their first target was reported to be Dante Cunningham from the Wolves, but they decided to unexpectedly pick up his option. After him, Ayres was about the best they could do once they decided to keep Bonner and sign Beli over Neal.

[Biernutz]

I have no idea what your point is

(Now, if you're saying Ibaka and Duncan have similar impacts I sort of agree. However, Ibaka's weaknesses are much easier to cover than Duncan's are. Without elite perimeter defenders in front of him, Duncan would struggle more than Ibaka would.)

OKC is rated 3rd in league defense --Spurs are rated at 5th. Do you think it's all Ibaka that makes all the difference? Have you noticed
that OKC has good players ......I could say they make Ibaka look better. Did you see the block stats for this year?

I don't thing we will agree on this so I agree to disagree with you............

[Chinook]

OKC is rated 3rd in league defense --Spurs are rated at 5th. Do you think it's all Ibaka that makes all the difference? Have you noticed
that OKC has good players ......I could say they make Ibaka look better. Did you see the block stats for this year?

Admit it your a Duncan hater......

Lol. I'm not a Duncan hater. And it's a foolish take to assume that of me. Tim's past needs no defense or explanation. Every Spurs fan owes him respect for that.

We're talking about his present here. I'm saying that right now he's as good on an overall defender as Ibaka but that Ibaka's weaknesses are easier to cover up. Tim's an excellent shot-blocker, but his lack of mobility is a grave issue because he can no longer supply sufficient help. Green and Leonard are good enough not to need as much help, so all Duncan has to worry about is getting to his spot and challenging the shot.

When he needs to get out and guard an actual broken coverage, he can't do it. It's like if Duncan were a safety in football. He can play is zone at an elite level, but he can't handle a receiver coming at him in the open field after shaking his man.

Duncan's a role-player on defense when he used to be a star. That's a fact, not an insult. Ibaka is as well. But Duncan needs elite players in front of him (and one next to him) to fill his role. Ibaka doesn't need that due to his freelancing, which is his biggest strength but also a vulnerability good teams can exploit.

[HarlemHeat37]

:lol how is Chinook hating on Duncan, tbh?..

Everything he said is accurate, we've discussed this issue in several threads, tbh..

Duncan is still statistically one of the best interior defenders in the league..not only is he in the top 5-6 in blocked shots, but he also ranks in the top 10 of opposing FG% at the rim among players with a similar sample size..the problem is that he's old and too slow to cover the pick&roll/recover outside, thus needing Splitter's mobility + the great perimeter pairing of Leonard/Green around him..that's fine, it worked last season, obviously..

Ibaka's weakness on defense is post D, he isn't a strong post defender, but individual post defense is less important in today's NBA, tbh(as Miami has shown)..

OKC has many good defensive players around Ibaka, I don't think anybody would deny that..

The Spurs' defense wouldn't be a problem if Pop went with last year's lineup IMO..the problem is the offense, due to Duncan playing more on the interior this season, because of the lack of confidence in his jump shot + Kawhi's 3-point shot has been broken..it has killed the offense and forced Pop to look for alternatives, which in turn, has harmed the defense..

I fully expect Pop to go back to the Green/Leonard/Splitter lineup in the playoffs, with the possibility of less Splitter, though..

[Raven]

it would help but i think that is not the problem, simply our wings are terrible defenders and that's all it is. Things will get a lot better with everyone healthy.

[Raven]

This shows what's wrong with the mentality of most Spurs fans. Duncan is an elite shot-blocker. A huge problem with the defense is that he struggles in all other aspects of help defense. That was fine when Green and Leonard were in front of him, because Duncan's feeble attempts to help were enough for them to get back in the play, but Beli and the others need a big with Splitter's mobility (at least) to help them.

Duncan is a smarter, slower Ibaka. He can anchor a defense only if he's protected before the shot. He needs a dominant PnR defender next to him and his wings back. It would also help if he could move back outside and stop wrecking the offense so that Splitter, Green and Leonard could do more on that end as well.

indeed. What people still fail to understand is that Duncan at this point is a true center and should have the defensive assignments of a center not a pf. You don't make Asik or Howard run away from the rim to make him guard the perimeter, so why should be duncan forced to do so?

[Raven]

:lol how is Chinook hating on Duncan, tbh?..

Everything he said is accurate, we've discussed this issue in several threads, tbh..

Duncan is still statistically one of the best interior defenders in the league..not only is he in the top 5-6 in blocked shots, but he also ranks in the top 10 of opposing FG% at the rim among players with a similar sample size..the problem is that he's old and too slow to cover the pick&roll/recover outside, thus needing Splitter's mobility + the great perimeter pairing of Leonard/Green around him..that's fine, it worked last season, obviously..

Ibaka's weakness on defense is post D, he isn't a strong post defender, but individual post defense is less important in today's NBA, tbh(as Miami has shown)..

OKC has many good defensive players around Ibaka, I don't think anybody would deny that..

The Spurs' defense wouldn't be a problem if Pop went with last year's lineup IMO..the problem is the offense, due to Duncan playing more on the interior this season, because of the lack of confidence in his jump shot + Kawhi's 3-point shot has been broken..it has killed the offense and forced Pop to look for alternatives, which in turn, has harmed the defense..

I fully expect Pop to go back to the Green/Leonard/Splitter lineup in the playoffs, with the possibility of less Splitter, though..

agree again, in fairness though Duncan's defensive rating is really shitty (102.2 same as belinelli) and it just further proves how even one cancerous player can affect a whole system D and flush it down the toilet.

[Spurs da champs]

You should make much of every match up. It means something. If Tim cannot be effective in the post against a player like Noah, he's basically useless on the offense when his long 2 isn't falling. His bread and butter was always the post up or that bank shot. He doesn't do either much now.
Wasn't the Chicago the 2nd of a back to back? And Timmy was banging with Dwight Howard for 30 minutes the day before & had respectable numbers,, I wouldn't make too much of that 2nd game, especially considering Timmy's age. I'd have no doubt that Timmy would school Noah if push came to shove in they ever met in a 7 game series.

[doobs]

Spurs just need to get healthy. Leonard, Green, and Splitter are all excellent defensive players. Duncan needs their help, and if he gets it, he can block shots. Simple.

[DMC]

Wasn't the Chicago the 2nd of a back to back? And Timmy was banging with Dwight Howard for 30 minutes the day before & had respectable numbers,, I wouldn't make too much of that 2nd game, especially considering Timmy's age. I'd have no doubt that Timmy would school Noah if push came to shove in they ever met in a 7 game series.

It was the 2nd, and they lost the 1st as well. I guess it's because that was a 1st of a back to back.

[DMC]

Tim's advantage over intimidating bigs has almost always been finesse and psychology. Even when guys like Amare would go off in the paint, Tim would come out on top because he keeps his head and gets his 20/10 while doing so. So you'd have this gawdy stat line for an opposing big but they'd lose because the big made some mental mistakes in crunch time. He's never had to put up gawdy numbers to win, but he's been solid on defense against most of the teams he's played. If he regains some mobility that should return as long as the team defense is there. It's never going to be like it was before, unless teams just ignore him which would be stupid.

[Biernutz]

agree again, in fairness though Duncan's defensive rating is really shitty (102.2 same as belinelli) and it just further proves how even one cancerous player can affect a whole system D and flush it down the toilet.

I read your take but are you saying a cancerous Spur dragging down the defense or did you mean something else?

[Spurs da champs]

It was the 2nd, and they lost the 1st as well. I guess it's because that was a 1st of a back to back.

I guess so.

[$pursDynasty]

seeing the Pacers signed Bynum depressed me. The Pacers like the Thunder are younger versions of the Spurs that are making necessary changes to improve the team instead of standing pat. People say that Bynum is a cancer and there is no way in hell I'd bring his lazy behind onto a young team but on the Spurs his 'leadership' isn't needed. Sort of like the Patriots whom the Spurs are often compared to the Spurs way is so set in stone no malcontent could wreck it so bringing in Bynum just for defensive presence, I know he isn't known for defense but leaving him in the middle of the lane has to help for just a million dollars which the Pacers got him for would have been low risk high reward.

[DMC]

Bynum is a pig in a poke, and we've seen inside already.

[Biernutz]

I hate to see the Indy put a guy on their team who could screw up their team chemistry. Indy is about
the only team in the east that the Heat know can take to them hard.....

[$pursDynasty]

to me a player can only affect chemistry is if you let them. A player who isn't the best on the team, isn't the highest paid or is necessary for the team to compete in no way can destroy chemistry. For 1 mil which is 1/2 of what we are paying Ayers, could destroy the chemistry with either the Pacers or the Spurs. It would be like worrying Nando's frustration with no playing time was hurting the team dynamic. They could say to Bynum just like they would say to Nando, STFU and go back to the end of the bench. Bynum at 1 million is the ultimate in low risk possibly high reward. Good for the Pacers wish we would have done it. The Pacers don't need Bynum to win it all but if only to keep him away from the Heat it was a good move.

[Biernutz]

to me a player can only affect chemistry is if you let them. A player who isn't the best on the team, isn't the highest paid or is necessary for the team to compete in no way can destroy chemistry. For 1 mil which is 1/2 of what we are paying Ayers, could destroy the chemistry with either the Pacers or the Spurs. It would be like worrying Nando's frustration with no playing time was hurting the team dynamic. They could say to Bynum just like they would say to Nando, STFU and go back to the end of the bench. Bynum at 1 million is the ultimate in low risk possibly high reward. Good for the Pacers wish we would have done it. The Pacers don't need Bynum to win it all but if only to keep him away from the Heat it was a good move.

Bynum seems to be the guy you are talking about as the Philly said see you and the Cav's just said go away with the trade. Chicago
didn't want him around.....the guy has some history here.....

[xellos88330]

I understand the criticism about me saying that the Spurs don't have an intimidating shot blocker when the Spurs still have Duncan who is blocking his fair share of shots this season. Duncan is intimidating below the rim, but I did specify that the Spurs need someone who can block ABOVE the rim. How do you score on Tim Duncan? Shoot where he can't get to your shot. The Spurs consistently lose the aerial battle down low. It has been terribly evident with the defensive rebounding as well. The Spurs need to get above the damn rim otherwise risk constant offensive rebounds even after a good defensive possession. If you can block the shot, you could eliminate a couple of those rebounds because the paint will be that much more dangerous to take a shot in. It is easier to rebound from a jump shot when your bigs don't have to move off of their men.

[Biernutz]

I understand the criticism about me saying that the Spurs don't have an intimidating shot blocker when the Spurs still have Duncan who is blocking his fair share of shots this season. Duncan is intimidating below the rim, but I did specify that the Spurs need someone who can block ABOVE the rim. How do you score on Tim Duncan? Shoot where he can't get to your shot. The Spurs consistently lose the aerial battle down low. It has been terribly evident with the defensive rebounding as well. The Spurs need to get above the damn rim otherwise risk constant offensive rebounds even after a good defensive possession. If you can block the shot, you could eliminate a couple of those rebounds because the paint will be that much more dangerous to take a shot in. It is easier to rebound from a jump shot when your bigs don't have to move off of their men.

What?:dizzy

[cjw]

Not the problem tbh. As HH pointed out, the Spurs being minus their only two perimeter defenders is the reason why the defense is garbage at the moment. Duncan is already a top level shot blocker in the league, no real need for another one. Right now the team is just a flashback of the pre-Green/Leonard 2011 squad that couldn't stop anybody.

But but... I want a shot blocker who can throw the ball five rows into the stands so the other team can take possession back!

[Ice009]

Teams go into the paint at will against the Spurs. They're not scared at all.

None of you guys must remember DRob. David and Tim had players shit scared to go into the paint, making them take worse percentage outside shots, and when they did decide to go into the paint they altered their shots because of that intimidation. Don't tell me that, that kind of intimidation doesn't make a difference. Even if you do block the ball into the stands every now and then, and they get the ball back, it does make a difference.

[Biernutz]

Teams go into the paint at will against the Spurs. They're not scared at all.

None of you guys must remember DRob. David and Tim had players shit scared to go into the paint, making them take worse percentage outside shots, and when they did decide to go into the paint they altered their shots because of that intimidation. Don't tell me that, that kind of intimidation doesn't make a difference. Even if you do block the ball into the stands every now and then, and they get the ball back, it does make a difference.

Your right but with the new NBA putting a player on their butt is frowned on now. I agree that a message needs to be sent
every time you come down my lane......

[Splits]

Wow OP. You need to get some help. This is just stupid built on top of stupid.

Do you have a troll named Thunderup?

[TJastal]

Athleticism is a problem, especially at the power forward position; Terrence Jones & Serge Ibaka kill the Spurs...I don't see the Spurs beating the Thunder & I'm not confident of their ability to take on the Rockets in the PO's, simply because those 2 just blow right by Tiago/Timmy.

The fucking wizards just thumped those chumps playing Garret Temple a good chunk of the game. So it can be done.

[TJastal]

Teams go into the paint at will against the Spurs. They're not scared at all.

None of you guys must remember DRob. David and Tim had players shit scared to go into the paint, making them take worse percentage outside shots, and when they did decide to go into the paint they altered their shots because of that intimidation. Don't tell me that, that kind of intimidation doesn't make a difference. Even if you do block the ball into the stands every now and then, and they get the ball back, it does make a difference.

That's a great point. I'd like to see a study or something that proves this theory. Shot blockers make shooters nervous and cause them to rush shots so they affect a lot more shots than just the ones they get credit for "blocking".

[gnsf0946]

That's a great point. I'd like to see a study or something that proves this theory. Shot blockers make shooters nervous and cause them to rush shots so they affect a lot more shots than just the ones they get credit for "blocking".

This was very evident last year when Parker went against McGee, Denver tbh.

[Raven]

That's a great point. I'd like to see a study or something that proves this theory. Shot blockers make shooters nervous and cause them to rush shots so they affect a lot more shots than just the ones they get credit for "blocking".

they also foul a lot allowing them to get easy points from the ft.

[Raven]

I read your take but are you saying a cancerous Spur dragging down the defense or did you mean something else?

yeah, that's what i meant.

[Raven]

I understand the criticism about me saying that the Spurs don't have an intimidating shot blocker when the Spurs still have Duncan who is blocking his fair share of shots this season. Duncan is intimidating below the rim, but I did specify that the Spurs need someone who can block ABOVE the rim. How do you score on Tim Duncan? Shoot where he can't get to your shot. The Spurs consistently lose the aerial battle down low. It has been terribly evident with the defensive rebounding as well. The Spurs need to get above the damn rim otherwise risk constant offensive rebounds even after a good defensive possession. If you can block the shot, you could eliminate a couple of those rebounds because the paint will be that much more dangerous to take a shot in. It is easier to rebound from a jump shot when your bigs don't have to move off of their men.

i honestly have no idea what are you talking about.

[FireMicoHalili]

I think most of us have been beating that dead horse for years. FO did us fan service by signing Francisco Elson...

[xellos88330]

i honestly have no idea what are you talking about.

The Spurs need someone who can challenge above the rim defensively. Duncan is great at blocking shots early in the opponents shooting motion, but he is having more difficulty than I have ever seen before getting to those little floaters or against an opponent who is capable of taking the game vertical. If the Spurs have someone challenging at not only the rim, but ABOVE the rim, those layups, floaters and simple switch layups become that much more difficult. It also makes the opponent player think twice about going into the paint because now the Spurs would have someone who could challenge them vertically.

Another problem with the Spurs' vertical game is that it is much more difficult to get defensive rebounds. I am tired of seeing the Spurs getting defensive rebounds tapped out simply because they cannot get high enough. The Spurs get great position, but still cannot compete and lose another possession because of the lack of vertical. If the opponents are forced to take more jumpers against an aggressive defending perimeter due to the new defensive threat above the rim the result would naturally be better contested jumpers and/or more predictable play from the opposing offense.

[Biernutz]

yeah, that's what i meant.

Calling Tim a cancer is a bit harsh....Who will come to San Antonio for $10 mill and give us
the numbers that Tim puts up just about everytime he is on the court. Note** this is not
fantasy basket ball but the real world........Who?

[Raven]

Calling Tim a cancer is a bit harsh....Who will come to San Antonio for $10 mill and give us
the numbers that Tim puts up just about everytime he is on the court. Note** this is not
fantasy basket ball but the real world........

actually belinelli is the cancer.

[Biernutz]

actually belinelli is the cancer.

I guess the Spurs having the best 3pt shooter in the NBA is horrible burden.

[TJastal]

I guess the Spurs having the best 3pt shooter in the NBA is horrible burden.

:lmao

[Raven]

I guess the Spurs having the best 3pt shooter in the NBA is horrible burden.

Why are you bringing Korver up?

[TJastal]

Why are you bringing Korver up?

Marco is only #3 currently. Mills in the top 10 as well. Terrible news, indeed.

[Biernutz]

Marco is only #3 currently. Mills in the top 10 as well. Terrible news, indeed.

#3....All that working on defense is just ruining Marco....