Spurs Brazil
10-27-2007, 09:40 PM
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA102807.03M.BKNspurs.scouting.283b6e6.html
Spurs Scouting Report
Web Posted: 10/27/2007 05:18 PM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
Express-News staff writer Mike Monroe talked to one NBA scout to get his thoughts on the Spurs:
Tony Parker
Probably one of best in the league, at any position, at scoring in the paint. Does as good a job as anyone in league at penetrating and actually finishing on floaters and can also hit pull-up jumpers in the paint. He's also turned into a very heady point man, and his shot just gets better and better. We think he's just an average defender, but their (defensive) system helps him.
* * *
Manu Ginobili
Simply one of most difficult guys in the league to defend. That's because of his herky-jerky style. Always comes back to his left. Even if you force him right, he takes one or two dribbles to his right and crosses back because teams over-commit, so he can still beat you with his left hand. One of the grittiest, most effective drivers and gets to line. An incredibly difficult guy to guard because he ducks his head and shoulder and creates contact and has enough respect to get a lot of whistles.
* * *
Fabricio Oberto
Just a prototypical team player. Doesn't need the ball. A willing screen-setter. Might be an undervalued defensive player, not because he makes spectacular defensive plays, but he gets to the right position on help defense and on weak-side help. Lacks athleticism and flair, so he is undervalued. Great role player, and when you least expect it, can knock down 8- or 10-footer.
* * *
Bruce Bowen
Always draws the toughest defensive assignment every night and accepts it with honor and pride. We're still waiting for him to lose a half step. Loves the corner three, and it's the only shot you have to honor, because he's not going to put it on the floor or shoot from the wing or elbow. A great teammate.
* * *
Tim Duncan
Spurs offense now starts with Tony (Parker), but that is because Duncan allows it because he has so little ego that he sees the evolution of their team and understands that TP's development allows him more freedom. With teams now stopping the ball when Parker has it, Tim is even more effective and efficient in the post. Unselfish, smart, one of the best face-up, back-to-basket bigs in league history. So solid and steady and dependable, you just have to hope he keeps missing free throws. Oh, yeah, he's also a defensive force inside.
* * *
Bench
(Michael) Finley is an aging 2-3, but he's still able to knock down perimeter shots and one- and two-dribble jumpers, so you still have to honor his shot. ... Brent Barry had a great preseason and seems more confident in his shot than I've seen in a long time. Seems to be playing without a care, which is unusual and scary; a defensive liability. ... Francisco (Elson) is probably one of best running big men in all of the NBA; runs like a guard; consistent minutes will help his confidence. ... Jacque Vaughn is solid and steady and doesn't make many mistakes, but you still want him to shoot. ... (Ime) Udoka was a good pickup for them.
Spurs Scouting Report
Web Posted: 10/27/2007 05:18 PM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
Express-News staff writer Mike Monroe talked to one NBA scout to get his thoughts on the Spurs:
Tony Parker
Probably one of best in the league, at any position, at scoring in the paint. Does as good a job as anyone in league at penetrating and actually finishing on floaters and can also hit pull-up jumpers in the paint. He's also turned into a very heady point man, and his shot just gets better and better. We think he's just an average defender, but their (defensive) system helps him.
* * *
Manu Ginobili
Simply one of most difficult guys in the league to defend. That's because of his herky-jerky style. Always comes back to his left. Even if you force him right, he takes one or two dribbles to his right and crosses back because teams over-commit, so he can still beat you with his left hand. One of the grittiest, most effective drivers and gets to line. An incredibly difficult guy to guard because he ducks his head and shoulder and creates contact and has enough respect to get a lot of whistles.
* * *
Fabricio Oberto
Just a prototypical team player. Doesn't need the ball. A willing screen-setter. Might be an undervalued defensive player, not because he makes spectacular defensive plays, but he gets to the right position on help defense and on weak-side help. Lacks athleticism and flair, so he is undervalued. Great role player, and when you least expect it, can knock down 8- or 10-footer.
* * *
Bruce Bowen
Always draws the toughest defensive assignment every night and accepts it with honor and pride. We're still waiting for him to lose a half step. Loves the corner three, and it's the only shot you have to honor, because he's not going to put it on the floor or shoot from the wing or elbow. A great teammate.
* * *
Tim Duncan
Spurs offense now starts with Tony (Parker), but that is because Duncan allows it because he has so little ego that he sees the evolution of their team and understands that TP's development allows him more freedom. With teams now stopping the ball when Parker has it, Tim is even more effective and efficient in the post. Unselfish, smart, one of the best face-up, back-to-basket bigs in league history. So solid and steady and dependable, you just have to hope he keeps missing free throws. Oh, yeah, he's also a defensive force inside.
* * *
Bench
(Michael) Finley is an aging 2-3, but he's still able to knock down perimeter shots and one- and two-dribble jumpers, so you still have to honor his shot. ... Brent Barry had a great preseason and seems more confident in his shot than I've seen in a long time. Seems to be playing without a care, which is unusual and scary; a defensive liability. ... Francisco (Elson) is probably one of best running big men in all of the NBA; runs like a guard; consistent minutes will help his confidence. ... Jacque Vaughn is solid and steady and doesn't make many mistakes, but you still want him to shoot. ... (Ime) Udoka was a good pickup for them.