lefty
02-17-2008, 03:41 PM
First of all, Spurs won't trade; won't happen.
Also, please keep in mind that I haven't watched a lot of Spurs games this season, so if you don't agree on some points, please don't be rude :D
A few observations:
- Manu Ginobili: Manu has been fantastic so far, but he's starting to fall in love with the 3 pointer; sure, he can hit them, as it was the case in his big game in Cleveland, but he was really in the zone that night; my point is that Manu should not forget that his 1st priority is to attack the rim, as he's one of the best slashers in the NBA, fearless and creative. Plus, being abused phisically usually gets him started.
Remember when he had back-to-back 37 pts games, helping his team beat Dallas and Utah without Duncan? He was attacking the rim like his life was depending on it, and he has to keep doing this. It's really annoying when he has the possibility to go to the rim, but instead takes step back 3's.
- Tim Duncan: Duncan's numbers are approxiamtively what they were last season; come playoffs time, they will increase; no need to write a book here, you know how he contributes to his team's success
- The injuries: I know everybody is talking about Parker's injury, but the truth is that we are missing BOTH Parker and Barry
We've been forced to change the way we play because we were missing TP's penetrations; his presence changes everything : he can finish inside as he is fast, fearless and a great finisher around the basket; plus he can hit the midrange J, which makes the opposite teams think twice before double teaming Tim; recently, opponents like the Suns have left Jacques Vaughn open, but he has been able to make the defense pay (thumbs up).
Speaking of Jacques, he's been excellent; I don't know if he wanted to prove something to Pop following Damon's signing, or if it's the "heart of a champion" thing, but he stepped up. He is limited, but competitive.
Spurs have signed Damon Stoudamire; overall, Damon has been very good, considering he hasn't played for months and that he's had to adjust to a new system and perform during Parker's absence. His defense is average, but his experience and outside shooting are a plus.
Brent Barry had a very good stretch before his injury; it's really unfortunate because he got injured just when started to pick it up. Barry really opens things up for us; he's by far our best 3 point shooter, and his basketball IQ, not to mention his passing abilities will be welcomed when he comes back.
- Cisco and Oberto: Oberto has been himself: average stats, crafty, smart, moves well without the ball.
I'm really concerned with Elson; during the preseason, he showed some good things: good outside shooting, blocked shots; however, he has disapperead; he has to step up, or he will become Pop's new Beno.
- Horry: meeeeh....see you in the playoffs.
- Finley: nothing spectacular, but Finley has hit some big shots for us (in Phoenix, in New York); I have no doubt in my mind Finley will be ready for the playoffs; he is motivated.
- Bowen and Udoka: Bowen had a great start, especially on the defensive end, but since, he's been so-so (however, when I saw him hit that clutch midrange J in Phoenix, it was evident Bowen wasn't ready to give up his ring); don't forget Bowen is 36, but the man takes care of his body and he's the iron man of the NBA; Bowen is the ultimate pro and he will step up in the second half; Pop is trying to rest as much as he can, so he'll enter the playoffs with fresh legs; which leads me to Ime Udoka.
Udoka is a great addition; he is a Bowen type of player, only younger (30), bigger and better at attacking the rim. He can also hit the open 3; Udoka had no problem fitting in the Spurs' system; Pop has waited a (relatively) long time before giving him more minutes, but Ime is one of those players who'll be ready when called upon, no matter how many minutes they get. Ime is also a tough guy, and I like that.
Bonner: not bad, but could bring more.
Popovich: once again, Pop has been trying different lineups, which he won't do after the ASG; however, keep in mind that Pop has to deal with:
- injuries
- a tougher Western Conference
- an aging team (so he's trying to keep his key "old" players on the bench as much as he can, and that's not easy when you have to win games)
Considering all this, I think he's done a great job coaching; Pop knows how to adjust, like when Vaughn is not able to hit the open J, he draws backdoor plays for him when Duncan is double-teamed.
The big question for Pop: when TP comes back, who'll be his backup? JV or DS? or he'll put those 2 together on the court?
My thoughts for the 2nd half:
Yes, we're 6 in the West, but considering the injuries the averagae age, considering the fact that we have newcomers, and considering the West has gotten tougher, it's not that bad.
With Parker and Barry back, and with Pop figuring out the definitive lineups, Spurs will heat up once again.
Also, please keep in mind that I haven't watched a lot of Spurs games this season, so if you don't agree on some points, please don't be rude :D
A few observations:
- Manu Ginobili: Manu has been fantastic so far, but he's starting to fall in love with the 3 pointer; sure, he can hit them, as it was the case in his big game in Cleveland, but he was really in the zone that night; my point is that Manu should not forget that his 1st priority is to attack the rim, as he's one of the best slashers in the NBA, fearless and creative. Plus, being abused phisically usually gets him started.
Remember when he had back-to-back 37 pts games, helping his team beat Dallas and Utah without Duncan? He was attacking the rim like his life was depending on it, and he has to keep doing this. It's really annoying when he has the possibility to go to the rim, but instead takes step back 3's.
- Tim Duncan: Duncan's numbers are approxiamtively what they were last season; come playoffs time, they will increase; no need to write a book here, you know how he contributes to his team's success
- The injuries: I know everybody is talking about Parker's injury, but the truth is that we are missing BOTH Parker and Barry
We've been forced to change the way we play because we were missing TP's penetrations; his presence changes everything : he can finish inside as he is fast, fearless and a great finisher around the basket; plus he can hit the midrange J, which makes the opposite teams think twice before double teaming Tim; recently, opponents like the Suns have left Jacques Vaughn open, but he has been able to make the defense pay (thumbs up).
Speaking of Jacques, he's been excellent; I don't know if he wanted to prove something to Pop following Damon's signing, or if it's the "heart of a champion" thing, but he stepped up. He is limited, but competitive.
Spurs have signed Damon Stoudamire; overall, Damon has been very good, considering he hasn't played for months and that he's had to adjust to a new system and perform during Parker's absence. His defense is average, but his experience and outside shooting are a plus.
Brent Barry had a very good stretch before his injury; it's really unfortunate because he got injured just when started to pick it up. Barry really opens things up for us; he's by far our best 3 point shooter, and his basketball IQ, not to mention his passing abilities will be welcomed when he comes back.
- Cisco and Oberto: Oberto has been himself: average stats, crafty, smart, moves well without the ball.
I'm really concerned with Elson; during the preseason, he showed some good things: good outside shooting, blocked shots; however, he has disapperead; he has to step up, or he will become Pop's new Beno.
- Horry: meeeeh....see you in the playoffs.
- Finley: nothing spectacular, but Finley has hit some big shots for us (in Phoenix, in New York); I have no doubt in my mind Finley will be ready for the playoffs; he is motivated.
- Bowen and Udoka: Bowen had a great start, especially on the defensive end, but since, he's been so-so (however, when I saw him hit that clutch midrange J in Phoenix, it was evident Bowen wasn't ready to give up his ring); don't forget Bowen is 36, but the man takes care of his body and he's the iron man of the NBA; Bowen is the ultimate pro and he will step up in the second half; Pop is trying to rest as much as he can, so he'll enter the playoffs with fresh legs; which leads me to Ime Udoka.
Udoka is a great addition; he is a Bowen type of player, only younger (30), bigger and better at attacking the rim. He can also hit the open 3; Udoka had no problem fitting in the Spurs' system; Pop has waited a (relatively) long time before giving him more minutes, but Ime is one of those players who'll be ready when called upon, no matter how many minutes they get. Ime is also a tough guy, and I like that.
Bonner: not bad, but could bring more.
Popovich: once again, Pop has been trying different lineups, which he won't do after the ASG; however, keep in mind that Pop has to deal with:
- injuries
- a tougher Western Conference
- an aging team (so he's trying to keep his key "old" players on the bench as much as he can, and that's not easy when you have to win games)
Considering all this, I think he's done a great job coaching; Pop knows how to adjust, like when Vaughn is not able to hit the open J, he draws backdoor plays for him when Duncan is double-teamed.
The big question for Pop: when TP comes back, who'll be his backup? JV or DS? or he'll put those 2 together on the court?
My thoughts for the 2nd half:
Yes, we're 6 in the West, but considering the injuries the averagae age, considering the fact that we have newcomers, and considering the West has gotten tougher, it's not that bad.
With Parker and Barry back, and with Pop figuring out the definitive lineups, Spurs will heat up once again.