Bruno
04-03-2008, 04:34 AM
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA040308.05DSpursNotebook.en.30879b6.html
Web Posted: 04/03/2008 12:06 AM CDT
Jeff McDonald
San Antonio Express-News
Odds are, Bobby Jones won't be playing many crunch-time minutes for the Spurs as the regular-season hits its crescendo.
He wasn't signed to a 10-day contract to win the Southwest Division. His best-case payoff will likely come after the playoffs are over.
After making San Antonio the fifth NBA stop of his season, Jones' goal will be to perform well enough, in practice and in limited playing time, to perhaps earn a spot on the Spurs' summer league team.
"This is a good time of year to look around and see if there's anybody you want to add and work with as the summer moves along," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "A lot of teams will pick up somebody at the end of the year and take a look at them, just to see what they think of some people."
Jones, 24, signed with the Spurs on Tuesday and played the final six minutes, 50 seconds of a 116-92 victory over Golden State. He recorded one steal, one assist and no points.
In the process, Jones made a bit of NBA history, becoming the first to play for five teams in one season. He also logged stints in Denver, Memphis, Houston and Miami this year.
Race is on: Golden State's loss at Dallas on Wednesday night dropped the Spurs' magic number for clinching a playoff berth to one game. With either one more victory or a Warriors loss, the Spurs can ensure their 11th consecutive trip to the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Southwest Division remains completely up for grabs. The Spurs (52-23) are a half-game behind New Orleans (52-22) for the top spot, while Houston (49-25) is three games back.
“Games mean a lot these days,” the Spurs' Tim Duncan said. “Everyone's record is very close. Every game is a little bigger coming down the stretch.”
Smile! Tuesday's game was Manu Ginobili's first this season without his braces, which he got in the offseason to help correct his smile.
Duncan said he noticed the difference.
"He's a big camera guy, especially at the free-throw line," Duncan said. "When he did shoot a free throw, he took a lot longer than usual, making sure everybody knew that his braces were off."
Web Posted: 04/03/2008 12:06 AM CDT
Jeff McDonald
San Antonio Express-News
Odds are, Bobby Jones won't be playing many crunch-time minutes for the Spurs as the regular-season hits its crescendo.
He wasn't signed to a 10-day contract to win the Southwest Division. His best-case payoff will likely come after the playoffs are over.
After making San Antonio the fifth NBA stop of his season, Jones' goal will be to perform well enough, in practice and in limited playing time, to perhaps earn a spot on the Spurs' summer league team.
"This is a good time of year to look around and see if there's anybody you want to add and work with as the summer moves along," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "A lot of teams will pick up somebody at the end of the year and take a look at them, just to see what they think of some people."
Jones, 24, signed with the Spurs on Tuesday and played the final six minutes, 50 seconds of a 116-92 victory over Golden State. He recorded one steal, one assist and no points.
In the process, Jones made a bit of NBA history, becoming the first to play for five teams in one season. He also logged stints in Denver, Memphis, Houston and Miami this year.
Race is on: Golden State's loss at Dallas on Wednesday night dropped the Spurs' magic number for clinching a playoff berth to one game. With either one more victory or a Warriors loss, the Spurs can ensure their 11th consecutive trip to the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Southwest Division remains completely up for grabs. The Spurs (52-23) are a half-game behind New Orleans (52-22) for the top spot, while Houston (49-25) is three games back.
“Games mean a lot these days,” the Spurs' Tim Duncan said. “Everyone's record is very close. Every game is a little bigger coming down the stretch.”
Smile! Tuesday's game was Manu Ginobili's first this season without his braces, which he got in the offseason to help correct his smile.
Duncan said he noticed the difference.
"He's a big camera guy, especially at the free-throw line," Duncan said. "When he did shoot a free throw, he took a lot longer than usual, making sure everybody knew that his braces were off."