Why is Pop playing Duncan/Parker 35 minutes a game in pre-season?

[hitmantb]

I don't understand at all . . .

Even Ginobili logged 29 today.

I rather see Spurs throw both games with scrubs than risking anything on GDP.

After winning the fifth title, Pop is pretty much god status and can do anything he wants, but still mere mortal wants to know the reasoning.

[EVAY]

I assume that it is because the NBA got a commitment from Pop to play his stars because this is how the NBA markets basketball in Europe, and it is likely the only time all those European fans would get a chance to see these guys in person. None of the big three will likely be playing hardly at all in the next preseason games, imo.

[wildchild]

I assume that it is because the NBA got a commitment from Pop to play his stars because this is how the NBA markets basketball in Europe, and it is likely the only time all those European fans would get a chance to see these guys in person. None of the big three will likely be playing hardly at all in the next preseason games, imo.

Agree.
But Pop could play Tim 28' not 35', maybe Tim/Tony ask Pop those minutes as a way to get back into the shape and rhythm after a long offseason (I mean Tony didn't play for France this summer)

[RGMCSE]

The announcers stated that it was to build stamina. Then pop would ween them off a bit close to the season. Its about getting that game wind back.

[jyra]

Agree.
But Pop could play Tim 28' not 35', maybe Tim/Tony ask Pop those minutes as a way to get back into the shape and rhythm after a long offseason (I mean Tony didn't play for France this summer)

Pretty much what Pop said in the press conferece after the game. He also said that Duncan will sit out at least one of the remaining preseason games.

[Gospursel]

If they all get injured this early and come back by the all star break, they'll be rested an fresh for another deep playoff run. CIA.

[Brazil]

Parker had long off season, he missed the start of training camp...way to get him in shape

[spurraider21]

He's playing the pawns big minutes while resting our real stars in green and Kawhi

[r0drig0lac]

He's playing the pawns big minutes while resting our real stars in green and Kawhi

exactly

[look_at_g_shred]

He's playing the pawns big minutes while resting our real stars in green and Kawhi
Pop said Kawhi and an eye infection and green had a thigh bruise from the first game fwiw

[look_at_g_shred]

Parker looks like 2013 Parker. Quick and refreshed. We Gonna be a tough out for any team if he's playing like this all season and playoffs.

[BanditHiro]

because he is getting them in shape...they have had around 2 months of rest prior to these games.

[Obstructed_View]

If you never let Duncan play 30 minutes, how do you expect him not to be winded in the playoffs? Didn't we see that movie already?

[100%duncan]

It's fiiiiineeee

[jhuan16]

Because it's those are exhibition games instead of pre-season game. Once the Spurs game back to US you'll see Pop play our core under 25mins.

[polandprzem]

They will get their rest in the last two or three pre-season games

[DesignatedT]

I expect the old guys to play very limited minutes the rest of the pre season.

[BillMc]

They will get their rest in the last two or three pre-season games

This!

[Fireball]

Pop exactly knows the difference between two "global" games in Europe and 82 regular season games in the US. He respects our foreign players, he respects the countries they come from ... hell, he was on vacation in Berlin and Turkey before he knew that games would be played there. So he shows his respect by playing the Big Three some more minutes than usual in preseason games. That is typical Pop ...

[ceperez]

Pop exactly knows the difference between two "global" games in Europe and 82 regular season games in the US. He respects our foreign players, he respects the countries they come from ... hell, he was on vacation in Berlin and Turkey before he knew that games would be played there. So he shows his respect by playing the Big Three some more minutes than usual in preseason games. That is typical Pop ...

Yes, it is additional marketing for the Spurs franchise.

It would be an insult if you paid money and all you saw was Cotton, J.Green and Josh Davis playing for the Spurs.

You'll see the scrubs show up in pre-season against NBA teams.

[ElNono]

I actually think Pop would like a fast start to the season, when other teams are figuring things out, and also so Pop can check if any of the older guys has lost an extra step, etc... We're going to have a lot of back to backs this season, and a pretty hectic regular season thanks to the extended AllStar week, so starting with a little mini-run would be ideal, IMO

[howbouthemspurs]

It's called conditioning ,,,,

[Biernutz]

You know the Spurs know how many steps he takes every time he hit the court. They know how many shots he takes in practice.
They monitor his fitness and know just how in shape he is.When he hits that level they want him at his minutes will drop and Cory
will see more minutes till Patty comes back.

[Uriel]

Unlike in the US, the fans in Berlin and Istanbul don't get to see NBA players everyday. He wanted to give them their money's worth. Most likely, we'll see substantially reduced minutes from the Big 3 once the Spurs play a preseason game in American soil.

[mudyez]

When goin to the game in Berlin, I was prepared to see a Cotton, Daye, Green, Holland, Ayers (ore something simular to that) lineup for at least 20 minutes.

Since this was the first time I have seen the Spurs (hopefully not the last time, but probably the last time involving Manu+Timmy), I'm really glad, but 24 minutes instead of more than 32 for Duncan would have done it too.

[Mel_13]

521708462485426177

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[benefactor]

521708462485426177

521708663677808640
:tu

Basically solidifies the assumption that Pop was doing it just because they were in Europe. I don't understand how someone couldn't figure out that this was what was going on.

[Obstructed_View]

:tu

Basically solidifies the assumption that Pop was doing it just because they were in Europe. I don't understand how someone couldn't figure out that this was what was going on.

It certainly never occurred to me at the time, but it made sense once someone else mentioned it.

[ginobilized]

Pop cares about the fans in Europe and wants these old guys to be in shape since their pre-season is ostensibly finished

[ohmwrecker]

Jesus! I just pray that Pop reads ST so he can learn how to coach a goddamn basketball team!

[Cry Havoc]

Pop knows what he's doing.

[Mel_13]

Kawhi Leonard (right eye infection), Patty Mills (torn right rotator cuff) and Tiago Splitter (strained right soleus) will not play in Thursday night’s game in Phoenix.

Additionally, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and head coach Gregg Popovich will not travel with the team.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-injury-report-10-15-2014

It will be interesting to see who fills in as HC tomorrow. Udoka or Messina?

[look_at_g_shred]

Kawhi Leonard (right eye infection), Patty Mills (torn right rotator cuff) and Tiago Splitter (strained right soleus) will not play in Thursday night’s game in Phoenix.

Additionally, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and head coach Gregg Popovich will not travel with the team.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-injury-report-10-15-2014

It will be interesting to see who fills in as HC tomorrow. Udoka or Messina?
Probably Messina. A proven track record, and a chance to see how he coaches an NBA game.

[Mel_13]

Probably Messina. A proven track record, and a chance to see how he coaches an NBA game.

True, but Ime is a rising star.

[look_at_g_shred]

True, but Ime is a rising star.
:lol

[ABC]

Boylen

[Prose]

The announcers stated that it was to build stamina. Then pop would ween them off a bit close to the season. Its about getting that game wind back.