Poeltl Interview: "Perhaps we don't have the personal for playing good defense constantly"

[ragas]

Poeltl was interviewed by a German online-outlet:
https://www.spox.com/de/sport/ussport/nba/1912/Artikel/jakob-poeltl-von-den-san-antonio-spurs-im-interview-dann-hat-pop-mal-seine-anfaelle-itw.html

Harden dunk
...He doesn't believe that it had so much influence on how the game ended. There were several plays you could have checked...

losing-streak
...If some players are out of form and you lose a few games in a row, it's not easy to flip the switch. Although they played good for stretches, they had negative runs that they couldn't overcome. Against Houston it was the first time we could come back and win. They hope to continue to play better more constantly...

Spurs defense
...It's a mentality thing. Perhaps they don't have the personal to be really good on defense. But it's also effort. If you give up, there is no intensity and then you lose by 20. The coaches are searching for a solution...

Midrange-game of LMA & DDR
...It would be better to shoot more threes. But they probably don't have the personal. LMA & DDR are really good in the midrange. It's simply not possible to change their style of play at this stage of their career. The Raptors wanted Demar to shoot more threes, the Spurs not so much. The focus of the Spurs is on passing and let the players do their thing...

His shooting
...He works a lot with Chip on his shot, primarily the basics. He changed his shot completely over the summer and it's not easy during the season to put everything new into practice. There are good runs, but also bad runs. He wants to extend his range in the next years. But he would also be good with it if he won't be a three-point-specialist in 3 years. He knows he has value for a team with his other skills. But it would be a nice addition for sure...

bench vs starting lineup
...He feels more comfortable with the bench, because they play faster, the ball moves more and he's more involved in the pick/roll action. In the starting lineup they have more iso-players and it's harder for him to find his rhythm, but there's also a place for him with the starters, although he has to play more passive...

about his season
...He knows that he had a slow start, but played better and better. Unfortunately he got better when the team as a whole had a breakdown. He wanted to play more aggressive this season and feels like he's on a good way...

Tim Duncan
...Duncan is in good shape and it's a honour to work with him. He plays 1on1 against him before the games and if you make a mistake you're done against Timmy.

Win vs Clippers & Kawhi
...It's nothing special for Poeltl to win against Kawhi because he wasn't the main piece in the trade. But he knew about the importance of the game for the fans and in principle it's easier for them to find the focus against better teams....

Raptors championship
...It was a strange feeling for sure to not be part of it after playing for them the year before. But he's happy for his friends Siakam, Van Fleet, Powell

Pascal Siakam
...Nobody could have foreseen this development - except Pascal ;-) He's in contact with him on a regular basis.

Contract extension
...There were talks in the summer. The Spurs want him to stay, he wants to to stay, but they couldn't agree on the terms so far. That's part of the business.

Spurs future
...It's possible that it's Pops last season and the Spurs change their direction - with a new coach & new players. That's something he has to consider when talking about a new contract. But it's all open at the moment. They're positive and hope to turn things around.

Popovich
...He's grumpy with the media, otherwise he's a funny and friendly guy - except if they play like s***

Social Media
...He doesn't use twitter and doesn't give a shit about social media posts.

[MoSpur02]

Ball movement is definitely a lot better with the second unit versus the starting lineup.

[Sugus]

Spurs future
...It's possible that it's Pops last season and the Spurs change their direction - with a new coach & new players. That's something he has to consider when talking about a new contract. But it's all open at the moment. They're positive and hope to turn things around.


This was the most important part, to me. Beyond board speculation, isn't this the first time we hear from a player/Spurs member that this might actually be Pop's last year? Every previous piece about Pop I've read indicated he'd signed a 3y deal that he intended on honoring. Maybe better times are on the horizon indeed. Also props to Jak for working on his game, he's been one of the more consistent Spurs as of lately.

[Mugen]

Lot of good digs there at Pop. Derozan, and LMA. Jakob easily becoming one of my fav Spurs on this miserable team :lol

Too bad they're going to let him walk this summer.

[K...]

Win vs Clippers & Kawhi
...It's nothing special ....e it's easier for them to find the focus against better teams.....

This is pretty key. Are LMA, DeroZan, and Gay bored or they just suck? A few good games doesn't tell us much. Last year they peaked trying to get into the playoffs. Maybe we get a repeat?

[MultiTroll]

What a breath of fresh air.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Damn... that's a great interview. Intelligent answers for everything, and not just sound bites.

"Perhaps they don't have the personal to be really good on defense. But it's also effort. If you give up, there is no intensity and then you lose by 20. The coaches are searching for a solution."

They don't have the personnel to be good on defense. But Poeltl is also right that there is a lack of effort a lot of the time. Players giving up. If the coaches can't find a solution, maybe they really have given up on Pop.


"In the starting lineup they have more iso-players and it's harder for him to find his rhythm, but there's also a place for him with the starters, although he has to play more passive."

Loads of truth there. Iso-ball is not fun to watch. I imagine it would not be very much fun to play in, if you're not one of the featured players. And there is the problem with not having a clear PG, and using DDR to facilitate the offense so much.

He's talking about weighing a possible coaching and player shakeup in his decision to stay here. Tell me the reason the Spurs don't seem to be making any moves isn't that they are just let attrition take care of it, and let the new coach build from scratch.

[phxspurfan]

Mediocre players speaking their mediocre player thoughts

[Sugus]

Interesting tidbit: Jakob Poeltl is currently the 11th ranked top defensive player in the league according to 538's RAPTOR defensive metric; fourth center on the list. Obviously ratings can change as the season progresses but he's got a lot of potential and if he could add a shot to his game, as he says, he'd be a tremendous asset. Reallt hope the Spurs and him can reach a deal - especially if it means change in the FO/organization to get it done...

[Shakril]

Mediocre players speaking their mediocre player thoughts

Yeah, that mediocore player is just the best defender this team. But why bother with listening, when you can trash too. *smh*

[ZeusWillJudge]

Mediocre players speaking their mediocre player thoughts


Most don't know it but the word "irony" is Greek in origin. I invented it, just to amuse myself. So I'm a big fan.

The irony of you talking about "mediocre thoughts" is one of my favorites. There's no Spurs game tonight, so I really appreciate the laugh.

[TD 21]

Pfft, who needs personnel when you've got Pop's magical "system"?

[slick'81]

Poodle speaks the truth

[TimDunkem]

Yeah, that mediocore player is just the best defender this team. But why bother with listening, when you can trash too. *smh*

Do you have an alert that tells you to put on your white suit of armor on everytime someone says anything that's not positive about Poeltl?

[hater]

its personnel ya polish fool

but you are also 100% right

[Nivek_ogre]

Foreign players don't usually bullshit too much. Not the usual clichéd sports talk. Always appreciated the way Tony Parker gave honest answers.

[SpurPadre]

Foreign players don't usually bullshit too much. Not the usual clichéd sports talk. Always appreciated the way Tony Parker gave honest answers.

Don't forget about Manu, who was just as honest or moreso.

[SAGirl]

Good deal. Thanks for posting this. Does he give an insight that it’s Pops last season and last season with this particular crew? Bc that is what it seems like to me. What a candid interview. Not since Manu have I read of any of these interviews that’s not just giving a sound bite or something cliche.

[spurspl]

Pfft, who needs personnel when you've got Pop's magical "system"?

who needs high draft picks when u have so great trade specialist

[SAGirl]

Damn... that's a great interview. Intelligent answers for everything, and not just sound bites.

"Perhaps they don't have the personal to be really good on defense. But it's also effort. If you give up, there is no intensity and then you lose by 20. The coaches are searching for a solution."

They don't have the personnel to be good on defense. But Poeltl is also right that there is a lack of effort a lot of the time. Players giving up. If the coaches can't find a solution, maybe they really have given up on Pop.


"In the starting lineup they have more iso-players and it's harder for him to find his rhythm, but there's also a place for him with the starters, although he has to play more passive."

Loads of truth there. Iso-ball is not fun to watch. I imagine it would not be very much fun to play in, if you're not one of the featured players. And there is the problem with not having a clear PG, and using DDR to facilitate the offense so much.

He's talking about weighing a possible coaching and player shakeup in his decision to stay here. Tell me the reason the Spurs don't seem to be making any moves isn't that they are just let attrition take care of it, and let the new coach build from scratch.

It seems like attrition and letting things sort themselves out

[offset formation]

It is disconcerting a bit that the players might recognize that others are a liability to the point that playing consistently good defense is a pipedream.

And I have a feeling he's pointing the finger at a starter or two??

Demar and Bryn come to mind.

[ragas]

Do you have an alert that tells you to put on your white suit of armor on everytime someone says anything that's not positive about Poeltl?

you don‘t have to be positive, but don‘t be an idiot. It‘s that easy.

[John B]

I like Poeltl. He’s no nonsense, tough nose who just wants to work and get better. Funny with the reference on the social media. I think the team had an earful, especially DJ, Demar, Mills for distractions and not having focus. I really hoped the team have turned it around.

[Shakril]

Do you have an alert that tells you to put on your white suit of armor on everytime someone says anything that's not positive about Poeltl?

No, but when ignorant people like you spew nonsense i kind of feel triggered to put you in your place. Maybe less trashing and actually watch the games might help to see the truth.

[Dejounte]

Poetl is a keeper.

[Prime BEEF]

Poetl is a keeper.
Who is a keeper on this team?

It is an awful team with selfish iso players and underperforming young players. I get that under a good coach maybe the young kids would play better but still they are underperforming.

Maybe keep White, Walker, Poeltl. Trade all others before their value drops even more after another bad season next year.

[Sugus]

Who is a keeper on this team?

It is an awful team with selfish iso players and underperforming young players. I get that under a good coach maybe the young kids would play better but still they are underperforming.

Maybe keep White, Walker, Poeltl. Trade all others before their value drops even more after another bad season next year.

The only heavy ISO players are the team's stars, which should definitely be shipped out ASAP, but other than that there's other valuable pieces on the Spurs. The thing about playing with not one, but two mainly iso players is that their demand for the ball really affects teammates' performance (unless they're so good at scoring, like Harden, or so good at scoring+distribution that they offset their ball dominance). I want to see a full season of the young core without this vet dead weight before we can impart true judgment of their players - hopefully we can see that sooner rather than later.

[Mugen]

They are gonna let Jak walk and pay that POS Bryn sadly.

[Uriel]

...It's possible that it's Pops last season and the Spurs change their direction - with a new coach & new players.
:wow

[tmtcsc]

Poeltl was interviewed by a German online-outlet:

Spurs defense:

...It's a mentality thing. Perhaps they don't have the personal to be really good on defense. But it's also effort. If you give up, there is no intensity and then you lose by 20. The coaches are searching for a solution...


Smarter than he looks.

[Prime BEEF]

The only heavy ISO players are the team's stars, which should definitely be shipped out ASAP, but other than that there's other valuable pieces on the Spurs. The thing about playing with not one, but two mainly iso players is that their demand for the ball really affects teammates' performance (unless they're so good at scoring, like Harden, or so good at scoring+distribution that they offset their ball dominance). I want to see a full season of the young core without this vet dead weight before we can impart true judgment of their players - hopefully we can see that sooner rather than later.
Good points. I agree. But I’d also add Pop. Need to see these players play a season without DDR, LMA AND pop in order to truly get a good feel for their potential.

[TimmyBuckets]

:bobo

[Kobe'sAchilles]

Does anyone know if the second year on Gay's contract is guaranteed? Bc I hope it isn't

[Phenomanul]

Poeltl was interviewed by a German online-outlet:
https://www.spox.com/de/sport/ussport/nba/1912/Artikel/jakob-poeltl-von-den-san-antonio-spurs-im-interview-dann-hat-pop-mal-seine-anfaelle-itw.html

Tim Duncan
...Duncan is in good shape and it's a honour to work with him. He plays 1on1 against him before the games and if you make a mistake you're done against Timmy.



Everyone else has already commented about many of the points that stood out. To me however, I've often wondered if Aldridge's and then Poeltl's increase in defensive efficiency/awareness has been due to Duncan's mentoring. Duncan is a gold mine of defensive knowledge, situational awareness and defensive acumen that some of his 'lessons' are bound to stick with his underlings. A whole article exploring the dynamics of that knowledge transfer could likely be written.

[JeffDuncan]

Does anyone know if the second year on Gay's contract is guaranteed? Bc I hope it isn't

Spotrac says that $28 million of the two-year grand total of $32 million is guaranteed. So basically, yes, it's guaranteed.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs/rudy-gay-2534/

[Kobe'sAchilles]

Spotrac says that $28 million of the two-year grand total of $32 million is guaranteed. So basically, yes, it's guaranteed.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/san-antonio-spurs/rudy-gay-2534/
I really hope we just stay patient and not make any moves if they don't involve a draft pick. We got 1 more year of Patty, Gay, and LMA, and DDR on the books. Makes no sense to take on a long term contract (like Gordon) when we can reshift the look of the entire team with cap space and cheap draft picks in the near future.

[ducks]

Poetl is a keeper.

At the right price imo
His recent block party is costing a lot for spurs

[TimDunkem]

No, but when ignorant people like you spew nonsense i kind of feel triggered to put you in your place. Maybe less trashing and actually watch the games might help to see the truth.

There are numerous players on this roster I have a problem with before Poeltl. Is he your husband or something? You obviously have a thing for the man. You're Poeltl's SAGirl. :lol

[Collins21]

There are numerous players on this roster I have a problem with before Poeltl. Is he your husband or something? You obviously have a thing for the man. You're Poeltl's SAGirl. :lol

Nah his thing is that you say stupid shit without actually knowing what the fuck you're talking about except on this you're correct. Poeltl's is getting sucked off on here a lot for a guy with no offensive game. I thin fans need calm down on the hype.

[Sugus]

Good points. I agree. But I’d also add Pop. Need to see these players play a season without DDR, LMA AND pop in order to truly get a good feel for their potential.

Definitely. Pop's coaching has been a huge reason the team is underperforming and the locker room is in danger. You just can't trot out the same shit rotations over a 7 game losing streak... And so many other things. But the roster shaping is the most irking - DD and LMA, two extremely slow-ISO heavy stars, are literally the worst fit for a guy like DJ who excels at run-and-gun, spread out offense where he can initiate transition O and have working space in the paint. If we can get rid of both our stars, I'd like to see all the young guys figure it out next season - if they truly lack the talent, we will just tank naturally, but I don't think it's fair to judge them when both DJM and White's main job right now is mostly bringing the ball up the court and dumping it for an inneficient ISO.