D. West is also an insurance if LMA softens up at the wrong time

[spursistan]

There might come a moment ( I hope not) deep in a playoff series where Lamarcus and his finesse game melt under the pressure-packed late rounds of playoffs Basketball, say, getting bullied by Zbo or flustered by Draymond Green.

Let's face it, Aldridge has only one PO series win under his belt in 9 seasons in the league, and one is probably not as confident in him getting his 23pts/10reb in a crucial Conference/Finals Game 6/7 as in even a 40yo Duncan putting up a 17pts/12reb/5a/3blk line..Someone like D. West is a guy you can count to go to war with and may come in handy in those instances, IMO..I think PATFO agonizingly watched Splitter and Bayness disappearance acts in the Clippers series and acted accordingly.

[dabom]

Playing on a shit team does not make you a liability. DWest is another rotation big more than an insurance.

[RD2191]

I agree, OP. Great thoughts.

[dbreiden83080]

I am not at all worried about LA as long as he is healthy. He has pop and Tim Duncan to motivate and mentor him. He has a golden opportunity to win a championship. He is going to play great..

[therealtruth]

Splitter was injured and started playing better towards the end of the series.

[lefty]

TEAM LEADER David West!

[spursistan]

Playing on a shit team does not make you a liability. DWest is another rotation big more than an insurance.

I'm not yet sold on LMA carrying us in the POs..The more options the better, and i'm confident D West won't be the total disgraceful non-factors our bigs were in the Clippers series last year especially Splitter/Bayness..He's declined significantly, but can still chip in in the pressure cooker of playoffs..

[ECOV]

haven't seen this dude play in a long time, does he still got it in him?

[Leetonidas]

In 34 playoff games LMA has averaged about 22/9 and almost a 2 blocks a game. I think he'll be fine tbh

[InRareForm]

Surrounding Spurs players is a bigger insurance tbh...

[spurs1981]

West gives us a big guy that can rebound other than Duncan. His gritty style of play is what our defense needs around the basket.

[Spurtacular]

Aldridge 30 and in his prime.
West 34 and not in his prime.

That said, West may play better at spells.

[Leetonidas]

In 2014 West averaged 14/6.8/2.8 and a hair shy of a block and a steal a game @ 48.8 FG% while in 2015 he averaged 11.7/6.8/3.4 and .7 blocks/steal a game @ 47.1 FG%. I didn't realize he was still pretty effective and that it looks like he can pass pretty well too. He has a lot of game left

[TheGreatYacht]

In 34 playoff games LMA has averaged about 22/9 and almost a 2 blocks a game. I think he'll be fine tbh
Lmao this. This ain't Blake Griffin we're talking about.. LMA got double teamed last year and the others didn't step up, that won't happen here.

Spursfan always finding something to be worried about :lol

[spursistan]

As for LMA, one thing I'm confident of is him shitting all over the rockets should we meet them in POs :lol

[HarlemHeat37]

Eh, Spurs don't need anybody to carry them, tbh..they just won a title 13 months ago without a conventional star player..

Aldridge won't have to carry any type of load that he did in Portland..

[spursistan]

Eh, Spurs don't need anybody to carry them, tbh..they just won a title 13 months ago without a conventional star player..

Aldridge won't have to carry any type of load that he did in Portland..

And that is not the norm, is it? With Tony massive decline; Kawhi uneasiness to establish himself ,or actual unsuitability, as 1st scoring option, and the fact that you can't rely on shooting at a historical rate from 3, we really need secure scoring source this time around...so we are probably going to need LMA 20 ppg in PO as sure nobody should be expecting Timmy to put 27/11 at age 40 like in the Clippers series..

[HarlemHeat37]

And that is not the norm, is it? With Tony massive decline; Kawhi uneasiness to establish himself ,or actual unsuitability, as 1st scoring option, and the fact that you can't rely on shooting at a historical rate from 3, we really need secure scoring source this time around...so we are probably going to need LMA 20 ppg in PO as sure nobody should be expecting Timmy to put 27/11 at age 40 like in the Clippers series..

Oh, I agree, but I'm saying the burden on Aldridge won't be anything close to what it was in Portland..he's in his prime, he won't have any problems scoring 20+ in the playoffs without breaking a sweat, but it's nice knowing he is on a loaded team that understands how to exploit matchups and play to their strengths depending on the specific opponent..

In Portland, in a gimmick system with only 1 other semi-reliable player(Lillard), he had to score 30+ in the playoffs just to compete..he's a top 15-20 player in the league, but not a superstar..

[Dancelot]

As for LMA, one thing I'm confident of is him shitting all over the rockets should we meet them in POs :lol
This :lol

[spursistan]

welp..I figured this to be something..

[testies]

Tiago+Baynes >>> West (Aka NO RIM PROTECTION) and LMA soft as poo

[spursistan]

Tiago+Baynes >>> West (Aka NO RIM PROTECTION) and LMA soft as poo
meh..not like Splitter haven't shriveled his way to the bench before.

[cjw]

This is a matchup where it would have been perfect to pair West with Duncan to add some rim protection, and Diaw with Aldridge.

[HarlemHeat37]

West is a great 4th big man, tbh..if you play him too much vs. opposing starters, his defense becomes a liability, though..

But ya, at least he showed up on offense, tonight..

[james evans]

Tiago+Baynes >>> West (Aka NO RIM PROTECTION) and LMA soft as poo
Like in the first round last year?

[apalisoc_9]

Good call op. West showed on offense tonight. He was tough.