Trust and Confidence in Teammates

[Kori Ellis]

I don't know if you all listened to the postgame comments, but Manu touched on something and then PJ explained more what he meant.

Manu said in recent games they had been having problems "trusting" each other on the court and that led to lack of ball movement (among other things) and thus bad basketball. When asked about it PJ explained, that in recent games Manu and Tony (and others) were having a lack of trust or confidence that their teammates were going to come thru.

For example, if Manu or Tony were driving to the rack and they were dished to an open shooter who missed and then this repeatedly happened. Then next time they were in the lane, they would think twice about making the extra pass and maybe instead force an ill-advised shot or maybe get the turnover.

Same on defense. If Bruce kept funneling his man to the bigs, and the bigs didn't rotate or some other breakdown in defense, then that also led to problems.

PJ said something to the effect that maybe trust isn't the right word but perhaps lack of confidence in their teammates and that led the astray from team basketball.

Anyway, I thought the whole thing was rather interesting and you could understand (maybe?) how Tony/Manu ended up combining for 11 turnovers in the Laker game after a compilation of games or plays, leading to feeling like they had to do it on their own.

I guess they all had a talk about it and are trying to get all the confidence/trust back in each other and the whole team concept. It really proves that the Spurs system is a team system and really doesn't work if the parts of the machine get off track.

Anyway .. that's all I got.

The interviews are probably on spurs.com if you want to hear pieces of what I mean.

[ashbeeigh]

Perhaps if it's a "trust" kind of thing the roadtrip will help them out with that?

[Das Texan]

Well there is great truth to these statements.


The bigs have missed rotation after rotation defensively.

The shooters dont make their shots.

Puts more pressure on the stars, making them feel like they have to do it all. In this system known as Spurs Basketball, it doesnt work that way.

Sean made an interesting comment that Elson said he learned a lot from just watching things while out. Similar to what Bruce said in his first year. Hopefully it has paid off and he will be more apt to make those rotations. Like it or not, he is our best option when it comes to playing with two actual bigs. Hopefully we see an improved play defensively, and we find a way to make shots.

[remingtonbo2001]

DUH? Wasn't the roadtrip considered the "starting line", a moment for our team to gel and really gather focus. For some reason or another, this moment has changed, cause everyone seems to think the team should already be set and "rotated". I will say this, if we win the first three games of the roadtrip, the bandwagon will be quick to return. I understand one is a back to back, the latter oppenent being Pheonix. If the Spurs can't get up for that, then I might be a little concerned.

[remingtonbo2001]

I always view the roadtrip as a kinda "trust and leadership" conference. You know the kind that companies attend to boost employee productivity. You know....the kind where a person is asked to fall into the arms of their peers, blindfolded...or something.
I could see Beno dropping Finley on his ass...:lol

[Das Texan]

I'd like to see Beno get cut.

[SequSpur]

I know the fans don't trust this team anymore either....

[spurschick]

I know the fans don't trust this team anymore either....

Speak for yourself... I still believe.

[angel_luv]

Speak for yourself... I still believe.


Me too. :)

I guess Sequ just took a short survey. :lol

[ploto]

Manu said in recent games they had been having problems "trusting" each other on the court and that led to lack of ball movement (among other things) and thus bad basketball...

Same on defense. If Bruce kept funneling his man to the bigs, and the bigs didn't rotate or some other breakdown in defense, then that also led to problems.

Sorry- I just could not resist. One year ago to the day.


01/19/2006

"Nobody is ever going to say, 'Oh, look at what Rasho is doing,'" said Manu Ginobili, as popular as any Spur, even on a night when he missed nine of 14 shots. "But there are reasons why he is starting and playing so many minutes and doing good. The team trusts him. We know that he is most of the time in the right spot at the right time, so we can trust him and rely on him."

LINK (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA011906.8C.BKNspurs.nesterovic.180b21fa.html)

[Cherry]

I know the fans don't trust this team anymore either....

Speak (cry) for yourself.

[angel_luv]

Careful Ploto. Sho is going to get you when he finds out what a hard time you are giving his friends.
:lol

Spurs are working it out.

I think Ginos summary of the Spurs' issue is very insightful .
I have been calling for more ball movement but it never occurred to me that lack of trust was what was hindering it from happening.

The great thing about Gino having indentified the problem is that then you can find a resolution to it.
I think that, as opposed to calling people out, was his intention.

[TwoHandJam]

I'd like to see Beno get cut.
Time to change your avatar...

[ploto]

I think it is apparent that too many players are trying to do things all by themselves, but the valid concern is that it is happening with the guys who have been together already. It isn't like its been about Elson and Bonner- they have been hurt-- or Williams or Butler- who are glued to the bench. The guys playing ALL the minutes were here last year-- Tim, Tony, Manu, Bruce, Horry, Oberto, Finley, Barry, Beno.

[Cherry]

The great thing about Gino having indentified the problem is that then you can find a resolution to it.
I think that, as opposed to calling people out, was his intention.

:tu

[wildbill2u]

When shooters (unnamed) are in a slump and you not only can't trust their shooting but you can't trust that they'll quit shooting and give team basketball a chance, then you hesitate to give the ball to them.

Shooters Bible says: You shoot your way out of a slump. Take more shots, not fewer.

[Cherry]

Love = Support = No trust? :dizzy

Support your team, no matter what. = Love :flag:

[Cherry]

Trust and support are not one in the same.


Maybe.

But what kind of fans we are? win or lose, we have to support our team.

[ducks]

the players need to have a players only meeting
DUNCAN needs to call one

[Kori Ellis]

The great thing about Gino having indentified the problem is that then you can find a resolution to it.
I think that, as opposed to calling people out, was his intention.

Well he didn't exactly identify the problem himself :lol It's just something that they have been talking together about as a team.

[Kori Ellis]

Beno should call it

If he did, it would probably be at a nightclub :toast

[spurschick]

If he did, it would probably be at a nightclub :toast


:lol That might not be such a bad idea.

[GrandeDavid]

I think the team is thin on the bench and getting out-athleticized and out-gamed, if you will.

[ducks]

I think the big three need to call a meeting
and manu and tp need to say they trust everyone and start fresh...