Monroe: Spurs' Hill Gains Shot Of Confidence

Spurs' Hill gains shot of confidence
Mike Monroe

DALLAS — As the playoffs approached, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich wondered if a rookie guard adapting to three different positions was ready for the pressure cooker of the NBA postseason.

George Hill, Popovich said, was not quite ready for prime playoff time

“Playoffs is a time for people who feel very confident about what they're doing, and George isn't in that category yet,” Popovich said. “He needs more time. This playoff probably isn't for him.”

After Hill's performance in his first taste of real playoff pressure, the Spurs coach may be ready to call on him more often.

The 6-foot-2 combo guard, who also played some small forward during the regular season, was the only Spurs bench player to make a shot in Saturday's 99-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Both of his makes were from 3-point range in the fourth quarter, when the Spurs were trying to slice into a Mavericks lead that reached 12 points with 10:06 left in the game.

Except for the final two seconds of the first half, Hill didn't enter the game until Popovich called on him to sub for Tony Parker with 2:27 remaining in the third quarter.

Popovich didn't pull him from the game thereafter, mainly because Hill primarily was responsible for putting the defensive clamps on Mavericks guard Jason Terry. Terry got off only three shots in the fourth, and missed all three.

Hill believes Popovich hasn't lost confidence in his ability to play solid, man-to-man defense on players like Terry, the Mavericks' No. 2 scorer this season at 19.6 points per game.

Hill hopes his 3-point makes will have answered some of the questions Popovich may have had about his ability to contribute at the offensive end.

“The threes were very big for me,” he said. “It gives me confidence, and it gives the coaches confidence in you for the future and the rest of the games this year.

“Now, I have to make the best of my situation. My getting open shots and doing what I'm supposed to do at all times is going to open doors for me next time.”

Aware he would not be in Popovich's regular rotation for the playoffs, Hill had promised he would be ready any time Popovich called.

Getting 24 minutes in Thursday's Game 3 loss, a blowout so thorough that Popovich rested his regulars most of the second half, helped prepare him for Saturday's call.

“I wasn't surprised,” he said of entering a critical game that had not been ceded. “The one thing they always tell me is to keep myself ready, because you never know when your time is going to come.

“When I do get time, I just try to make the best of it.”

Hill knew staying on the court would be a function of his ability to check Terry.

“I went into the game just wanting to make it tough for Jason Terry,” Hill said. “That was my main focus. I wanted to start everything on the defensive end, and build something on the offensive end. Today, my goal was just to disrupt Terry and try to give him as few touches as possible and make every shot he took difficult.

“It played into our strength, but we couldn't hold them off at the end.”

Hill's teammates were happy to see his contribution, especially overworked point guard Tony Parker.

“George did a good job,” Parker said. “He gave us some good minutes, played some good defense on Jason Terry, and hit some big threes for us.

“I think he may be an option we can use in Game 5.”

A few games too late POP, but F it if he can spark us to a few more games I am happy with him in here, what to lose?

Keep taking those shots Georgie, keep taking those shots. Get your Jason Terry on baby...

Once again, Pop screwed the pooch, and his team, in his assessment of his backup PG situation. In years past, he gambled too long on washed-up veterans like NVE and Damon Stoudamire. This time, he didn't gamble enough on George Hill. Everything I've seen from this kid indicates to me that he's not scared or intimidated by anything. Why Pop thought he'd suddenly become Beno 2.0 is beyond me.

Screwed up with Hill, way too much Finley, not enough Bowen, thinking Mason is Joe Johnson.......

Pop has really gone off the deep end this year.

Meh, George will get his time to shine. Just has to be aggressive on the offensive end and look to score, which was his prime objective coming out of college....especially with Manu out; hell, even do the same when Manu's back.

I watched the post-game press conference and Tony admitted that he was gassed the last 3-4 minutes. It's such a beating watching Mason try and man the backup spot. It's a shame Pop has overthought the decision to bump Hill from the job.

Spurs not enough firepower. It's like a two man game when I looked at the Box Score. Parker and Duncan did all the scoring. You can't win if only two players are actually playing.

honestly, who gives a fuck? this is over with..

I'm just happy that we got a gem late in the 1st round..we didn't know who this dude was, and he's surprised all of us..I'm excited for his future..

Mase has done a serviceable job at point and has even been effective moving the ball when he drives to the rack rather than pulling up on jump shots....but that's his MO as a SG. Neither he nor Hill are true PGs and both would have been moved to the side with Manu playing, but such is life. Put them both out there if the matchups are favorable to give us more options offensively and we'll get the PG situation squared away in the offseason IMO.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

Once again, Pop screwed the pooch, and his team, in his assessment of his backup PG situation. In years past, he gambled too long on washed-up veterans like NVE and Damon Stoudamire. This time, he didn't gamble enough on George Hill. Everything I've seen from this kid indicates to me that he's not scared or intimidated by anything. Why Pop thought he'd suddenly become Beno 2.0 is beyond me.

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Dude, BENOPHOBIA, seriouslah... :lol

Pop's major mistake in the last month has been not playing enough Hill, and to a lesser extent Bowen. Most of the other stuff has been forced on him by circumstance, but those are on him.

BTW, Hill's floor is Courtney Lee, his ceiling is well, Rajon Rondo without the awesome passing ability but a better jumpshot. Hill has a really unique body and skillset, and I'm looking forward to watching him grow.

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

Mase has done a serviceable job at point and has even been effective moving the ball when he drives to the rack rather than pulling up on jump shots....

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Say what? We must have been watching different games, man. I saw our offense go to shit. No ball movement. Turnovers every time he tried to drive and dish. He's not a slasher. At least not an NBA caliber slasher.
He's a one trick pony. But it's not his fault he's playing out of position.

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Originally Posted by RuffnReadyOzStyle

Dude, BENOPHOBIA, seriouslah... :lol

Pop's major mistake in the last month has been not playing enough Hill, and to a lesser extent Bowen. Most of the other stuff has been forced on him by circumstance, but those are on him.

BTW, Hill's floor is Courtney Lee, his ceiling is well, Rajon Rondo without the awesome passing ability but a better jumpshot. Hill has a really unique body and skillset, and I'm looking forward to watching him grow.

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Provided the Spurs don't offer him up as trade bait for another old guy.

He played better earlier in the series but people seem to forget that whenever they see him tripping or picking up the ball and being trapped by defenders. When he keeps his dribble and makes a real effort to drive he's like Udoka in that he can find an open man under the basket relatively quickly. He's not great at the point, nor would I go into next season banking on him returning to that role, but he's not as terrible as others make him out to be from what I've seen.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

Provided the Spurs don't offer him up as trade bait for another old guy.

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:lol

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

He played better earlier in the series but people seem to forget that whenever they see him tripping or picking up the ball and being trapped by defenders. When he keeps his dribble and makes a real effort to drive he's like Udoka in that he can find an open man under the basket relatively quickly. He's not great at the point, nor would I go into next season banking on him returning to that role, but he's not as terrible as others make him out to be from what I've seen.

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The problem is that if Mason is driving, then Udoka is taking the treys. I would much rather have Hill driving and Mason taking the trey.

:pctoss

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Originally Posted by ElNono

The problem is that if Mason is driving, then Udoka is taking the treys. I would much rather have Hill driving and Mason taking the trey.

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Or you have Mason driving and Hill taking the treys, which he's proven he could make. And if he continues to hit them with some consitency they can take turns, though I'd rather have Hill slashing and dunking on the opposition in general. My point was mainly that Mason isn't the disaster at the PG position that many make him out to be.

he is a natural defender, (defense is key to winning esp. with the spurs), he can penetrate, he can shoot from range, he can or will be ableto finish efficiently soon...no reason at all not to play and develop our long-term backup for Parker.

Or have him in the backcourt WITH Parker forming a speedy combo and improving our defense at the position.

I'd like to see Hill get more aggressive at the rim though..the guy is definitely athletic as fuck..today for example..he should have dunked on Hollins instead of throwing up a weak layup..if he tries to dunk more often, he would at least get to the line..

I guess it'll come with maturity..

this guy shows all the signs though..

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Originally Posted by HarlemHeat37

I'd like to see Hill get more aggressive at the rim though..the guy is definitely athletic as fuck..today for example..he should have dunked on Hollins instead of throwing up a weak layup..if he tries to dunk more often, he would at least get to the line..

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AAAAAAAAMEN!!! I was thinking the same thing HH. I thought he was gearing up to throw it down myself.

Mason has under no circumstance done a serviceable job at PG. Dallas' big run to close the Spurs lead in game 1 came when Mason couldn't find anyone a good shot. Dallas went on a 16-3 run as soon as Roger took over the PG duties tonight. Roger's a hell of a shooter and a solid 2-guard, but his play at point has been a huge disaster ever since February or so.

Bonner
Duncan
Bowen
Hill
Parker


Finley
Mason
Gooden
Udoka
Thomas


Why not.

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

Mason has under no circumstance done a serviceable job at PG. Dallas' big run to close the Spurs lead in game 1 came when Mason couldn't find anyone a good shot. Dallas went on a 16-3 run as soon as Roger took over the PG duties tonight. Roger's a hell of a shooter and a solid 2-guard, but his play at point has been a huge disaster ever since February or so.

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Agreed. Plus he can't guard Terry. He can't guard Barea. Who can he guard?

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Originally Posted by EricB

Finley
Mason
Gooden
Udoka
Thomas

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Who creates offense here? I mean, who plays PG? Udoka? I know he's done it for his national team, but none of those guys can really create their own shot nor command a double team.

hill was fantastic; he pleased me with his playing time.

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

Mason has under no circumstance done a serviceable job at PG. Dallas' big run to close the Spurs lead in game 1 came when Mason couldn't find anyone a good shot. Dallas went on a 16-3 run as soon as Roger took over the PG duties tonight. Roger's a hell of a shooter and a solid 2-guard, but his play at point has been a huge disaster ever since February or so.

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Yes, and in game 2 with him running the point and TP and Tim on the bench the team increased it's lead. Again, if he keeps his dribble and makes a conscious attempt to get to the rim (especially with defenders guarding him close for the shot) he'd be that much more effective at th point.

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Originally Posted by ElNono

Who creates offense here? I mean, who plays PG? Udoka? I know he's done it for his national team, but none of those guys can really create their own shot nor command a double team.

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Hill plays the point.

Gooden in the low block.


Sorry I'll stop giving ideas and defer to the obvious NBA experts here.

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

Once again, Pop screwed the pooch, and his team, in his assessment of his backup PG situation. In years past, he gambled too long on washed-up veterans like NVE and Damon Stoudamire. This time, he didn't gamble enough on George Hill. Everything I've seen from this kid indicates to me that he's not scared or intimidated by anything. Why Pop thought he'd suddenly become Beno 2.0 is beyond me.

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Once again Senor Spur, you are absolutely correct. At least George Hill will become a starter and out of hardheaded Pop's dog house when George celebrates his 50th birthday. Pop has had a very bad season and he can't blame it on not having Manu. Pop is going senile on us. Maybe he is hitting the cheap wine instead of getting drunk on the expensive stash.

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Originally Posted by EricB

Hill plays the point.

Gooden in the low block.


Sorry I'll stop giving ideas and defer to the obvious NBA experts here.

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At least stick with your point man. You'd get more props even if you don't get support, sheesh.

At least he's not going all Beno and bingeing on breakfast tacos. He has the right attitude and the physical tools to help. To change the world and make it a better place for you and me.

Play him.

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Originally Posted by SouthTexasRancher

Once again Senor Spur, you are absolutely correct. At least George Hill will become a starter and out of hardheaded Pop's dog house when George celebrates his 50th birthday. Pop has had a very bad season and he can't blame it on not having Manu. Pop is going senile on us. Maybe he is hitting the cheap wine instead of getting drunk on the expensive stash.

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Part of it is not having Manu and the other part is not building a bench that could withstand not having Manu.

just focus on the positive..

Hill showed Pop a lot today..if Pop responds by giving him more minutes in the next game, then that's even better..

we can't go back in time here..we just have to hope that George continues to prove his worth to Pop, and we'll be fine in the future..

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Originally Posted by EricB

Finley
Mason
Gooden
Udoka
Thomas

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EricB

Hill plays the point.

Gooden in the low block.

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You put Hill with the starters...

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Originally Posted by ElNono

You put Hill with the starters...

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Trying to "sit on the fence as usual". MAN-UP T-Park!!!

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Originally Posted by EricB

Hill plays the point.

Gooden in the low block.


Sorry I'll stop giving ideas and defer to the obvious NBA experts here.

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Just a question for you. Are you really this much of a EMO prick in real life? I have yet to see you post without acting like a complete jerk.

You really should look up what forums are for and you might just find out that its not just for you to be a tough guy (cyber bully).

With as much posts as you have one would think you would understand by now that this is a place to express ones opinions.

Oh wait, sorry I forgot my place here. You opinion is the only one that should ever be posted here because no one else is allowed to state theirs (as you are so always sure to point out). My bad...

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

Part of it is not having Manu and the other part is not building a bench that could withstand not having Manu.

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Enough excuses using Manu. He is finished as part of the old Big 3. We will never again see the Manu of old. The Lakers kept right on winning when Bynum was out. The Celtics kept winning while KG is still out. The Rockets ramped it up when TMac quit. You can find injuries with just about every team but, they find a way. This Spurs team is old, slow, extremely UNathletic, low basketball IQ (High basketball IQ types: Michael, Magic, Bird, Kobe, LeBron, Tim Duncan, Robert Horry, Brent Barry, Steve Kerr just to name a few of the good, the bad and the ugly) and has no chemistry.

All one has to do is look at a list of all 82 games and those the Spurs won were more so against the weak teams and when we would somehow find a way to beat a playoff caliber team we'd win by a point or two. Then that team would come back and kick our ass by 15, 20 ??? points. Even though we ended up as the 3rd seed we were one of the weakest teams going into the playoffs.This team has gone downhill since the 2007 Championship. Mason looked good the first half of the season but Pop has screwed with his head too much and Mason is showing he is weak mentally and is unable to block it out of his mind. It is re-tool time for sure. At least for any of us living in the real world. And if Pop is not going to play a player more than 1 minute per game till he is 35 or older then Holt needs to tell Pop he is messing way too much with the future of the franchise and it is time to look forward. The 4 trophy's are great but, what have you done for me today...type thingy.

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Originally Posted by SouthTexasRancher

Enough excuses using Manu. He is finished as part of the old Big 3. We will never again see the Manu of old. The Lakers kept right on winning when Bynum was out. The Celtics kept winning while KG is still out. The Rockets ramped it up when TMac quit. You can find injuries with just about every team but, they find a way. This Spurs team is old, slow, extremely UNathletic, low basketball IQ (High basketball IQ types: Michael, Magic, Bird, Kobe, LeBron, Tim Duncan, Robert Horry, Brent Barry, Steve Kerr just to name a few of the good, the bad and the ugly) and has no chemistry.

All one has to do is look at a list of all 82 games and those the Spurs won were more so against the weak teams and when we would somehow find a way to beat a playoff caliber team we'd win by a point or two. Then that team would come back and kick our ass by 15, 20 ??? points. Even though we ended up as the 3rd seed we were one of the weakest teams going into the playoffs.This team has gone downhill since the 2007 Championship. Mason looked good the first half of the season but Pop has screwed with his head too much and Mason is showing he is weak mentally and is unable to block it out of his mind. It is re-tool time for sure. At least for any of us living in the real world. And if Pop is not going to play a player more than 1 minute per game till he is 35 or older then Holt needs to tell Pop he is messing way too much with the future of the franchise and it is time to look forward. The 4 trophy's are great but, what have you done for me today...type thingy.

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In a previous thread I mentioned that one of the other problems we're experiencing besides the Manu situation is not building a team built to withstand the impact of not having him. I also never said it wasn't time to re-tool, just that given the shuffled roster we've won with in the past when the big 3 were in their prime and given the position we were in last year with an equally weak (if not more so) roster one can see why an organization would fall into the trap of feeling okay going into the season with the squad we had to compete with (again, especially given the fact we'd added a few guys).

I personally don't see Mase as mentally weak, he's just got a lot placed on his plate that he isn't necessarily accustomed to. He's a stonecold, knockdown shooter regardless and serviceable in other roles and helped us to get to this point with a voatload of injuries. I expect changes to be made in the coming year(s) but I'm also being patient in seeing how things are going to develop and glad we still have some key pieces in place to build upon.

EDIT: So we're champions huh?

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

At least stick with your point man. You'd get more props even if you don't get support, sheesh.

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He was unable to stick with his username

Well, fuck Bonner

If Pop want to play a small ball then Hill is the best option there not Udoka.

And frickin fuck Bonner, did nothing and still he got a lot of PT

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Originally Posted by RuffnReadyOzStyle

Dude, BENOPHOBIA, seriouslah... :lol

Pop's major mistake in the last month has been not playing enough Hill, and to a lesser extent Bowen. Most of the other stuff has been forced on him by circumstance, but those are on him.

BTW, Hill's floor is Courtney Lee, his ceiling is well, Rajon Rondo without the awesome passing ability but a better jumpshot. Hill has a really unique body and skillset, and I'm looking forward to watching him grow.

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Hey Ruff. I agree with all you said man. Good take. Tough time to be a Spurs fan, but fuck it win game 5 and have another shot at them in game 6.

Hill should be in the rotation game 5 and also use Bowen more too. Drop Bonner and Finley's minutes down the toilet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SenorSpur

Once again, Pop screwed the pooch, and his team, in his assessment of his backup PG situation. In years past, he gambled too long on washed-up veterans like NVE and Damon Stoudamire. This time, he didn't gamble enough on George Hill. Everything I've seen from this kid indicates to me that he's not scared or intimidated by anything. Why Pop thought he'd suddenly become Beno 2.0 is beyond me.

---

:tu :pctoss

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Originally Posted by benefactor

Screwed up with Hill, way too much Finley, not enough Bowen, thinking Mason is Joe Johnson.......

Pop has really gone off the deep end this year.

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:tu :pctoss

Unbelievable. Hill gets sat because the veterans were supposedly more ready. In 14 minutes, Hill has as many buckets as Michael Finley, Matt Bonner, Ime Udoka, Kurt Thomas, Roger Mason, Jr. and Drew Gooden did in 111 minuets.

You couldn't script Pop's decision blowing up in his face more violently than it did in Game 4.

Pop overtrusts and overworks veterans. He underworks and doesn't trust younger players, rookies, etc. Good thing the Spurs don't have a chance at Blake Griffin. He'd probably send him to Austin. :lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

In a previous thread I mentioned that one of the other problems we're experiencing besides the Manu situation is not building a team built to withstand the impact of not having him. I also never said it wasn't time to re-tool, just that given the shuffled roster we've won with in the past when the big 3 were in their prime and given the position we were in last year with an equally weak (if not more so) roster one can see why an organization would fall into the trap of feeling okay going into the season with the squad we had to compete with (again, especially given the fact we'd added a few guys).

I personally don't see Mase as mentally weak, he's just got a lot placed on his plate that he isn't necessarily accustomed to. He's a stonecold, knockdown shooter regardless and serviceable in other roles and helped us to get to this point with a voatload of injuries. I expect changes to be made in the coming year(s) but I'm also being patient in seeing how things are going to develop and glad we still have some key pieces in place to build upon.

EDIT: So we're champions huh?

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I actually agree with your post. The biggest gripe I have is the fact that Pop can get so set in his ways that he doesn't always see the forest because of the trees. He does this with players that get in his doghouse for who knows what and once they are in it they rarely get out. He does it with crazy rotations, sometimes goes way too long before calling a timeout after a team has gone on a 16-2 run on us thinking our guys will figure it out on the court themselves. That is where the high bball IQ comes in. He gets young athletic players but sticks with guys who can hardly climb a flight of stairs over 10' high. There has been some damn good rookie play in these playoffs but, Pop hardly gives young guys a chance at anything unless we are up by 20 or down by 20 with a minute left in the game.

My biggest hope or wish is that Pop, RC, Holt and others in management sit down and really address such things as how UNathletic we've become (yes without Manu here) the last 3 or so years. They have to realize that Bonner, Vaughn, Oberto, have to go. They need to decide where guys like Hill, Mason, Udoka really fit in with the futurte. Maybe a team like Chicago would take a chance on Finley as an experienced guy to help the young guys since Michael is from up around there but, we just can't afford to keep giving him so many unproductive minutes.

I'm tired from a long day so I'm calling it a night. I basically agree with what all you've said. I just don't like using Manu as an excuse anymore.

Maybe, some how, some way we can pull this thing out but, we're faced with the same problems after that and Tony is worn out.

Have a good one!

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Originally Posted by timvp

Unbelievable. Hill gets sat because the veterans were supposedly more ready. In 14 minutes, Hill has as many buckets as Michael Finley, Matt Bonner, Ime Udoka, Kurt Thomas, Roger Mason, Jr. and Drew Gooden did in 111 minuets.

You couldn't script Pop's decision blowing up in his face more violently than it did in Game 4.

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Well, he'll definitely be getting his minutes in game 5, just hope he keeps taking and making shots since I know the defnesive effort will be there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by timvp

You couldn't script Pop's decision blowing up in his face more violently than it did in Game 4.

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:pctoss

salt rubbed into the wound

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SouthTexasRancher

I actually agree with your post. The biggest gripe I have is the fact that Pop can get so set in his ways that he doesn't always see the forest because of the trees. He does this with players that get in his doghouse for who knows what and once they are in it they rarely get out. He does it with crazy rotations, sometimes goes way too long before calling a timeout after a team has gone on a 16-2 run on us thinking our guys will figure it out on the court themselves. That is where the high bball IQ comes in. He gets young athletic players but sticks with guys who can hardly climb a flight of stairs over 10' high. There has been some damn good rookie play in these playoffs but, Pop hardly gives young guys a chance at anything unless we are up by 20 or down by 20 with a minute left in the game.

My biggest hope or wish is that Pop, RC, Holt and others in management sit down and really address such things as how UNathletic we've become (yes without Manu here) the last 3 or so years. They have to realize that Bonner, Vaughn, Oberto, have to go. They need to decide where guys like Hill, Mason, Udoka really fit in with the futurte. Maybe a team like Chicago would take a chance on Finley as an experienced guy to help the young guys since Michael is from up around there but, we just can't afford to keep giving him so many unproductive minutes.

I'm tired from a long day so I'm calling it a night. I basically agree with what all you've said. I just don't like using Manu as an excuse anymore.

Maybe, some how, some way we can pull this thing out but, we're faced with the same problems after that and Tony is worn out.

Have a good one!

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:toast
Same to you. Not adverse to any of the points you made, even Pop's hardheadedness, but with the way things have turned out overall, especially with Manu's injury, Oberto's Hill, JV's value or lack there of, etc. he has no real choice but to make adjustments to the roster....though Finley isn't leaving anytime soon, lol.

I still have faith that we can get it back to Dallas, especially if we get contributions from the bench at home which we have proven is more than possible. Guys just have to take shots when they're open: make or miss and defend the half court better.

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

Well, he'll definitely be getting his minutes in game 5, just hope he keeps taking and making shots since I know the defnesive effort will be there.

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The thing is though that Hill should have been in the rotation the whole time. Now that he's basically had the second half of the season off, it's difficult to expect much from him offensively and his defense isn't as sharp as it could be.

As a rookie, he desperately needed as much playing time as possible to get him prepared for the playoffs. Pop failed him and now Hill's asked to do the impossible because all the other options sucked. It's asking a lot from him to finish the series off strongly.

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Originally Posted by timvp

Unbelievable. Hill gets sat because the veterans were supposedly more ready. In 14 minutes, Hill has as many buckets as Michael Finley, Matt Bonner, Ime Udoka, Kurt Thomas, Roger Mason, Jr. and Drew Gooden did in 111 minuets.

You couldn't script Pop's decision blowing up in his face more violently than it did in Game 4.

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Problem is, that with Pop's stubborness, ignorance and arrogance, he probably acts as if it was just one game luck for Hill.

:pctoss

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Originally Posted by timvp

The thing is though that Hill should have been in the rotation the whole time. Now that he's basically had the second half of the season off, it's difficult to expect much from him offensively and his defense isn't as sharp as it could be.

As a rookie, he desperately needed as much playing time as possible to get him prepared for the playoffs. Pop failed him and now Hill's asked to do the impossible because all the other options sucked. It's asking a lot from him to finish the series off strongly.

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Agreed that Pop shouldn't have removed him from the rotation altoghter even if he wanted to move him around; cannot defend that move. The positive thing is that he wasn't scared to take shots in a game that was teetering on the brink of a blowout today despite his lack of playing time.....especially when he took it to the hole although it got swatted. He doesn't have to take over the series, but he proved he still possesses and innate scorers mentality which many of our vets didn't even display. He overpursued a bit on defense, but he still kept up with the guards better than Mase and Udoka.....although they each do a decent job against Kidd. He just has to stay aggressive.

Hill should of gotten the call a while back. I'm glad he's getting mins but damn its a little late now.

It's maddening to look at Hill's offensive production, look at Bonner's, and then feel confident that Pop knew what the hell he was doing sitting Hill on the pine.

Why does Bonehead continue to get run when he doesn't rebound and doesn't score, but ohmigodhe'sarookieican'tplayhim goes through Pop's head every time he looks at Hill.

Fuck you Pop.

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Originally Posted by Aggie Hoopsfan

It's maddening to look at Hill's offensive production, look at Bonner's, and then feel confident that Pop knew what the hell he was doing sitting Hill on the pine.

Why does Bonehead continue to get run when he doesn't rebound and doesn't score, but ohmigodhe'sarookieican'tplayhim goes through Pop's head every time he looks at Hill.

Fuck you Pop.

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Is there a clapping smilie?

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Originally Posted by Aggie Hoopsfan

It's maddening to look at Hill's offensive production, look at Bonner's, and then feel confident that Pop knew what the hell he was doing sitting Hill on the pine.

Why does Bonehead continue to get run when he doesn't rebound and doesn't score, but ohmigodhe'sarookieican'tplayhim goes through Pop's head every time he looks at Hill.

Fuck you Pop.

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Although your words are perverse to some of the spur fans, I have to admit you've composed an article which is more than rhetical. Hill played a wonderful half season before he got benched by Pop halfway in the regular season, the media and our chant finally forced Pop to unpack Hill in game 3, but Hill just let this chance pass by...

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Originally Posted by timvp

Unbelievable. Hill gets sat because the veterans were supposedly more ready. In 14 minutes, Hill has as many buckets as Michael Finley, Matt Bonner, Ime Udoka, Kurt Thomas, Roger Mason, Jr. and Drew Gooden did in 111 minuets.

You couldn't script Pop's decision blowing up in his face more violently than it did in Game 4.

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What more do I have to say about Pop's coaching. I've been pretty consistent all season with my critiques of his coaching this season. I know I have gone overboard a lot of times, but I really think Pop has contributed to this mess.

Like Ruff said two obvious choices were to play Bowen more and Hill as the back up PG. The rest of the stuff Pop did is fair enough because he didn't really have a choice because of all the injuries, but those two moves we all know should have been made and Pop finally fucking made them as our season is on the line.

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Originally Posted by Rogue

Although your words are perverse to some of the spur fans, I have to admit you've composed an article which is more than rhetical. Hill played a wonderful half season before he got benched by Pop halfway in the regular season, the media and our chant finally forced Pop to unpack Hill in game 3, but Hill just let this chance pass by...

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Given the rest of our offensive production outside of Tim & Tony, Hill shined. Beyond that, dude took and hit some clutch shouts to help us get back in the game when it was leaning towards another Game 3 debacle.

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Originally Posted by Ice009

Like Ruff said two obvious choices were to play Bowen more and Hill as the back up PG. The rest of the stuff Pop did is fair enough because he didn't really have a choice because of all the injuries, but those two moves we all know should have been made and Pop finally fucking made them as our season is on the line.

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Hill actually earned a lot of his time at the 2 in game 4, but the main point was that he finally got time.

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Originally Posted by timvp

Unbelievable. Hill gets sat because the veterans were supposedly more ready. In 14 minutes, Hill has as many buckets as Michael Finley, Matt Bonner, Ime Udoka, Kurt Thomas, Roger Mason, Jr. and Drew Gooden did in 111 minuets.

You couldn't script Pop's decision blowing up in his face more violently than it did in Game 4.

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And we can't forget the defense factor. With Hill, Bruce could guard Howard instead the Michael 'always late on rotations' Finley.

And Hill also could guard Barea, a thing tha Mason Jr can only dream

mason was not ready today when called on from bench but hill was

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Originally Posted by elnono

say what? We must have been watching different games, man. I saw our offense go to shit. No ball movement. Turnovers every time he tried to drive and dish. He's not a slasher. At least not an nba caliber slasher.
He's a one trick pony. But it's not his fault he's playing out of position.

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+1

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

Or you have Mason driving and Hill taking the treys, which he's proven he could make. And if he continues to hit them with some consitency they can take turns, though I'd rather have Hill slashing and dunking on the opposition in general. My point was mainly that Mason isn't the disaster at the PG position that many make him out to be.

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Can you explain the +/- on nearly every game in which Mason runs the point?

Hill gave Pop a big "in your face" yesterday with how he played. He outplayed every other player on the team not named Parker, Duncan, and Bowen. His playmaking abilites are something we really have missed. As others have said, Hill can run the offense and that's something we need in the second unit.

I think Pop should start for the rest of the playoffs, Parker, Hill, Bowen, Duncan, and Thomas/Gooden. Use a three big rotation and save Oberto for spare minutes. Do not give Bonner any playing time. Take Hill out around the 7 minute mark, subbing in Mason or Finley for him. Then, bring Hill back in to run point when Parker goes to rest. I think that would work.

Spurs need to move the ball around and share the ball....parker and george can create shots for the other players...and no mason at pg.....leave him as a shooting guard

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Originally Posted by timvp

The thing is though that Hill should have been in the rotation the whole time. Now that he's basically had the second half of the season off, it's difficult to expect much from him offensively and his defense isn't as sharp as it could be.

As a rookie, he desperately needed as much playing time as possible to get him prepared for the playoffs. Pop failed him and now Hill's asked to do the impossible because all the other options sucked. It's asking a lot from him to finish the series off strongly.

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Timvp, you hit the nail on the head!!!

A day late and a dollar short......

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Originally Posted by timvp

Unbelievable. Hill gets sat because the veterans were supposedly more ready. In 14 minutes, Hill has as many buckets as Michael Finley, Matt Bonner, Ime Udoka, Kurt Thomas, Roger Mason, Jr. and Drew Gooden did in 111 minuets.

You couldn't script Pop's decision blowing up in his face more violently than it did in Game 4.

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thanks for fucking us pop.

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Originally Posted by Das Texan

thanks for fucking us pop.

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:bang:pop::pctoss

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Originally Posted by Agloco

Can you explain the +/- on nearly every game in which Mason runs the point?

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No. Not especially an astute +/- stat guy, but his average assists outnumber his T/O by a good margin at the point even with him getting up more shots at the position given the second unit he's been working with, especially with the roster flux we've had since he's taken over at the position and which affected the rotations that much more. The guy was serviceable for me and was for a number of posters on this board towards the end of the season when we needed to gain continuity and momentum wdespite losing Manu.

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

:toast
Same to you. Not adverse to any of the points you made, even Pop's hardheadedness, but with the way things have turned out overall, especially with Manu's injury, Oberto's Hill, JV's value or lack there of, etc. he has no real choice but to make adjustments to the roster....though Finley isn't leaving anytime soon, lol.

I still have faith that we can get it back to Dallas, especially if we get contributions from the bench at home which we have proven is more than possible. Guys just have to take shots when they're open: make or miss and defend the half court better.

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NewJerSpur..re: Pop

"he has no real choice but to make adjustments to the roster....though Finley isn't leaving anytime soon."

No disagreement here. I think my biggest problem with Pop this season (I've always been 110% with Pop's decisions in the past) is the fact that he didn't make any real changes from last season other than getting Mason for Barry and picking up Thomas. I realize there are all kinds of 'contract' restraints on a team but, surely as smart of a basketball coach Pop is, he could see what all of us and others around the NBA could see ... and that was that with Vaughn, Oberto, Finley, Thomas and Bowen he had a group of senior citizens. I'm fine with having one or two of them on the team this season but, keeping all 5 pretty much ties our hands to the rear bumper. Especially knowing that most of the good teams were built for quickness and speed. Not necessarily the old Phoenix Suns type speed but, more towards to the longer, taller more youthful athletic players who can create their own shot, are good at getting into the paint and scoring and at least play some defense because of their length and quickness. I give Pop credit for promising everyone a chance of repeating after the 2007 Championship. But when you add Matt Bonner and Ime Udoka to the list you have a bad mixture of old, slow, and inconsistent.

As to the 2009-2010 season I could easily live with Timmy, Tony, Manu (limiting his minutes to about 20-25 most of the season), Gooden (if he doesn't demand that the Spurs give him half the oil wells in Saudi Arabia), Mason (and let him play the two guard only and work him hard on defensive fundamentals), Finley (just not as a starter), Thomas still has some life in him, Bowen (but, play him...especially when a player gets hot and at the end of quarters in tight games), George Hill (but, start giving him minutes early on. Keep Ime but, realize he is somewhat skiddish like Mason when it comes to Pop coming down hard. Some people can handle it and some just can't and they go into a funk. Show confidence in Ime and get him back to where he has confidence in his shots like last season and at the end of this season.

Then decide if guys like Mahimi, Gist, Harrison, etc. have any realistic chance as a Spur and if so start working them into the lineup and let them make their mistakes and learn from them. And don't let anymore players like Scola and Splitter get away. Management needs to put their heads together and get creative. Those two hurt, letting them get away. Same with Pops. Raw but, tons of potential.

We definitely need a backup PG if it isn't going to be Hill. We could use a legitimate 6'11" - 7'2" Center so we can match up with teams like LA, Houston, etc. And it would be nice (a pipe dream) if we could find a Kevin Durant at Small Forward. A Sean Elliott type with good knees.

The bottom line, at least for me, is we cannot bring this same group back next season. If we do then I would say something is wrong with Pop, like he is getting senile (lol) on us. And I guess we're going to see what this team is made of in Game 5. If we play like we did in the 1st half of Game 1 and all of Game 2 then there is no reason we can't win Game 5 and go to Dallas and get Game 6. Then it would be a barn burner for Game 7.

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Originally Posted by SouthTexasRancher

NewJerSpur..re: Pop

"he has no real choice but to make adjustments to the roster....though Finley isn't leaving anytime soon."

No disagreement here. I think my biggest problem with Pop this season (I've always been 110% with Pop's decisions in the past) is the fact that he didn't make any real changes from last season other than getting Mason for Barry and picking up Thomas. I realize there are all kinds of 'contract' restraints on a team but, surely as smart of a basketball coach Pop is, he could see what all of us and others around the NBA could see ... and that was that with Vaughn, Oberto, Finley, Thomas and Bowen he had a group of senior citizens. I'm fine with having one or two of them on the team this season but, keeping all 5 pretty much ties our hands to the rear bumper. Especially knowing that most of the good teams were built for quickness and speed. Not necessarily the old Phoenix Suns type speed but, more towards to the longer, taller more youthful athletic players who can create their own shot, are good at getting into the paint and scoring and at least play some defense because of their length and quickness. I give Pop credit for promising everyone a chance of repeating after the 2007 Championship. But when you add Matt Bonner and Ime Udoka to the list you have a bad mixture of old, slow, and inconsistent.

As to the 2009-2010 season I could easily live with Timmy, Tony, Manu (limiting his minutes to about 20-25 most of the season), Gooden (if he doesn't demand that the Spurs give him half the oil wells in Saudi Arabia), Mason (and let him play the two guard only and work him hard on defensive fundamentals), Finley (just not as a starter), Thomas still has some life in him, Bowen (but, play him...especially when a player gets hot and at the end of quarters in tight games), George Hill (but, start giving him minutes early on. Keep Ime but, realize he is somewhat skiddish like Mason when it comes to Pop coming down hard. Some people can handle it and some just can't and they go into a funk. Show confidence in Ime and get him back to where he has confidence in his shots like last season and at the end of this season.

Then decide if guys like Mahimi, Gist, Harrison, etc. have any realistic chance as a Spur and if so start working them into the lineup and let them make their mistakes and learn from them. And don't let anymore players like Scola and Splitter get away. Management needs to put their heads together and get creative. Those two hurt, letting them get away. Same with Pops. Raw but, tons of potential.

We definitely need a backup PG if it isn't going to be Hill. We could use a legitimate 6'11" - 7'2" Center so we can match up with teams like LA, Houston, etc. And it would be nice (a pipe dream) if we could find a Kevin Durant at Small Forward. A Sean Elliott type with good knees.

The bottom line, at least for me, is we cannot bring this same group back next season. If we do then I would say something is wrong with Pop, like he is getting senile (lol) on us. And I guess we're going to see what this team is made of in Game 5. If we play like we did in the 1st half of Game 1 and all of Game 2 then there is no reason we can't win Game 5 and go to Dallas and get Game 6. Then it would be a barn burner for Game 7.

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:toast

-From a Free Agent standpoint our hands were tied and the available FA's were solid but not great.


-The D-League and the draft is likely where we'll find our team for the next few seasons IMO, which isn't bad because the championship foundation is rooted in the draft.

-A young big who can rebound and defend with potential to add to his offensive game (ala Tyrus Thomas). Oberto & Thomas aren't really longterm solutions and I think we can upgrade at the backup PF position....though I'm not totally opposed to bringing him back. And you also have Bonner who's a tweener, who is likely to stay. Perhaps Gist can come in at the 4 and we can get a young Center with an offensive upside.

-the SG to Forward positions are interesting because you have Manu (who can play point Forward), Mason, Bowen, Finley, Udoka, and potentially Hill on the team as is. I can see Manu and Mase coming off the bench and Bowen and Hill starting. Doesn't really leave room for Finley or Udoka, but Finley's still got an option year left on his contract if I'm not mistaken; Ime is still a mystery to me because there's nothing he does consistently well to warrant giving him a payday.

-I'm really looking forward to game 5 as well to see the medal of this current squad.

i never never like to think of myself as being able to make better decisions than Pop ... but the Hill insertion was such a no brainer all long . he's an unbelievable defender .

it's too bad this was a revelation to Pop too late into the series . i just can't believe the Mavs will give up 3 straight , but you never know ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NewJerSpur

:toast

-From a Free Agent standpoint our hands were tied and the available FA's were solid but not great.


-The D-League and the draft is likely where we'll find our team for the next few seasons IMO, which isn't bad because the championship foundation is rooted in the draft.

-A young big who can rebound and defend with potential to add to his offensive game (ala Tyrus Thomas). Oberto & Thomas aren't really longterm solutions and I think we can upgrade at the backup PF position....though I'm not totally opposed to bringing him back. And you also have Bonner who's a tweener, who is likely to stay. Perhaps Gist can come in at the 4 and we can get a young Center with an offensive upside.

-the SG to Forward positions are interesting because you have Manu (who can play point Forward), Mason, Bowen, Finley, Udoka, and potentially Hill on the team as is. I can see Manu and Mase coming off the bench and Bowen and Hill starting. Doesn't really leave room for Finley or Udoka, but Finley's still got an option year left on his contract if I'm not mistaken; Ime is still a mystery to me because there's nothing he does consistently well to warrant giving him a payday.

-I'm really looking forward to game 5 as well to see the medal of this current squad.

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Agreed!

BTW, if you find out what Pop sees in Bonner let me know. For some reason Pop thinks Bonner is the second coming of The Admiral. Bonner at best is a guy you bring off the bench and hope he gets hot and hits 3 or 4 3's like Robert Horry and Steve Kerr used to do for us. I doubt he'd even be a starter with the Kings or Clips.