timvp
12-10-2007, 10:11 PM
Tim Duncan
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3173.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 17.6
Rebounds: 8.9
Blocks: 1.8
FG%: .535
FT%: .707
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging career-lows in minutes (32.3), points, rebounds and blocks. Field goal percentage is third highest mark of career. Free throw percentage is highest mark since '02-03 season.
ANALYSIS
Duncan is off to a statistically slow start. His points and rebounds particularly are at very un-Duncan like numbers. But truthfully, Duncan isn't defined by numbers anymore. After four championships, Duncan knows how to pace himself throughout a season so that he can be ready for the playoffs. Additionally, with a strong supporting cast around him, Duncan is more than fine with taking a backseat, especially when the team is playing well. When needed, Duncan appears fully capable of running the ship. As the season progresses, expect him to gradually take more of the reins on a nightly basis.
GRADE
B
Duncan is still the franchise player -- he just doesn't need to always show it.
--------------------------------------------------
Manu Ginobili
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3380.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 21.1
Rebounds: 4.9
Assists: 4.5
FG%: .478
3P%: .438
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, steals (1.8) and blocks (0.5). Ranks second in the league in PER at 30.63. Ranks first on the team (fourth in the league) in plus/minus at +208.
ANALYSIS
Ginobili is having by far the best year of his career. At the age of 30, some thought Ginobili’s numbers would start to decline – or at least start to level off. However, nothing could be further from the truth. His play this season has been astonishing. He has catapulted himself to near the top of the list of the best players in the NBA. With a quarter of the season in the books, Ginobili couldn’t be playing any better. For the sake of the Spurs, hopefully he can play at this level once the playoffs arrive.
GRADE
A+
Ginobili has been simply marvelous this season.
--------------------------------------------------
Tony Parker
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3527.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 20.6
Assists: 6.9
Rebounds: 3.5
FG%: .511
FT%: .724
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging career-highs in points, assists and assists to turnover ratio. Averaging a career-low in turnovers per minute. Ranks second on the team in plus/minus at +133.
ANALYSIS
While Ginobili has been the most breathtaking player on the team and Duncan has remained the foundation of the team, Parker is quietly having the best season of his career. His scoring and assists numbers are at career-high levels and his turnover numbers are at a career-low level, which is an impressive combination of improvements in one season. Parker’s attacking on offense has been a key to the fast start for the team. On the season, the Spurs are 9-0 when Parker scores at least 22 points.
GRADE
A
On a whole, there isn’t much to complain about regarding Parker this season.
--------------------------------------------------
Bruce Bowen
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3167.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 5.7
Rebounds: 3.2
Assists: 1.3
FG%: .432
3P%: .434
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Shooting three-pointers at his highest mark since the ’02-03 season. Averaging a career-low in turnovers per minute. Averaging the fewest amount of points he’s averaged as a Spur.
ANALYSIS
Like usual, Bowen’s stats aren’t much to look at. He’s scoring even fewer points than usual this season. However, he’s shooting well and more importantly he’s defending really well. Last year, he had some shaky games in the beginning of the season. This year, he’s been consistent from day one. At 36, there is always the fear that his play will start deteriorating at any point, but that point hasn’t arrived yet.
GRADE
A-
Bowen has played his role as well as ever.
--------------------------------------------------
Fabricio Oberto
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3988.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 5.9
Rebounds: 5.7
Assists: 1.4
FG%: .659
FT%: .667
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging a career-high in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage, free throw percentage and steals. Averaging a career-low in turnovers. Tied for second on the team in plus/minus per minute at +.237.
ANALYSIS
Oberto is building off his great showing in last year’s playoffs. Oberto was a huge part of the 2006-07 championship and now he’s playing even better. He’s shooting an astounding percentage from the field and is among the league leaders in fewest turnovers. His defense, in particular his shotblocking, could improve but he’s never going to be a great defender. Oberto is proving to be a very good fit in the starting lineup at center for the Spurs.
GRADE
A-
Now in his third season, he’s become a vital member of this team.
--------------------------------------------------
Michael Finley
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3023.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 8.5
Rebounds: 3.2
Assists: 1.6
FG%: .354
3P%: .382
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging a career-low in points and field goal percentage. Also averaging a career-low in turnovers. Ranks fourth on the team in points per game.
ANALYSIS
If you ignore Finley’s field goal percentage, you’d be happy with his production this season. Compared to last year, he’s averaging more rebounds, more assists and fewer turnovers. However, you can’t ignore his field goal percentage because Finley is primarily a shooter. His three-point percentage of 38.2% is fine, but the problem is his 32.2% two-point percentage.
GRADE
C
Finley needs to shoot better to better help the Spurs.
--------------------------------------------------
Brent Barry
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3017.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 7.7
Rebounds: 1.4
Assists: 1.4
FG%: .540
3P%: .509
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Shooting at career-high marks on field goal percentage, three-point percentage and free throw percentage. His PER of 18.84 is the second highest mark of his career.
ANALYSIS
Lost in all the excellent play and wins has been the amazing shooting touch Barry has exhibited this season. His true shooting percentage of 72.4% is the highest in NBA history. Despite battling a few injuries, Barry has consistently knocked in his open shots. While he’s currently the team’s fourth swingman, he’s a vital member of the team. The only knock on him this year has been his erratic defense.
GRADE
A-
In his fourth season in San Antonio, Barry is having his best campaign as a Spur.
--------------------------------------------------
Francisco Elson
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3364.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 4.3
Rebounds: 4.6
Assists: 0.7
FG%: .447
FT%: .833
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging career-highs in rebounds per minute, field goals attempted and free throw percentage. Averaging career-lows in blocks, steals, field goal percentage free throws attempted.
ANALYSIS
Big things were expected from Elson this season as he entered his second year on the Spurs. To date, Elson has been a bit of a disappointment. His scoring and defense has regressed from last season. The good news is that he’s rebounding better than ever, leading the team in defensive rebounds per minute. He still has time to turn it around, but so far he hasn’t lived up to expectations.
GRADE
C-
More blocks and less mental mistakes would greatly improve Elson’s worth.
--------------------------------------------------
Matt Bonner
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3748.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 5.9
Rebounds: 3.2
Assists: 0.7
FG%: .422
3P%: .375
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging a career-high in assists per minute. Shooting at career-low marks on field goal percentage and three-point percentage.
ANALYSIS
Bonner has had an up-and-down season, with more bad than good. Until recently, he was shooting poorly and his defense was poor. However, to his credit, he has started to turn it around. He has a role on this team as long as he’s playing defense, rebounding and knocking down perimeter shots. Speaking of rebounds, he isn’t rebounding nearly as well as he was last year.
GRADE
C
Bonner also hasn’t lived up to expectations but he’s been better of late.
--------------------------------------------------
Robert Horry
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/830.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 2.0
Rebounds: 1.0
Blocks: 1.0
FG%: .286
3P%: .500
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Ranks second on the team in blocks per game. Ranks first on the team in appearances in the nightmares of Sun Fans.
ANALYSIS
After dealing with injury and personal issues, Horry has only recently returned to the basketball court. With only 27 minutes of action in three games, any conclusions about Horry are premature. However, he looks to be moving well enough and has already reclaimed his spot as the team’s second best bigman defender behind Duncan.
GRADE
?
Too early to tell. And really, who cares how he plays before the playoffs?
--------------------------------------------------
Jacque Vaughn
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3195.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 3.4
Assists: 1.4
Rebounds: 0.6
FG%: .432
FT%: .692
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Has yet to record an offensive rebound, three-pointer or blocked shot in 155 minutes of action.
ANALYSIS
Vaughn can be frustrating to watch since he’s so blatantly untalented, yet he’s been effective so far this season. Over the last three games, he’s hit nine out of ten shots from the field. Overall, he’s a steady hand who will give great effort consistently. For a minimum salaried player, you really can’t ask for much more.
GRADE
B
Jacque Vaughn has just been Jacque Vaughn this season.
--------------------------------------------------
Ime Udoka
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3501.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 2.7
Rebounds: 1.4
Assists: 0.6
FG%: .359
3P%: .316
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Leads the team in brawls fought on the African continent. (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83077)
ANALYSIS
Udoka is currently in the midst of the customary first year blues. He has shown glimpses of competency, but still has a ways to go before he’s ready to contribute on a nightly basis. However, there’s been nothing to show that he won’t eventually be capable of being a rotational player on the Spurs.
GRADE
C+
Don’t count Udoka out just yet. He could still become a factor at some point.
--------------------------------------------------
Darius Washington
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/rivals/full.47155/ae7c6e111565f85e4cc475117cb3a343/darius-washington.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 2.8
Rebounds: 1.1
Assists: 0.9
FG%: .485
3P%: .444
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Recently had a triple-double for the Austin Toros. (http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20071208/TULAUS/boxscore.html)
ANALYSIS
Washington made the team in training camp and hasn’t done much to make the Spurs regret their decision. He’s currently playing for the Toros of the NBA’s Development-League and doing a fine job as the team’s starting point guard. While he likely won’t make much of an impact this season on the Spurs, he’s a solid insurance policy in case one of the point guards gets injured.
GRADE
B+
At 21, Washington has just begun his maturation process as a point guard.
--------------------------------------------------
Ian Mahinmi
http://nbadraft.net/profiles/headshots/ian-mahinmi-hd.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 3.5
Rebounds: 0.8
Blocks: 0.7
FG%: .500
FT%: 1.000
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds with the Austin Toros. (http://nbadraft.net/profiles/headshots/ian-mahinmi-hd.jpg)
ANALYSIS
Mahinmi has shown good potential in his short time with the Spurs. Of players who have played at least five games, Mahinmi leads the NBA in PER at 36.41. Mahinmi is an athletic big who can run, jump and has some good basketball skills. He's still in his infancy as far as his total development is concerned, but he looks like a quality prospect at this point.
GRADE
B+
It's always good to have an athletic big in the pipeline.
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3173.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 17.6
Rebounds: 8.9
Blocks: 1.8
FG%: .535
FT%: .707
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging career-lows in minutes (32.3), points, rebounds and blocks. Field goal percentage is third highest mark of career. Free throw percentage is highest mark since '02-03 season.
ANALYSIS
Duncan is off to a statistically slow start. His points and rebounds particularly are at very un-Duncan like numbers. But truthfully, Duncan isn't defined by numbers anymore. After four championships, Duncan knows how to pace himself throughout a season so that he can be ready for the playoffs. Additionally, with a strong supporting cast around him, Duncan is more than fine with taking a backseat, especially when the team is playing well. When needed, Duncan appears fully capable of running the ship. As the season progresses, expect him to gradually take more of the reins on a nightly basis.
GRADE
B
Duncan is still the franchise player -- he just doesn't need to always show it.
--------------------------------------------------
Manu Ginobili
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3380.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 21.1
Rebounds: 4.9
Assists: 4.5
FG%: .478
3P%: .438
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, steals (1.8) and blocks (0.5). Ranks second in the league in PER at 30.63. Ranks first on the team (fourth in the league) in plus/minus at +208.
ANALYSIS
Ginobili is having by far the best year of his career. At the age of 30, some thought Ginobili’s numbers would start to decline – or at least start to level off. However, nothing could be further from the truth. His play this season has been astonishing. He has catapulted himself to near the top of the list of the best players in the NBA. With a quarter of the season in the books, Ginobili couldn’t be playing any better. For the sake of the Spurs, hopefully he can play at this level once the playoffs arrive.
GRADE
A+
Ginobili has been simply marvelous this season.
--------------------------------------------------
Tony Parker
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3527.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 20.6
Assists: 6.9
Rebounds: 3.5
FG%: .511
FT%: .724
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging career-highs in points, assists and assists to turnover ratio. Averaging a career-low in turnovers per minute. Ranks second on the team in plus/minus at +133.
ANALYSIS
While Ginobili has been the most breathtaking player on the team and Duncan has remained the foundation of the team, Parker is quietly having the best season of his career. His scoring and assists numbers are at career-high levels and his turnover numbers are at a career-low level, which is an impressive combination of improvements in one season. Parker’s attacking on offense has been a key to the fast start for the team. On the season, the Spurs are 9-0 when Parker scores at least 22 points.
GRADE
A
On a whole, there isn’t much to complain about regarding Parker this season.
--------------------------------------------------
Bruce Bowen
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3167.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 5.7
Rebounds: 3.2
Assists: 1.3
FG%: .432
3P%: .434
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Shooting three-pointers at his highest mark since the ’02-03 season. Averaging a career-low in turnovers per minute. Averaging the fewest amount of points he’s averaged as a Spur.
ANALYSIS
Like usual, Bowen’s stats aren’t much to look at. He’s scoring even fewer points than usual this season. However, he’s shooting well and more importantly he’s defending really well. Last year, he had some shaky games in the beginning of the season. This year, he’s been consistent from day one. At 36, there is always the fear that his play will start deteriorating at any point, but that point hasn’t arrived yet.
GRADE
A-
Bowen has played his role as well as ever.
--------------------------------------------------
Fabricio Oberto
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3988.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 5.9
Rebounds: 5.7
Assists: 1.4
FG%: .659
FT%: .667
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging a career-high in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage, free throw percentage and steals. Averaging a career-low in turnovers. Tied for second on the team in plus/minus per minute at +.237.
ANALYSIS
Oberto is building off his great showing in last year’s playoffs. Oberto was a huge part of the 2006-07 championship and now he’s playing even better. He’s shooting an astounding percentage from the field and is among the league leaders in fewest turnovers. His defense, in particular his shotblocking, could improve but he’s never going to be a great defender. Oberto is proving to be a very good fit in the starting lineup at center for the Spurs.
GRADE
A-
Now in his third season, he’s become a vital member of this team.
--------------------------------------------------
Michael Finley
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3023.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 8.5
Rebounds: 3.2
Assists: 1.6
FG%: .354
3P%: .382
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging a career-low in points and field goal percentage. Also averaging a career-low in turnovers. Ranks fourth on the team in points per game.
ANALYSIS
If you ignore Finley’s field goal percentage, you’d be happy with his production this season. Compared to last year, he’s averaging more rebounds, more assists and fewer turnovers. However, you can’t ignore his field goal percentage because Finley is primarily a shooter. His three-point percentage of 38.2% is fine, but the problem is his 32.2% two-point percentage.
GRADE
C
Finley needs to shoot better to better help the Spurs.
--------------------------------------------------
Brent Barry
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3017.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 7.7
Rebounds: 1.4
Assists: 1.4
FG%: .540
3P%: .509
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Shooting at career-high marks on field goal percentage, three-point percentage and free throw percentage. His PER of 18.84 is the second highest mark of his career.
ANALYSIS
Lost in all the excellent play and wins has been the amazing shooting touch Barry has exhibited this season. His true shooting percentage of 72.4% is the highest in NBA history. Despite battling a few injuries, Barry has consistently knocked in his open shots. While he’s currently the team’s fourth swingman, he’s a vital member of the team. The only knock on him this year has been his erratic defense.
GRADE
A-
In his fourth season in San Antonio, Barry is having his best campaign as a Spur.
--------------------------------------------------
Francisco Elson
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3364.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 4.3
Rebounds: 4.6
Assists: 0.7
FG%: .447
FT%: .833
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging career-highs in rebounds per minute, field goals attempted and free throw percentage. Averaging career-lows in blocks, steals, field goal percentage free throws attempted.
ANALYSIS
Big things were expected from Elson this season as he entered his second year on the Spurs. To date, Elson has been a bit of a disappointment. His scoring and defense has regressed from last season. The good news is that he’s rebounding better than ever, leading the team in defensive rebounds per minute. He still has time to turn it around, but so far he hasn’t lived up to expectations.
GRADE
C-
More blocks and less mental mistakes would greatly improve Elson’s worth.
--------------------------------------------------
Matt Bonner
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3748.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 5.9
Rebounds: 3.2
Assists: 0.7
FG%: .422
3P%: .375
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging a career-high in assists per minute. Shooting at career-low marks on field goal percentage and three-point percentage.
ANALYSIS
Bonner has had an up-and-down season, with more bad than good. Until recently, he was shooting poorly and his defense was poor. However, to his credit, he has started to turn it around. He has a role on this team as long as he’s playing defense, rebounding and knocking down perimeter shots. Speaking of rebounds, he isn’t rebounding nearly as well as he was last year.
GRADE
C
Bonner also hasn’t lived up to expectations but he’s been better of late.
--------------------------------------------------
Robert Horry
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/830.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 2.0
Rebounds: 1.0
Blocks: 1.0
FG%: .286
3P%: .500
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Ranks second on the team in blocks per game. Ranks first on the team in appearances in the nightmares of Sun Fans.
ANALYSIS
After dealing with injury and personal issues, Horry has only recently returned to the basketball court. With only 27 minutes of action in three games, any conclusions about Horry are premature. However, he looks to be moving well enough and has already reclaimed his spot as the team’s second best bigman defender behind Duncan.
GRADE
?
Too early to tell. And really, who cares how he plays before the playoffs?
--------------------------------------------------
Jacque Vaughn
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3195.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 3.4
Assists: 1.4
Rebounds: 0.6
FG%: .432
FT%: .692
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Has yet to record an offensive rebound, three-pointer or blocked shot in 155 minutes of action.
ANALYSIS
Vaughn can be frustrating to watch since he’s so blatantly untalented, yet he’s been effective so far this season. Over the last three games, he’s hit nine out of ten shots from the field. Overall, he’s a steady hand who will give great effort consistently. For a minimum salaried player, you really can’t ask for much more.
GRADE
B
Jacque Vaughn has just been Jacque Vaughn this season.
--------------------------------------------------
Ime Udoka
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/nba/players/3501.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 2.7
Rebounds: 1.4
Assists: 0.6
FG%: .359
3P%: .316
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Leads the team in brawls fought on the African continent. (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83077)
ANALYSIS
Udoka is currently in the midst of the customary first year blues. He has shown glimpses of competency, but still has a ways to go before he’s ready to contribute on a nightly basis. However, there’s been nothing to show that he won’t eventually be capable of being a rotational player on the Spurs.
GRADE
C+
Don’t count Udoka out just yet. He could still become a factor at some point.
--------------------------------------------------
Darius Washington
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/rivals/full.47155/ae7c6e111565f85e4cc475117cb3a343/darius-washington.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 2.8
Rebounds: 1.1
Assists: 0.9
FG%: .485
3P%: .444
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Recently had a triple-double for the Austin Toros. (http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20071208/TULAUS/boxscore.html)
ANALYSIS
Washington made the team in training camp and hasn’t done much to make the Spurs regret their decision. He’s currently playing for the Toros of the NBA’s Development-League and doing a fine job as the team’s starting point guard. While he likely won’t make much of an impact this season on the Spurs, he’s a solid insurance policy in case one of the point guards gets injured.
GRADE
B+
At 21, Washington has just begun his maturation process as a point guard.
--------------------------------------------------
Ian Mahinmi
http://nbadraft.net/profiles/headshots/ian-mahinmi-hd.jpg
STATISTICS
Points: 3.5
Rebounds: 0.8
Blocks: 0.7
FG%: .500
FT%: 1.000
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Averaging 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds with the Austin Toros. (http://nbadraft.net/profiles/headshots/ian-mahinmi-hd.jpg)
ANALYSIS
Mahinmi has shown good potential in his short time with the Spurs. Of players who have played at least five games, Mahinmi leads the NBA in PER at 36.41. Mahinmi is an athletic big who can run, jump and has some good basketball skills. He's still in his infancy as far as his total development is concerned, but he looks like a quality prospect at this point.
GRADE
B+
It's always good to have an athletic big in the pipeline.