Grumpy Manu and Hope For a Better Team

I think it's a little bit of everything coming into play. A lot of it coming from frustration on how he's playing and how his game is not working, some of it from how the team is playing, and the stress and pressure knowing that he's either on the trading block (he's probably heard about it for a while now) or having to fight for a job whether it's somewhere else or back with the Spurs. He hasn't only been angry on the court but even in his articles he seems a little edgy. Oh and then having a pregnant wife at home too.

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Originally Posted by portnoy1

Oh and Mario Elie was rough, he even told big Dave a few things.

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Man, I remember Elie's on-court "coaching." Made Manu's talk with Hill look like a lullaby!

It's always better for players to realize that they hold each other accountable as much as if not more than the coach.

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Originally Posted by portnoy1

I think Manu enjoys playing with Hill alot more than TP. Hill plays D' and has a little more to his game than Parker. When Parker is on the Floor then Manu has to guard the teams best perimeter player. When Hill is on the floor Manu can just use his energy to disrupt and make plays cause Hill has the daunting task of being defensive specialist. Hill also gives Manu more room/athleticism/simplicity to work with. Hill can hit the 3, Parker cant hit any 3's (for the most part). Hill defend better cause of his athleticism, Parker rarely has to guard someone thats really good ( usually its Hills assignment) and Hill will keep the Ball moving if he doesnt have a good shot, Parker dribbles alot. In last nights game during the 3rd quarter RJ had a bibby on him in the post and Parker instead opted to take his man off the dribble and get into the lane. From what I remember nothing good came of that. Same play in the 4th quarter, Hill decided to give it to RJ in the post against bibby. Result = an immediate double team which lead to Tim flashing to basket, being fouled and getting free throws which could've easily been a 3pt play for him. Manu wants to keep Hill from slipping into an score-only mode that Parker has developed over the years, thats why he is on him at every turn and corner.

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I agree with this completely

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Originally Posted by portnoy1

I was at the game last night and noticed it. But him and hill are cool, real cool. I think GHill/ Manu have a high respect for eachother. I think Manu feels like Pop felt about Tony when he was new in the league. He sees potential and wants hill to use it to the full and be disciplined in his play as well as have a feel for what the right play/wrong play is. After GHIll hit a jumper and got that alley-hoop Manu gave him a high-five on their way back to the bench. I really think that Manu realizes Bruce is gone and that Hill's play on D and O is essential to the Spurs being successful. Parker wont look for guys on cuts and little things like that ( the kinda stuff you have to have a 6th sense for) I think he wants hill to make sure that those habits get corrected early in his career so that he wont turn into TP when it comes to the team game. Hill/Blair asside from Tim are probably his favorite teammates. Just listen to the way he talks about Hill especially during interviews.

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Sounds like a TP's hater. Anyway, that is your assumption. From what I heard from Manu in his last practice interview, he stated that both he and TP have to be more vocal and sometime have to be more of the leadership on the court. That why he yells in the court sometimes. Not sure if TP does the same though?

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Originally Posted by ThaiFanofSpurs

Sounds like a TP's hater. Anyway, that is your assumption. From what I heard from Manu in his last practice interview, he stated that both he and TP have to be more vocal and sometime have to be more of the leadership on the court. That why he yells in the court sometimes. Not sure if TP does the same though?

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TP is not as vocal and really never has been. Its not really his thing. I also dont see how my post above which dealt primarily with Manu/Hill makes me a TP hater.

The more pissed Manu goes into the playoffs the better.

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Originally Posted by EmptyMan

The more pissed Manu goes into the playoffs the better.

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Provided he doesnt get too pissed, try too hard and get hurt before the playoffs.

Everyone is aware that he has twins to deal with now right? I'm thinking that this is affecting his play quite a bit. I speak from experience. It's a really difficult adjustment, especially during the first year of their lives. He's going through hell right now I'm sure.

Manu wants others to play with the same intensity, determination and heart he brings to every game.

Skills are one thing. Desire and mental fortitude can many times be the determinating factor in winning or losing. Especially at this level of play when most of the players have "The Skills" but not all have the fortitude.

Sometimes it takes a little "coaxing" to get that out of your teammates and yourself.

good point. Manu is leading by example, but he should also lead by slapping mofos on the back of their head (RJ)