Kawhi regressed

[lil'mo]

system player. Now that that argument is settled...is he a max player?

[wtgspurs]

get the fuck outta here, asshole

[boutons_deux]

Very mysterious decline

[Mikeanaro]

No, he will never be one, if you cant win with this team or at least be decent you are trash.

[Capt Bringdown]

He shined last year. This year, he withered. Weird.

[Kool Bob Love]

Fucking scrub cost duncan his 6 and 7. I hate him.

[dabom]

He got tons of rebounds. I was going to bump the championship rebounds thread but parker fucking blows.

[Stabula]

He's only a max player because there are so many shitty FOs in this league who will throw max money at players like Stoudemire. So sadly, yes he still has to get the max but he completely failed in his role as the go-to offense and on top of it has played very inconsistent on the defensive end. The guy is a choker and can't hit free-throws even when there isn't any pressure. The honey-moon is over for this kid, I expect to hear hate for him on this forum for years to come. Shame.

[dabom]

He got tons of rebounds. I was going to bump the championship rebounds thread but parker fucking blows.

[Malik Hairston]

I don't think many of you understand what a max player is, btw:lol..

[wildchild]

system player. Now that that argument is settled...is he a max player?

Obviously, he is.

Maybe you forget he was perfect-shooting in the first quarter playing a great defense on Redick and then...he didn't touch the ball the next two quarters.

So how you expect he can get rhythm in the 4th quarter?

[midnightpulp]

I'm a big Kawhi fan as any, but he deserves criticism at the moment. A DPOY/Finals MVP winner should never get outplayed by Matt Barnes in two consecutive playoff games. Props to Danny Green for balling his heart out, though. Only Spur other than Tim to show up tonight. Parker had his nice little line, but needed 21 shots to get it.

[RD2191]

He's only a max player because there are so many shitty FOs in this league who will throw max money at players like Stoudemire. So sadly, yes he still has to get the max but he completely failed in his role as the go-to offense and on top of it has played very inconsistent on the defensive end. The guy is a choker and can't hit free-throws even when there isn't any pressure. The honey-moon is over for this kid, I expect to hear hate for him on this forum for years to come. Shame.
kill yourself fuking faggot. porker had 16 shots while kawhi had 5 at the half or early in the 3rd/

[cjw]

The second and third best teams in the league this year just slugged it out in 7. It's not like we lost to the Mavs or a team from the East.

He's 23 - will get better.

[Malik Hairston]

It's amazing how they went away from everything that was working for him the first few games of the series, tbh..one of the most poorly coached series' I can remember from Pop..

[Spursmania]

Didn't step it up at all. Lacked aggression and confidence. Once Duncan leaves, welcome to 1st round exit land... Really surprised he didn't make a statement.

[Wildcat67]

What did he have? 8 shots?

[FkLA]

He disappointed me but he's still the future.

[Budkin]

It was the EYE AIDS he got at the beginning of the season.

[slick'81]

NO tony shit the bed kawahi was flawless

[The Reckoning]

Kawhi didn't earn his stripes. Should be interesting to see what happens in the off season. Might be the most important one the Spurs have had since '98.

[RD2191]

Didn't step it up at all. Lacked aggression and confidence. Once Duncan leaves, welcome to 1st round exit land... Really surprised he didn't make a statement.
how was he supposed to make a statement when there was a time there that parker had 16 shot attempts and kawhi had 5? are you fucking stupid or?

[td4mvp21]

It's amazing how they went away from everything that was working for him the first few games of the series, tbh..one of the most poorly coached series' I can remember from Pop..

Still not as horrendous as 2006 Mavs, but it's up there.

[DarrinS]

Kawhi didn't live up to our expectations, but he has a bright future --as does Green. Danny played one helluva ballgame.

[Stabula]

kill yourself fuking faggot. porker had 16 shots while kawhi had 5 at the half or early in the 3rd/

Yeah yeah we get it, you hate Parker. Why even post? Every post you make is the same regurgitated hatred of Parker. You have almost 30K posts worth of Parker hate. We know already.

[daslicer]

He deserves some criticism. He had 3 shitty games in a row offensively. On top of that for being a defensive player of the year he didn't get it done today Barnes went off today and he couldn't stop Paul when he was switched on him.

[russellgoat]

A DPOY that got burned by a pg:lol

[Stabula]

robdiaz2191 Right after I posted that, you immediately post in the Parker Is a Bitch thread :lol

[TheGreatYacht]

Fucking scrub cost duncan his 6 and 7. I hate him.

[RD2191]

Yeah yeah we get it, you hate Parker. Why even post? Every post you make is the same regurgitated hatred of Parker. You have almost 30K posts worth of Parker hate. We know already.
answer brah. how was kawhi supposed to take over when parker was chucking out there?

[loveforthegame]

It's amazing how they went away from everything that was working for him the first few games of the series, tbh..one of the most poorly coached series' I can remember from Pop..

This. They went away from everything they did for the last couple months. Now obviously Leonard didn't do himself any favors but using him as a screener, parking him in the corner, or using him as a passer up top is not playing to his strengths.

[wildchild]

He completely failed in his role as the go-to offense and on top of it has played very inconsistent on the defensive end.

You know how many attempts he had for game in the regular season? And this game? If you know that, you should know he isn't the head of the snake on Spurs offense.
He isn't even the top Spurs FGA in the season.


The guy is a choker and can't hit free-throws even when there isn't any pressure.
WTF? This series? He made all his clutch FT's in game 5, he was 5-6 in game 6, and 2-2 this game.

[wtgspurs]

He wasn't getting touches until the end...Pop messed the game up. Even though Tony was doing Okay, he should've played Patty instead. I'm sure we would've wont with Patty in the 4th

[ducks]

3 bad shooting games in series

[ducks]

Not many steals in series

[TheGreatYacht]

3 bad shooting games in series
Matrix couldn't shoot as well, perfect comparison tbh

[Grit and Grind]

He's only a max player because there are so many shitty FOs in this league who will throw max money at players like Stoudemire. So sadly, yes he still has to get the max but he completely failed in his role as the go-to offense and on top of it has played very inconsistent on the defensive end. The guy is a choker and can't hit free-throws even when there isn't any pressure. The honey-moon is over for this kid, I expect to hear hate for him on this forum for years to come. Shame.
Stoudenire was a max player doe

[DMC]

The KL support group that meets on Wednesdays have been suspiciously absent recently.

[wildchild]

He wasn't getting touches until the end...Pop messed the game up.

Doc should thanks Pop to play Kawhi in this way and never call a play for him in entire quarters.


But most of the adjustments aren't Leonard's to make. The real change has to happen around him, in passers like Parker, Ginobili and Diaw—in the play-calling, too. These Spurs have adapted before, evolving from a Duncan-centric post operation into an uptempo pick-and-roll team infused with heavy doses of Parker's penetration and pull-up game.

All true the title, the Spurs aren't doing enough with Kawhi Leonard.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2444304-san-antonio-spurs-arent-doing-enough-with-kawhi-leonard#articles/2444304-san-antonio-spurs-arent-doing-enough-with-kawhi-leonard (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2444304-san-antonio-spurs-arent-doing-enough-with-kawhi-leonard#articles/2444304-san-antonio-spurs-arent-doing-enough-with-kawhi-leonard")

[Sean Cagney]

The second and third best teams in the league this year just slugged it out in 7. It's not like we lost to the Mavs or a team from the East.

He's 23 - will get better.

^^^ This, the story is not near settled or over on him yet at 23 years old. He was great through 4 games and declined after that in the series that is for certain but honestly he has a ton of time to continue to get better and he will.

[DMC]

Doc should thanks Pop to play Kawhi in this way and never call a play for him in entire quarters.



All true the title, the Spurs aren't doing enough with Kawhi Leonard.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2444304-san-antonio-spurs-arent-doing-enough-with-kawhi-leonard#articles/2444304-san-antonio-spurs-arent-doing-enough-with-kawhi-leonard (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2444304-san-antonio-spurs-arent-doing-enough-with-kawhi-leonard#articles/2444304-san-antonio-spurs-arent-doing-enough-with-kawhi-leonard")
Your boy folded under pressure, when the eyes of Texas were upon him he hid. You need to acknowledge it, that's the first step.

[therealtruth]

Barnes really outhustled and outplayed him this game.

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Big Players make Big Shots in Big Games. Pretty much this whole series he has been ordinary. I'm

How the hell you let Barnes and Redick go off yet not punish them down low on the offensive side?

[RD2191]

Big Players make Big Shots in Big Games. Pretty much this whole series he has been ordinary. I'm

How the hell you let Barnes and Redick go off yet not punish them down low on the offensive side?
How was Parker this series old faggot?

[Keepin' it real]

A pretty shocking decline considering his play toward season's end and the first half of this series. He lost his confidence. I wonder what happened to him?

[LongtimeSpursFan]

How was Parker this series old faggot?
Stay focused. This thread is about Kawhi. I'm sure you can find other threads to complain about Parker.

LOL. Name calling.

[hitmantb]

Guarding CP3 on the other end is too much drain on him.

Pop was burned by LeBron-on-Parker after Parked pulled his hamstring in game 5 of 2013 finals, so he thought Kwahi would do well against Paul today and that is fine.

But all series long, having a heavy weight small forward against a fast point guard is just not a good idea.

[RD2191]

Stay focused. This thread is about Kawhi. I'm sure you can find other threads to complain about Parker.

LOL. Name calling.
How was Parker this series? Homo.

[K...]

Clippers game planned kawhi. They were ready. I thought he would dominate but the spurs never established him. He didn't regress, the spurs did.

[wildchild]

Your boy folded under pressure, when the eyes of Texas were upon him he hid. You need to acknowledge it, that's the first step.

This game?
How many shots he missed in the 4th? 2-3? And in the first quarter? 0?

Why between the 1rst quarter and the last he can't get touches? He got the ball in the post when Crawford guarded him in the 2nd and 3rd quarter?

When Tony runs the offense his primary looking are Tim or Boris pick and rolls and his own shooting...
When Manu runs the offense it's about penetration and Patty, Danny, Beli, Kawhi in the corner for 3's...

How Pop has involved Kawhi offensively except the isos?

Give him the ball in his comfortable spots and not in the 3 point line, involve him in pick and rolls, that's my first step.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Franchise player :lol

[DMC]

This game?
How many shots he missed in the 4th? 2-3? And in the first quarter? 0?

Why between the 1rst quarter and the last he can't get touches? He got the ball in the post when Crawford guarded him in the 2nd and 3rd quarter?

When Tony runs the offense his primary looking are Tim or Boris pick and rolls and his own shooting...
When Manu runs the offense it's about penetration and Patty, Danny, Beli, Kawhi in the corner for 3's...

How Pop has involved Kawhi offensively except the isos?

Give him the ball in his comfortable spots and not in the 3 point line, involve him in pick and rolls, that's my first step.
Why do you think he cannot get touches? He got plenty of touches this series, and much of the time he'd dribble to the corner, get that rain man look on his face and dump it to someone else. Team leaders don't defer in the clutch, over and over, when their team needs them to score.

[wildchild]

Why do you think he cannot get touches? He got plenty of touches this series.
Not really, what's about game 1-5-6-7?.
In 4 games he didn't get those touches you said.


And much of the time he'd dribble to the corner, get that rain man look on his face and dump it to someone else. Team leaders don't defer in the clutch, over and over, when their team needs them to score.
He didn't defer this game or last game in the 4th. Just his shots weren't falling but he attacked Griffin this game in the last quarter every time he could when Pop has gone small ball.

And again. Why we didn't see the ball in his hands when Rivers, Redick and Crawford were guarding him? The second unit went all with Boris picks, and they were effective but you can't have Kawhi in the post against Rivers and not give him the ball like the previous games.

[daslicer]

People in here hype him up to be the next Pippen but I can't recall Scottie ever having a hard time locking up a PG defensively.

[therealtruth]

He's a victim of the Clippers outcoaching the Spurs. Pop never made the adjustments to get him going.

[dabom]

Pop's adjustments was more enrique chucking and turning kawhi into a role player. :lmao

[therealtruth]

People in here hype him up to be the next Pippen but I can't recall Scottie ever having a hard time locking up a PG defensively.

DG is better on PG's.

[wildchild]

But using him as a screener, parking him in the corner, or using him as a passer up top is not playing to his strengths.


Pop's adjustments ...turning kawhi into a role player. :lmao

Agreed. Like loveforthegame said that wasn't the best way to play his strengths.

The best Spurs games of the season were playing Kawhi as the best offensive option.

[wildchild]

He's a victim of the Clippers outcoaching the Spurs. Pop never made the adjustments to get him going.

I couldn't have said it any better.

[therealtruth]

Pop got Kawhi going when we needed him in the Finals so he's capable of doing it.

[TheGreatYacht]

Stay focused. This thread is about Kawhi. I'm sure you can find other threads to complain about Parker.

LOL. Name calling.
:lol

[daslicer]

DG is better on PG's.

This is true but it also shows Kawhi still has a long ways to go before he can be a great lockdown defender. I know people will bring up the DPOY award but in this series the last few games I didn't see him completely take any of the key Clipper perimeter players out of their game. I think prime Bowen was still a better defender because had that ability to shut down at least one important perimeter player during a series.

[RD2191]

This is true but it also shows Kawhi still has a long ways to go before he can be a great lockdown defender. I know people will bring up the DPOY award but in this series the last few games I didn't see him completely take any of the key Clipper perimeter players out of their game. I think prime Bowen was still a better defender because had that ability to shut down at least one important perimeter player during a series.
DG sucked all series on defense except for tonight. Tiago was shit and Parker well he's the shittiest defender on the Spurs. That leaves Kawhi trying to cover for 3 guys defensively. He did a great job on Redick in games 1-5. If he had to focus on Redick only the entire series then he would of easily shut him down. But that wasn't the case. Pop had him guard Paul, Griffin, and Redick and Barnes. 2 superstars, a clutch 3 point specialist and a very gritty player in Barnes. Now that's exhausting. Think about how much work Kawhi was asked to do defensively this series and then get back to me.

[daslicer]

DG sucked all series on defense except for tonight. Tiago was shit and Parker well he's the shittiest defender on the Spurs. That leaves Kawhi trying to cover for 3 guys defensively. He did a great job on Redick in games 1-5. If he had to focus on Redick only the entire series then he would of easily shut him down. But that wasn't the case. Pop had him guard Paul, Griffin, and Redick and Barnes. 2 superstars, a clutch 3 point specialist and a very gritty player in Barnes. Now that's exhausting. Think about how much work Kawhi was asked to do defensively this series and then get back to me.

There is no excuses I can still recall Bowen being put in the same type of situations against the Mavs and the Suns where he had to guard a bunch of different perimeter players for different stretches during the game. During the last 3 games I never saw a stretch where Kawhi made any of the guys he was guarded uncomfortable they pretty much got whatever they wanted. A few times tonight he gave up easy points to Barnes especially that one play where Barnes got a dunk was all of Kawhi's fault.

[RD2191]

There is no excuses I can still recall Bowen being put in the same type of situations against the Mavs and the Suns where he had to guard a bunch of different perimeter players for different stretches during the game. During the last 3 games I never saw a stretch where Kawhi made any of the guys he was guarded uncomfortable they pretty much got whatever they wanted. A few times tonight he gave up easy points to Barnes especially that one play where Barnes got a dunk was all of Kawhi's fault.
Yeah, it's easy to play defense with a prime Duncan guarding the paint.

[TheGreatYacht]

Yeah, it's easy to play defense with a prime Duncan guarding the paint.
Too bad Chris Paul was getting open shot after shot from mid range

[daslicer]

Yeah, it's easy to play defense with a prime Duncan guarding the paint.

Right and I can't recall many times scrubs like Matt Barnes blowing by Bowen in crucial playoff games. Are a notorious choker like JJ hitting clutch 3's in Bowen's face. Kawhi screwed the pooch defensively the last 3 games just accept it and move on. I think he has the potential to get better but he's not a franchise player yet like some people make him out to be.

[RD2191]

Right and I can't recall many times scrubs like Matt Barnes blowing by Bowen in crucial playoff games. Are a notorious choker like JJ hitting clutch 3's in Bowen's face. Kawhi screwed the pooch defensively the last 3 games just accept it and move on. I think he has the potential to get better but he's not a franchise player yet like some people make him out to be.
You do understand that he was covering for many players on the defensive end right? From Redick to Paul to Griffin. You also understand that Bowen played with a prime Duncan, right? Also, Bowen got shit on plenty of times. Kawhi didn't have MVP like games in games 5-7 but who on the Spurs did? Kawhi is the reason the Spurs even got a shot 5 and had a shot at 6.

[Spur|n|Austin]

There is no excuses I can still recall Bowen being put in the same type of situations against the Mavs and the Suns where he had to guard a bunch of different perimeter players for different stretches during the game. During the last 3 games I never saw a stretch where Kawhi made any of the guys he was guarded uncomfortable they pretty much got whatever they wanted. A few times tonight he gave up easy points to Barnes especially that one play where Barnes got a dunk was all of Kawhi's fault.

Rob says he's a new fan of the Spurs - he wouldn't know about the Bowen days.

[daslicer]

You do understand that he was covering for many players on the defensive end right? From Redick to Paul to Griffin. You also understand that Bowen played with a prime Duncan, right? Also, Bowen got shit on plenty of times. Kawhi didn't have MVP like games in games 5-7 but who on the Spurs did? Kawhi is the reason the Spurs even got a shot 5 and had a shot at 6.

Right again my point is how come he could not disrupt even one guys rhythm in the last 3 games. Every guy he was guarding the last 3 games went off on him. You would think at least one guy would have shot poorly when Kawhi was guarding them the last 3 games but it didn't happen.

[TheGreatYacht]

Bowen had... Parker, a washed up Finley, Timmy who still didn't go outside of the paint, and Rasho fucking Nesterovic/ Francisco Elson :lol

Who knows what he could've been with Splitter, Timmy, and Green

[daslicer]

Bowen had... Parker, a washed up Finley, Timmy who still didn't go outside of the paint, and Rasho fucking Nesterovic/ Francisco Elson :lol

Who knows what he could've been with Splitter, Timmy, and Green

I will never forget the '06 Mavs series where Bowen had to guard literally everybody on the court. He had to guard Dirk, Josh Howard who by the way was much better than that pos Barnes, Jason Terry, Devin Harris. The guy was an amazing defensive ace and on top of that he did that while the Spurs where playing the putrid small ball so he had to expand a lot of energy.

[TheGreatYacht]

I will never forget the '06 Mavs series where Bowen had to guard literally everybody on the court. He had to guard Dirk, Josh Howard who by the way was much better than that pos Barnes, Jason Terry, Devin Harris. The guy was an amazing defensive ace and on top of that he did that while the Spurs where playing the putrid small ball so he had to expand a lot of energy.
I know, you just can't look at raw stats when it comes to Bruce. Even if someone was torching him, he'd do some dirty shit or get in their face. Kawhi's starting to get the Iverson syndrome, tbh... Cares so much about his SPG that he's risks passing lanes and if he fucks up then (post scrub here/Barnes) gets an open 3 or drive to the paint

Passing lanes, screens, quick guards, post players, etc. Just too many flaws in Kawhi's defense to be considered in Bowen's class.

This ain't a dig on Kawhi, he's three times the offensive player Bruce was but he sure doesn't affect the game like he did.

[daslicer]

I know, you just can't look at raw stats when it comes to Bruce. Even if someone was torching him, he'd do some dirty shit or get in their face. Kawhi's starting to get the Iverson syndrome, tbh... Cares so much about his SPG that he's risks passing lanes and if he fucks up then (post scrub here/Barnes) gets an open 3 or drive to the paint

Passing lanes, screens, quick guards, post players, etc. Just too many flaws in Kawhi's defense to be considered in Bowen's class.

This ain't a dig on Kawhi, he's three times the offensive player Bruce was but he sure doesn't affect the game like he did.

I said a few weeks ago that Bowen had a nastiness that neither Green or Kawhi possessed. Bowen took a lot of pride in stopping guys that if his man went off he would resort to dirty tactics because he really did take it as a sign of disrespect. Bowen was Rodmanesque when came to getting underneath guys skin. I still remember so many opposing players bitching about him being a dirty player including Chris Paul who bitched towards the league to get him suspended.

[TheGreatYacht]

I said a few weeks ago that Bowen had a nastiness that neither Green or Kawhi possessed. Bowen took a lot of pride in stopping guys that if his man went off he would resort to dirty tactics because he really did take it as a sign of disrespect. Bowen was Rodmanesque when came to getting underneath guys skin. I still remember so many opposing players bitching about him being a dirty player including Chris Paul who bitched towards the league to get him suspended.
Yeah I remember you preaching to these new age Spurs fans. It's funny that the dude who closest resembles his dirty tactics in today's NBA, is the scrub who guarded Kawhi this series :lol

Let me ask you a question. It's almost a daily routine for the Spurs to get torched by a scrub, you think not having a dirty/intimidating player on the team contributes to that? For example Griffin, it's a known fact that he shits the bed when someone comes at him hard. Then he runs into the Spurs... Timmy who pats him on the butt after a foul, Splitter who's known to be soft and gets his shit stuffed by guards, Bonner who shouldn't be in the league at this point, Diaw having a rep of being just a big nice guy, Kawhi won't talk in a 7 game series, etc

[daslicer]

Yeah I remember you preaching to these new age Spurs fans. It's funny that the dude who closest resembles his dirty tactics in today's NBA, is the scrub who guarded Kawhi this series :lol

Let me ask you a question. It's almost a daily routine for the Spurs to get torched by a scrub, you think not having a dirty/intimidating player on the team contributes to that? For example Griffin, it's a known fact that he shits the bed when someone comes at him hard. Then he runs into the Spurs... Timmy who pats him on the butt after a foul, Splitter who's known to be soft and gets his shit stuffed by guards, Bonner who shouldn't be in the league at this point, Diaw having a rep of being just a big nice guy, Kawhi won't talk in a 7 game series, etc

I think psychologically yes I think teams respect the spurs but don't fear them and thats part of the reason why you'll have guys have career series against them at times. Just watch the next series with the Rockets and you will see Blake and Jordan both have some shit games due to the Rockets having some physical dirty players in Dwight,T.Jones,Dorsey. Also Ariza tends to be a dirty cheapshot player so you will see whoever he's guarding taken out of a comfort zone. Factor in Jason Terry who has always been a dirty player and you will see some the games become real chippy out there.

[TheGreatYacht]

I think psychologically yes I think teams respect the spurs but don't fear them and thats part of the reason why you'll have guys have career series against them at times. Just watch the next series with the Rockets and you will see Blake and Jordan both have some shit games due to the Rockets having some physical dirty players in Dwight,T.Jones,Dorsey. Also Ariza tends to be a dirty cheapshot player so you will see whoever he's guarding taken out of a comfort zone. Factor in Jason Terry who has always been a dirty player and you will see some the games become real chippy out there.
Yup that's exactly what I'm saying. Thought I was the only one who noticed this, tbh. We need a Marcus Smart type player in the draft, unfortunately PATFO will probably go and look for more soft one dimensional players from the Euroleague.

[james evans]

People in here hype him up to be the next Pippen but I can't recall Scottie ever having a hard time locking up a PG defensively.
pippen never guarded a pg as fast and as good as Chris paul. He never guarded Isiah when the pistons were putting them out 3 years in a row. He didn't guard kg in the 93 finals when he was tearing bj armstrong a new asshole. He didn't guard Payton in 96. He didn't guard stockton in 97 or 98 and phil had no choice but to put him on Magic in 91 when Magic was putting jordan's little ass in the paint, but he didn't lick magic down. You were saying?

[dabom]

pippen never guarded a pg as fast and as good as Chris paul. He never guarded Isiah when the pistons were putting them out 3 years in a row. He didn't guard kg in the 93 finals when he was tearing bj armstrong a new asshole. He didn't guard Payton in 96. He didn't guard stockton in 97 or 98 and phil had no choice but to put him on Magic in 91 when Magic was putting jordan's little ass in the paint, but he didn't lick magic down. You were saying?

That dude just got ethered. :lmao

[therealtruth]

pippen never guarded a pg as fast and as good as Chris paul. He never guarded Isiah when the pistons were putting them out 3 years in a row. He didn't guard kg in the 93 finals when he was tearing bj armstrong a new asshole. He didn't guard Payton in 96. He didn't guard stockton in 97 or 98 and phil had no choice but to put him on Magic in 91 when Magic was putting jordan's little ass in the paint, but he didn't lick magic down. You were saying?

He guarded Mark Jackson in '98 playoffs.

[Arcadian]

Matt Barnes outplayed Kawhi in game 7.

[BatManu20]

Kawhi didn't play well offensively this series, that's no secret. He fell in love with the jump shot and stopped being aggressive.


The great thing about Kawhi is that he's likely about 3-4 years away from his prime. I don't know how far a Spurs team with him as our leading scorer can go in the future. He's definitely going to need a lot of help. As great as he is, I don't think he'll be ever be an elite scorer. But if we can somehow find a way to bing in another 17-20 ppg scorer, as well as a couple other good role pieces, that'd help alleviate some of that pressure on him and I think better allow him to flourish offensively.

[spurraider21]

kill yourself fuking faggot. porker had 16 shots while kawhi had 5 at the half or early in the 3rd/
:lol thread about kawhi
:lol bring up parker

[spurraider21]

how was he supposed to make a statement when there was a time there that parker had 16 shot attempts and kawhi had 5? are you fucking stupid or?


answer brah. how was kawhi supposed to take over when parker was chucking out there?


How was Parker this series old faggot?


How was Parker this series? Homo.


DG sucked all series on defense except for tonight. Tiago was shit and Parker well he's the shittiest defender on the Spurs. That leaves Kawhi trying to cover for 3 guys defensively. He did a great job on Redick in games 1-5. If he had to focus on Redick only the entire series then he would of easily shut him down. But that wasn't the case. Pop had him guard Paul, Griffin, and Redick and Barnes. 2 superstars, a clutch 3 point specialist and a very gritty player in Barnes. Now that's exhausting. Think about how much work Kawhi was asked to do defensively this series and then get back to me.
thread about kawhi

cant stop talking about parker

[james evans]

He guarded Mark Jackson in '98 playoffs.
Mark jackson in 98 aint Chris paul in 2015

[RD2191]

thread about kawhi

cant stop talking about parker
parkers shittiness affects the the entire team

[AztecSpur]

Kawhi didn't play well offensively this series, that's no secret. He fell in love with the jump shot and stopped being aggressive.


The great thing about Kawhi is that he's likely about 3-4 years away from his prime. I don't know how far a Spurs team with him as our leading scorer can go in the future. He's definitely going to need a lot of help. As great as he is, I don't think he'll be ever be an elite scorer. But if we can somehow find a way to bing in another 17-20 ppg scorer, as well as a couple other good role pieces, that'd help alleviate some of that pressure on him and I think better allow him to flourish offensively.
THIS.

My thoughts exactly, at SDSU I never saw him as an elite scorer. I've just been riding the train in absolute glee watching his development. Awful let down these last 3 games. He just lost his aggressiveness like you said. I think the pressure of having the spot light finally got to him. There won't be anyone who will work harder than him to turn it around, and he will have stretches of dominating, and I for one would be ecstatic if he could play at an elite level consistently, but I don't think he has that shooting touch of the Clippers Crawford or Redick who made those big shots down the stretch filling in for Paul. It's been a let down for us all but it was bound to happen. I'll still look forward to watching him play, but Chris Paul is the guy that blows my mind, he's truly phenomenal and the Spurs just ran into a superior team.

[loveforthegame]

What was the purpose of the last two months? They put Leonard in the post relentlessly and he flourished. They set screens for the mid range jumper or cleared out so he could attack. His best stretch of basketball. Clippers double him in game one and he struggles. So the Spurs use him as a screener in game 2. He comes back strong in games 3 and 4 while handling the double and sometimes triple team better than I expected. Game 5 was a mix bag, game 6 was a nightmare of rimmed out shots. Game 7 they used him as a screener or parked him the corner in the first half. Finally in the 4th they used him up top as a passer.

Both sides need to figure it out this summer. This isn't about whether he can handle the main option or not. The same issues will be there whether he's the 2nd or 4th option.

It shouldn't be this hard to play to his strengths. How can both sides still not know what to do?

[RD2191]

What was the purpose of the last two months? They put Leonard in the post relentlessly and he flourished. They set screens for the mid range jumper or cleared out so he could attack. His best stretch of basketball. Clippers double him in game one and he struggles. So the Spurs use him as a screener in game 2. He comes back strong in games 3 and 4 while handling the double and sometimes triple team better than I expected. Game 5 was a mix bag, game 6 was a nightmare of rimmed out shots. Game 7 they used him as a screener or parked him the corner in the first half. Finally in the 4th they used him up top as a passer.

Both sides need to figure it out this summer. This isn't about whether he can handle the main option or not. The same issues will be there whether he's the 2nd or 4th option.

It shouldn't be this hard to play to his strengths. How can both sides still not know what to do?
Pop let Kawhi down this season. He really did.

[therealtruth]

The key to being an elite scorer is being able to score in a variety of ways. He's got to get better at drawing fouls and getting to the freethrow line. He's got to keep on his low post game and creating offense from there. Then he's got to be able to consistently drive and draw a foul, get a basket, or create a shot. That will open up his outside game even more. When he scored 32 in game 3, that's who Doc pointed out they couldn't guard. I don't know why the Spurs went away from that.

The point is elite scorers put so much pressure on the defense because they're constantly attacking and creating good things for their team.

[RD2191]

The key to being an elite scorer is being able to score in a variety of ways. He's got to get better at drawing fouls and getting to the freethrow line. He's got to keep on his low post game and creating offense from there. Then he's got to be able to consistently drive and draw a foul, get a basket, or create a shot. That will open up his outside game even more. When he scored 32 in game 3, that's who Doc pointed out they couldn't guard. I don't know why the Spurs went away from that.

The point is elite scorers put so much pressure on the defense because they're constantly attacking and creating good things for their team.
Easier said than done when your PG is taking 20 shots a game.

[therealtruth]

Easier said than done when your PG is taking 20 shots a game.

If Kawhi could go off on Lebron why did we go away from him when he only had Matt Barnes defending him?

[RD2191]

If Kawhi could go off on Lebron why did we go away from him when he only had Matt Barnes defending him?
Ask Pop and Parker.

[hater]

Kawhi is fine he's young and he's a stud.

No he's not a franchise player but he's a legit 2nd banana

We need. 1st banana or were fucked

[kobexxx]

he's only a role player at best, and has reached his potential
a star will demand the ball from the point and make his shot, kawhi cant do that

[wildchild]

Role player...It's so funny.

People still doubt he's an efficient and prolific scorer when he was the main Spur scorer in the last 25 games of the season, averaging since February 27th almost 19 ppg in just 13FGA.

[TXstbobcat]

I still think he is a rising star who will rebound from this stronger and will build on his Defensive POY award.

[weebo]

I must admit I found KL playoff performance a bit disappointing. As the heir apparent to the Big 3, Kawhi was suppose to be the go-to and match Griffin's production. Instead, I saw several instances where he was just not aggressive enough. I know the porker crew wants to lay blame at Parker's feet but at some point Kawhi has to demand the ball and take it strong.

[RD2191]

I must admit I found KL playoff performance a bit disappointing. As the heir apparent to the Big 3, Kawhi was suppose to be the go-to and match Griffin's production. Instead, I saw several instances where he was just not aggressive enough. I know the porker crew wants to lay blame at Parker's feet but at some point Kawhi has to demand the ball and take it strong.
Parker ignored him. it is what it is. Did you want him to punch Porker for the ball?

[weebo]

Parker ignored him. it is what it is. Did you want him to punch Porker for the ball?

STFU already with the Paker shit. We get it you hate Parker (maybe he porked your mom, boyfriend, or sister). Kawhi was beta all series. Taking 15 foot turn around jumpers from the baseline on guys like matt barnes and jamal crawford is weak. No one on the clippers should have been able to contain him, instead he made himself invisible for stretches during the series. It's not like he never touched the ball. He had his chances to take over but instead he shit the bed.

[313]

Parker ignored him. it is what it is. Did you want him to punch Porker for the ball?

He got the ball plenty, and passed it off

[Mikeanaro]

STFU already with the Paker shit. We get it you hate Parker (maybe he porked your mom, boyfriend, or sister). Kawhi was beta all series. Taking 15 foot turn around jumpers from the baseline on guys like matt barnes and jamal crawford is weak. No one on the clippers should have been able to contain him, instead he made himself invisible for stretches during the series. It's not like he never touched the ball. He had his chances to take over but instead he shit the bed.
Thats why he is not a max player, this was supposed to be his breakout season after the FMVP, the Jordan deal, the whole POP WANTS ME TO PLAY LIKE THAT EVERY NIGHT.
Huge disappointment.

[Rob123]

Parker ignored him. it is what it is. Did you want him to punch Porker for the ball?

your schtick is annoying guy. Parker sucked and that definitely hurt the team everyone here gets it.

Parkers sucktitude was not the reason for kawhis struggles though.

I think the problem we are facing as Spurs fans is that we have to adjust to the fact that there's no more ginobili's parkers or duncans. They dont make them like they used to.

American basketball players for the most part are highly talented but mentally weak. Kawhi fits this mold. He's got all the tools you could ask for but I'm not quite sure he's got the mental capacity to claw his way to victory. Foreign guys like Patty and Marco are perfect examples of guys that dont quite have the tools but they fight tooth and nail with what they've got. If Kawhi just had some more of that ginobili heart and fight he would be a beast.

[wildchild]

Aldridge 33 FG% 21.8 ppg 22 FGA 41 mpg

Kawhi 47 FG% 20.3 ppg 15.6 FGA 35.7 mpg

Nobody doubts LA as scorer but people here are saying Kawhi isn't that type of guy when he was more efficient offensively with less attempts and less minutes on the floor...

If a franchise player like Aldridge can play a bad series not sure why people have doubts about Kawhi as all-around player just for 2 bad games in a row.

[james evans]

Leonard had better leave if he wants to have a succesful career, because parker will continue to ignore him and fuck us up in the playoffs as long as popovich allows him to.

[wildbill2u]

Kwahi was 3-13 and 1-4 on 3s through most of the 4th. Finally wound up with 5-13, around 39% and that won't get it if he is the first option. When he isn't shooting well, he tends to disappear like Diaw and I think the lack of confidence hurts his defense as well.

I'd like to see the same fire in his belly as Chris Paul. Paul wouldn't quit or stop fighting even with a hamstring injury. A gutty performance that deserved the win. If Kwahi had shown the same fire, and will to win we could've won against a very good team. At this point in his career he isn't showing signs of being the leader of the team.

[RD2191]

Kwahi was 3-13 and 1-4 on 3s through most of the 4th. Finally wound up with 5-13, around 39% and that won't get it if he is the first option. When he isn't shooting well, he tends to disappear like Diaw and I think the lack of confidence hurts his defense as well.

I'd like to see the same fire in his belly as Chris Paul. Paul wouldn't quit or stop fighting even with a hamstring injury. A gutty performance that deserved the win. If Kwahi had shown the same fire, and will to win we could've won against a very good team. At this point in his career he isn't showing signs of being the leader of the team.
tell us more about what tony parker brings to this team. he can't score, cant't defend, terrible court vision, terrible decision maker.

[RD2191]

lead us kawhi! worst shooter on the team takes 21 shots.:lmao

[TXstbobcat]

tell us more about what tony parker brings to this team. he can't score, cant't defend, terrible court vision, terrible decision maker.

Well porker can break up ex-teammates marriages by fucking their wife and he can open failed night clubs so he has that going for him.

[RD2191]

Well porker can break up ex-teammates marriages by fucking their wife and he can open failed night clubs so he has that going for him.
:lmao

[weebo]

Aldridge 33 FG% 21.8 ppg 22 FGA 41 mpg

Kawhi 47 FG% 20.3 ppg 15.6 FGA 35.7 mpg

Nobody doubts LA as scorer but people here are saying Kawhi isn't that type of guy when he was more efficient offensively with less attempts and less minutes on the floor...

If a franchise player like Aldridge can play a bad series not sure why people have doubts about Kawhi as all-around player just for 2 bad games in a row.

No one is doubting Kawhi's skills. That's the reason he disappointed. He is the heir apparent yet we still have to rely on the Big 3 to win playoff games. This was suppose to be his year and establish himself as the alpha dog on the team and he didn't do it. He was passive a lot of the time when he could have easily taken over on the offensive side of the ball when the Spurs were struggling to score. It's his fourth year in the league/Spurs. He doesn't need to be led by the hand anymore. Do you think guys like Kobe, Harden, and CP3 would allow their team to struggle without taking the offensive load? One thing is for sure: if Kawhi wants to get paid like the man, he needs to step up and be the man when it counts.

[tim_duncan_fan]

We gotta use Kawhi to get Gobert.

PATFO needs to at least ask Utah about it.

[weebo]

tell us more about what tony parker brings to this team. he can't score, cant't defend, terrible court vision, terrible decision maker.

The irony in your post. You bring as much to the table on this board as Parker brings to the basketball court. I guess that makes you the tony porker of spurstalk.

[RD2191]

The irony in your post. You bring as much to the table on this board as Parker brings to the basketball court. I guess that makes you the tony porker of spurstalk.
:wakeup

[wildchild]

No one is doubting Kawhi's skills.
Really? You can read in this thread...

"No, he will never be one, if you cant win with this team or at least be decent you are trash."

"The guy is a choker. The honey-moon is over for this kid, I expect to hear hate for him on this forum for years to come."

"I don't think he'll be ever be an elite scorer"

He carried this team the last 25 games of the season and was an elite scorer in those games and 4 games of the series, but sure, "he'll never be one".


Do you think guys like Kobe, Harden, and CP3 would allow their team to struggle without taking the offensive load?
I've never seen Kobe or Paul begging for the ball, waving their arms like we saw Leonard.

Kawhi was demanding the ball in his comfortable spots -which aren't the 3 point line- combined with clear body language, and still the team preferred to play a pick and roll or whatever.
If you didn't watch those situations I can't help.

[TheGoldStandard]

Kawhi missed a lot of shots and was not aggressive but the design of the offense is not going to help him when the paint is a million times cluttered with bodies. There were several instances when the ball was dumped off to kawhi on the block but Tim or Splitter were right there on the other side of the block allowing that defender to clog the paint. There were times when he was waiting on the wing to catch and slash but someone would take the ball like Diaw pump fake with his defender 10 feet away from him and then drive again clogging the paint.

He does need to improve his game but the Spurs need to do a better job of evolving their offense to go with his skill set. The guy is not going to be a spot up 3 point shooter if he's your "elite star" he needs to be have the freedom and room to drive and attack.

[wildchild]

For the record, Paul missed many games in playoffs, just at 30 years old he finally won a round with the Clips...Kawhi's 23

[RD2191]

Kawhi missed a lot of shots and was not aggressive but the design of the offense is not going to help him when the paint is a million times cluttered with bodies. There were several instances when the ball was dumped off to kawhi on the block but Tim or Splitter were right there on the other side of the block allowing that defender to clog the paint. There were times when he was waiting on the wing to catch and slash but someone would take the ball like Diaw pump fake with his defender 10 feet away from him and then drive again clogging the paint.

He does need to improve his game but the Spurs need to do a better job of evolving their offense to go with his skill set. The guy is not going to be a spot up 3 point shooter if he's your "elite star" he needs to be have the freedom and room to drive and attack.
very well put

[RD2191]

For the record, Paul missed many games in playoffs, just at 30 years old he finally won a round with the Clips...Kawhi's 23
the clips had legacies on the line tbh. it was do or die time for cp3. he loses against the spurs and he would never shake the choker label, tbh. that's why he was so emotional at the end of the game.

[weebo]

Really? You can read in this thread...

"No, he will never be one, if you cant win with this team or at least be decent you are trash."

"The guy is a choker. The honey-moon is over for this kid, I expect to hear hate for him on this forum for years to come."

"I don't think he'll be ever be an elite scorer"

He carried this team the last 25 games of the season and was an elite scorer in those games and 4 games of the series, but sure, "he'll never be one".


I've never seen Kobe or Paul begging for the ball, waving their arms like we saw Leonard.

Kawhi was demanding the ball in his comfortable spots -which aren't the 3 point line- combined with clear body language, and still the team preferred to play a pick and roll or whatever.
If you didn't watch those situations I can't help.

What good is waving for the ball in the post if you're going to take turn around J's from 15 ft out against guys like barnes/crawford, or worst yet kicking the ball back out? When guys like kobe or harden get the ball they do something with it because they know its on them to score or draw fouls not defer to guys like Parker, Green, Diaw, etc.

[weebo]

Kawhi missed a lot of shots and was not aggressive but the design of the offense is not going to help him when the paint is a million times cluttered with bodies. There were several instances when the ball was dumped off to kawhi on the block but Tim or Splitter were right there on the other side of the block allowing that defender to clog the paint. There were times when he was waiting on the wing to catch and slash but someone would take the ball like Diaw pump fake with his defender 10 feet away from him and then drive again clogging the paint.

He does need to improve his game but the Spurs need to do a better job of evolving their offense to go with his skill set. The guy is not going to be a spot up 3 point shooter if he's your "elite star" he needs to be have the freedom and room to drive and attack.

That's the problem right there. The offense doesn't evolve because Kawhi remains too passive. Just look back a few weeks ago when Kawhi was beasting and the Spurs were winning. Kawhi was going balls out and leading the team. I remember reading quotes from guys like Tim, Manu, and Tony saying that it was his team and Kawhi being aggressive makes them the better team.

[TheGoldStandard]

That's the problem right there. The offense doesn't evolve because Kawhi remains too passive. Just look back a few weeks ago when Kawhi was beasting and the Spurs were winning. Kawhi was going balls out and leading the team. I remember reading quotes from guys like Tim, Manu, and Tony saying that it was his team and Kawhi being aggressive makes them the better team.

Pop doesn't care so much during the regular season but if you miss a beat to his "system" he benches you except for TP well because the system is still designed around him getting shots at the top of the key or going into that 2 man game.. The Spurs offense is predicated on ball movement if the first 2 things don't happen... 1) Parker can get a screen and drive or dump it to Tim 2) Parker gets a screen and pulls up for a jump shot..

The offense needs to be revamped with Parker recognizing that there are more options with Kawhi on the floor... Perhaps a 1-3 screen should have been implemented with kawhi rolling to the basket or at least popping out 15 feet to hit a shot but at the same time Tim would have had to been off the court or somewhere out of the way tucked away on the opposite end baseline. Most SF dominated teams don't have a PG that is looking to shoot everytime down the court, they have guys that are perimeter threats that space the floor and can pop a 3 or drive to the basket and dish.

[wildchild]

What good is waving for the ball in the post if you're going to take turn around J's from 15 ft out against guys like barnes/crawford, or worst yet kicking the ball back out?

So his teammates didn't pass him the ball for that? How great they're...they can predict the future and know what Leonard will do.

Only from 15 ft? You say we didn't see in all series successful Kawhi's post turnaround/fadeaway shots...

There is no excuse for not give him the ball when he has a favorable matchup.

[Floyd Pacquiao]

Maybe he wouldn't of regressed if he got the ball when Jamal fucking Crawford was on him in the second half. Instead we got porker dribble dribble dribble dribble 20ft jumper clank..

[RD2191]

Maybe he wouldn't of regressed if he got the ball when Jamal fucking Crawford was on him in the second half. Instead we got porker dribble dribble dribble dribble 20ft jumper clank..
:lol

[Buddy Mignon]

system player. Now that that argument is settled...is he a max player?

Did I not tell you this kid was just a role player?

[TheGreatYacht]

Matrix didn't even try to post up, Barnes got him shook and became the Keith Van Horn to Parker's Iverson

[wildbill2u]

"Most SF dominated teams don't have a PG that is looking to shoot everytime down the court, they have guys that are perimeter threats that space the floor and can pop a 3 or drive to the basket and dish."
What are the SF dominated teams you are talking about? The only one I can think of is Cleveland with LeBron and he is one of a kind that is basically an iso player from out on the perimeter.

You are bringing up an interesting concept with a 1-3 screen. But I'm having a little trouble with it in practice. Making Kwahi a screener on the pnr still allows the opposing bigs to come block the lane since I don't think anyone like Jordan is going to follow Tim as he is "tucked away somewhere out of the way." I'm willing to consider it, but let's discuss the ins and outs.

[TheGreatYacht]

The same short bus that hates how Parker takes shots away for Kawhi, are Westbrook fans. It's their shtick :lol bottom line is Kawhi isn't a first option and never will be

[DarrinS]

The same short bus that hates how Parker takes shots away for Kawhi, are Westbrook fans. It's their shtick :lol bottom line is Kawhi isn't a first option and never will be


So you and hater aren't soulmates anymore?

[TheGoldStandard]

"Most SF dominated teams don't have a PG that is looking to shoot everytime down the court, they have guys that are perimeter threats that space the floor and can pop a 3 or drive to the basket and dish."
What are the SF dominated teams you are talking about? The only one I can think of is Cleveland with LeBron and he is one of a kind that is basically an iso player from out on the perimeter.

You are bringing up an interesting concept with a 1-3 screen. But I'm having a little trouble with it in practice. Making Kwahi a screener on the pnr still allows the opposing bigs to come block the lane since I don't think anyone like Jordan is going to follow Tim as he is "tucked away somewhere out of the way." I'm willing to consider it, but let's discuss the ins and outs.

Paul George, Carmelo, Rudy Gay, Wiggins, Gordon Hayward.. I'm not saying its true for every SF but for ones that are the "1 option for a team" this is true. Parker is not the kind of PG that can create for himself off dribble when it comes to shooting around the perimeter, he needs a screen to create space. Kawhi is also not a terrible passer.. if for some reason the big comes over to block the lane then we get a little hi lo action with the big underneath for a layup or someone cutting to the basket on a backdoor screen set by the big.

[RD2191]

The same short bus that hates how Parker takes shots away for Kawhi, are Westbrook fans. It's their shtick :lol bottom line is Kawhi isn't a first option and never will be
http://footbasket.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/kawhi-leonard-stats-vs-lebron-june-2014.jpg

http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/dam/assets/141025212656-20141025-nba-rising-kawhi-leonard-00002527.1200x672.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CPYEit4.jpg

[dbreiden83080]

He didn't play well at all in games 6 and 7, but obviously he has not regressed. He has gotten better each year..

Just look at his playoff numbers the last 3 years as he's become more of the focal point..

13 to 14 to 20 PPG this year on 52%..

[dbreiden83080]

And as long as he is healthy he will play great next year.. He should make his first all star team and an all NBA team. He might make an all NBA team this year..

[Chomag]

Kawhi missed a lot of shots and was not aggressive but the design of the offense is not going to help him when the paint is a million times cluttered with bodies. There were several instances when the ball was dumped off to kawhi on the block but Tim or Splitter were right there on the other side of the block allowing that defender to clog the paint. There were times when he was waiting on the wing to catch and slash but someone would take the ball like Diaw pump fake with his defender 10 feet away from him and then drive again clogging the paint.

He does need to improve his game but the Spurs need to do a better job of evolving their offense to go with his skill set. The guy is not going to be a spot up 3 point shooter if he's your "elite star" he needs to be have the freedom and room to drive and attack.

QFT

[wildbill2u]

Paul George, Carmelo, Rudy Gay, Wiggins, Gordon Hayward.. I'm not saying its true for every SF but for ones that are the "1 option for a team" this is true. Parker is not the kind of PG that can create for himself off dribble when it comes to shooting around the perimeter, he needs a screen to create space. Kawhi is also not a terrible passer.. if for some reason the big comes over to block the lane then we get a little hi lo action with the big underneath for a layup or someone cutting to the basket on a backdoor screen set by the big.

Those guys pretty much create for themselves out on the perimeter while their teammates just clear out. The Spurs might eventually evolve to that type of one man iso offense, but the ball movement of the championship years would suffer and be lost.

On a 1-3 pnr he wouldn't necessarily be the first option, e.g. the player making the decision on who gets to take the shot, but a screener.
If he got the ball from the pg I'm not sure if his decision to lay off to a big would be natural for him. He's never been a ball-handling playmaker.
Similarly, it remains to be seen if he is a good enough passer and ball handler to run a screen with a big.

[RD2191]

Those guys pretty much create for themselves out on the perimeter while their teammates just clear out. The Spurs might eventually evolve to that type of one man iso offense, but the ball movement of the championship years would suffer and be lost.

On a 1-3 pnr he wouldn't necessarily be the first option, e.g. the player making the decision on who gets to take the shot, but a screener.
If he got the ball from the pg I'm not sure if his decision to lay off to a big would be natural for him. He's never been a ball-handling playmaker.
Similarly, it remains to be seen if he is a good enough passer and ball handler to run a screen with a big.
I'm convinced you haven't watched any games this season.

[TheGoldStandard]

Those guys pretty much create for themselves out on the perimeter while their teammates just clear out. The Spurs might eventually evolve to that type of one man iso offense, but the ball movement of the championship years would suffer and be lost.

On a 1-3 pnr he wouldn't necessarily be the first option, e.g. the player making the decision on who gets to take the shot, but a screener.
If he got the ball from the pg I'm not sure if his decision to lay off to a big would be natural for him. He's never been a ball-handling playmaker.
Similarly, it remains to be seen if he is a good enough passer and ball handler to run a screen with a big.

The problem is the ball movement was not there this series at all.. Too many times Tony would dribble dribble, wait for the screen and DeAndre would be right there waiting for him causing him to reset and waste more time. There was not attack and kick and when it did happen it was usually on the weak side to Tim who was in a bad spot forcing himself to take a shot late in the shot clock. This was not always the case but it happened way too often. If Kawhi is the future then the Spurs need to make it there mission to transition there team concept to him getting looks through ball movement. I'm not necessarily saying ISO him because we did see that this season at the top of the key a lot and he was lost, a lot due to the fact that there was a log jam in the middle of our bigs camping out and Parker sitting on the wing and nobody feeling really threatened by this.

To be brutally honest Parker would need to dump the ball off initially because the way he looks and the way he's regressed his speed isn't there enough to beat a SF off dribble and his jump shot is broken. Kawhi getting the ball on the switch with a PG or at least a big allows for 2 things; 1) He can bully the smaller guard into a better shot or 2) he can draw the defender and catch Tim or PF/C in the game under the basket or kick it to the wing player in the corner or whoever is coming off the corner coming baseline..

[therealtruth]

Kawhi missed a lot of shots and was not aggressive but the design of the offense is not going to help him when the paint is a million times cluttered with bodies. There were several instances when the ball was dumped off to kawhi on the block but Tim or Splitter were right there on the other side of the block allowing that defender to clog the paint. There were times when he was waiting on the wing to catch and slash but someone would take the ball like Diaw pump fake with his defender 10 feet away from him and then drive again clogging the paint.

He does need to improve his game but the Spurs need to do a better job of evolving their offense to go with his skill set. The guy is not going to be a spot up 3 point shooter if he's your "elite star" he needs to be have the freedom and room to drive and attack.

All the greats are going to score on single coverage, force you to foul, or get a shot for a teammate. That's the next evolution he needs in his game. Showed flashes of it in game 3. The other team shouldn't be able to get away with single coverage on him.

[TheGoldStandard]

All the greats are going to score on single coverage, force you to foul, or get a shot for a teammate. That's the next evolution he needs in his game. Showed flashes of it in game 3. The other team shouldn't be able to get away with single coverage on him.

Most of the greats were not surrounded by other great players that impeded there progress.. It's not an excuse but it's not as if they're asking kawhi to carry the team, there are other players that contribute equally throughout the season, kinda hard to say, "here you go, make it happen while we continue to play the same way we have all year" His game will evolve with more touches and more adversity. Usually great players have to be in shitty situations with a lot of looks to get the confidence and the reps in game situations to be clutch.

[wildchild]

Paul George, Carmelo, Rudy Gay, Wiggins, Gordon Hayward.. I'm not saying its true for every SF but for ones that are the "1 option for a team" this is true.
Sadly, that's the problem with Kawhi playing under the Spurs offensive system.
It isn't designed to have a SF as primary option, and Pop doesn't seem willing to make that type of change to add a significant piece like Leonard when this team is still too reliant on Parker's game.
And not sure if Parker is willing to take that new role, despite his own words we saw another thing on the court.


Parker is not the kind of PG that can create for himself off dribble when it comes to shooting around the perimeter, he needs a screen to create space. Kawhi is also not a terrible passer.. if for some reason the big comes over to block the lane then we get a little hi lo action with the big underneath for a layup or someone cutting to the basket on a backdoor screen set by the big.

I'd like to see these two-man plays involving both, at least just to build some chemistry between them on the offensive end.

They aren't the most compatible offensive duo and maybe they will never be, but it could be nice if Pop tries something before giving up.

[therealtruth]

Now I think about it Kawhi should have probably defended CP3 on that last play. He has enough length to block or bother that shot. I remember he defended Paul on a similar end of game play in '12 and got the block.

[HEBsteaks]

Kawhi can be a superstar. Straight up unstoppable. As some said, Galactus, devourer of worlds!

There are a few issues. The Spurs system is perfect, IF the ball is moved and is shared appropriately. Right now, its not.

Another is his passiveness. Its the same with Cojo. They both can score, but more importantly, move the ball and create for others. They may not be able to set up plays like Manu, but they can create open shots by sucking in defenders. The passiveness comes in when they arent in control of the offense or when they arent getting involved. At this point, they both just turn into role players sitting a corner, which is their weakness, not strength.

The other I think is personality: This team has great TEAM PLAYERS. Both Kawhi and Cojo feel like they dont have the authority to control the offense or be aggressive. They will hustle and make plays, but when it comes down to it, they have to defer to team ball. If they start doing bad, they dont want to bring the team down and start disappearing.

Cojo with starters = Passive / Cojo with 2nd unit = Perfect balance / Cojo with scrubs = Feels like he needs to bring out the hero ball(which may be acceptable, they can stink it up LOL)

I think in the end, this all on POP. Almost NONE of these Spurs players are going to step on the shoes of the big 3/POP or do anything that will hurt the team. Everyone out there should be able to make a play, not just TP and Manu. POP needs to tell them that they have the right to be in control of the system and make something happen. If they mess up then you live with it. Its better to go 100% and have a bad night, than to become passive and not be involved.

Or maybe not LOL. Kawhi has added a LOT this year. He will only get better. We saw some flashes of Manu like passes. All he has to work on is his mentality. Oh and POP needs to give him the keys. Do or Die with Kawhi.