SenorSpur
11-25-2006, 11:47 AM
I know there is another thread in here that criticizes Pop for his questionable coaching strategy versus the Mavs. Allow me to jump onto that bandwagon too. That's not to say the players are without blame here too - but I digress. The one lineup question I cannot seem to figure out is why the HELL he couldn't find more minutes for Elson? :bang
We all saw how he was able to guard Dirk was some reasonable level of success during the first game. His quick feet allowed him to stay in front of Dirk and his length forced Dirk to take some off-balance shots. In addition to him scoring 12 points of his own, supplying key rebounding and energy - especially in transition. I thought that was the reason the Spurs signed him in the first place - to provide those critical intangibles and give the coaching staff more versatility with various matchups. Because he is the second fastest Spur, he certainly gives them an opportunity for some easy baskets.
Now I'm not saying Elson is the key to a Spurs victory or that Pop should have played Elson in lieu of Oberto (who was fabulous in his own right). What I am saying is Elson has already proven that he can be a key contributor if he gets the minutes. After all, he did have a decent showing for the short time he was on the court on Friday night.
What makes this situation even worse is the way Horry is "sucking ass" so far this year. :dizzy With that in mind, I just don't understand Pop giving Horry so many minutes and not giving Elson more court time.
We all saw how he was able to guard Dirk was some reasonable level of success during the first game. His quick feet allowed him to stay in front of Dirk and his length forced Dirk to take some off-balance shots. In addition to him scoring 12 points of his own, supplying key rebounding and energy - especially in transition. I thought that was the reason the Spurs signed him in the first place - to provide those critical intangibles and give the coaching staff more versatility with various matchups. Because he is the second fastest Spur, he certainly gives them an opportunity for some easy baskets.
Now I'm not saying Elson is the key to a Spurs victory or that Pop should have played Elson in lieu of Oberto (who was fabulous in his own right). What I am saying is Elson has already proven that he can be a key contributor if he gets the minutes. After all, he did have a decent showing for the short time he was on the court on Friday night.
What makes this situation even worse is the way Horry is "sucking ass" so far this year. :dizzy With that in mind, I just don't understand Pop giving Horry so many minutes and not giving Elson more court time.