Random thoughts after track meet with the Rockets

-Who would have ever thought the Spurs and Rockets would one day be the top two fastest paced teams in the NBA? It used to be that you could write down an 82-79 final score whenever these two teams met. Today, with the way these two teams run, it'd take a Herculean effort for one team to keep the other team under 100 points.

-It pains me to admit but I like that group over there in H-town. James Harden's just a monster. Not only is he a great scorer, he destroys you if you try to send help. His ability to find the open man when a double-team is coming is just amazing. Jeremy Lin is figuring out how to fit in and, just as importantly, the Rockets are figuring out how to use his talents. When you give him a screen and open space to operate with, he's really difficult to handle because he's deceptively big and deceptively athletic. Lin's passing is also improving, so sending help his way is tricky to do. Chandler Parsons is just flat out good. I'm not sure what his ceiling is (a better passing version of Cedric Ceballos?) but he's a perfect role player because he's above average in just about every aspect of the game. Omer Asik is a damn good defender (ignoring how TD bent him over), a great rebounder and an improving offensive player. He was a definite steal; great move by Morey there. Off their bench, Greg Smith is a big with a ton of potential and Toney Douglas, as long as he's shooting straight, is great depth as an ace defender with a good basketball IQ.

-Speaking Harden, thank all that is holy that he's not on the Thunder anymore. It sounds strange to say but I believe it's true: Harden is more difficult to gameplan for than either Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook. With Durant, all you can do is get a hand up and hope he misses. His release-point is so high that if he catches the ball, you're basically at his mercy no matter what you do. With Westbrook, you have to limit his airspace in order to try to negate his otherworldly athleticism. But Harden is much more complex. As I mentioned above, you can't really double-team him because he'll instantly find the open man. He's great at running pick-and-rolls but just as deadly isolated. Harden also has a ton of tricks in his bag and is just extremely aware of the whole court at all times. I don't care if Kevin Martin is a 70% three-point shooter, I'll take two Kevin Martins on the Thunder rather than one Harden.

-As much as Harden is impressing me and as much as I like some of the players on the Rockets, they're not ready yet to compete for the Western Conference crown. That said, that is not a team you want to face in the first round ... especially for a team like the Spurs that doesn't have elite mobility. They can run with 'em but if Houston gets hot, their ability to stretch the court, create space and punish mismatches really is a combination the Spurs can hopefully avoid. The Lakers and maybe even the Grizzlies would also have a long series on their hands if they have to face a Rockets team that is clicking.

-Getting back to the Spurs... can a Nando De Colo and Manu Ginobili backcourt work? I don't like the early returns. De Colo is good as a creator but if you move him off the ball, he's pretty useless. Ginobili is always going to be the creator in that alignment so then De Colo turns into a spot-up shooter -- and that's not his game. One possibility to to move Ginobili into the starting lineup and then allow De Colo to run the second unit. However, I'm not sure how reasonable that is; to change something that major just to fit De Colo into the rotation is probably overdoing it. Patrick Mills next to Ginobili is a much more natural pairing. If Mills can bring the ball up the court (not always a given) and defend decently (also easier said than done), Mills next to Ginobili could work out very well. All that said, when Gary Neal returns, he'll get the first shot at backup PG .... and I don't really have a problem with that. He's earned a right to at least try to keep a spot in the rotation.

-That Tim Duncan guy ain't that bad. Putting up 30 points against arguably the best defensive center in the league who wasn't born in the Virgin Islands like it ain't no thang? Not bad at all.

-I like it that Tony Parker seems to have another gear this year. It's like a I'm-pissed-GTFO-of-my-way gear that allows him to increase his speed by 25%, his physicality in the paint by 40%, his ability to find three-point shooters by 20% and his jumper accuracy by 30%.

-I had to laugh at the Rockets thinking it was a good idea to go under screens when defending Manu Ginobili. You have one of the most competitive players who has ever lived and you are going to disrespect him by daring him to shoot? Ha, okay, thanks.

-In the first half, at times I was wondering if Stephen Jackson was done. He just looked like he could no longer move. But, man, in the second half his D was pretty darn good. He's long and has quick hands so he should be able to compensate for being a step or two slower. It looked like he started to figure that out and was honestly the best Spurs defender against Harden in the final two quarters. Surprised the heck out of me, to be honest.

-The Tiago Splitter conundrum: Is he better utilized as the PJ Brown of the starting unit or the Hakeem Olajuwon of the bench unit? I don't know. I've thought about it but I haven't come to a conclusion. On one hand, it's great to have two real bigmen in the starting lineup for a change. Splitter helps out as part of the starting five and he makes that quintet better ... but he's never going to be more than the third option -- and even lower if Danny Green or Kawhi Leonard is feeling it. Off the bench, he's basically the first option. He's involved in every play and each play is designed with Splitter getting a layup as the optimal result. When Splitter plays in that environment, he can put up scary numbers. In fact, his per-minute numbers when in the bench environment are as good as just about any center in the NBA. But then again, bench production isn't as important (or as easy to come by) in the playoffs. It's a tough call.

Tiago should be what the Lakers should employ Pau Gasol: A starter but the bench unit's center.

Interesting fact: TP is the only player this season to average 18/3/7 while shooting 50+/40+/80+. :wow

Great post, nothing to add except that Nando Manu doesn't work on defense either imo, they are both better fit to guard SGs.

If this is a random thought I can't wait to see a focused, coherent assessment.

Stephen Jackson, done? The fact that it's even a possibility is extremely worrying.

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Originally Posted by timvp

-The Tiago Splitter conundrum: Is he better utilized as the PJ Brown of the starting unit or the Hakeem Olajuwon of the bench unit? I don't know. I've thought about it but I haven't come to a conclusion. On one hand, it's great to have two real bigmen in the starting lineup for a change. Splitter helps out as part of the starting five and he makes that quintet better ... but he's never going to be more than the third option -- and even lower if Danny Green or Kawhi Leonard is feeling it. Off the bench, he's basically the first option. He's involved in every play and each play is designed with Splitter getting a layup as the optimal result. When Splitter plays in that environment, he can put up scary numbers. In fact, his per-minute numbers when in the bench environment are as good as just about any center in the NBA. But then again, bench production isn't as important (or as easy to come by) in the playoffs. It's a tough call.

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If this is right, I'd say groom Splitter to be a starter. We are playing to get ready for the playoffs, and that's when we know the bench depth won't matter nearly as much. With that said, if we face the Lakers or Memphis, we will fare better with a more experienced Splitter.

Yup, it's funny to me when thunder fans act like Martin for Harden won't change anything. Martin's a great scorer and has given us problems in the past but Harden is just a different animal.

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Originally Posted by phxspurfan

If this is right, I'd say groom Splitter to be a starter. We are playing to get ready for the playoffs, and that's when we know the bench depth won't matter nearly as much. With that said, if we face the Lakers or Memphis, we will fare better with a more experienced Splitter.

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lol at even considering them

they're turrible, tbh

Splitter starting alongside Duncan is also a sign that Spurs are damn confident about Tim's health. If Spurs goal was to limit Tim's regular season wear and tear, they wouldn't start alongside him the player that is his backup. By doing so, Pop makes it almost impossible by design to have Tim playing the 28mpg he played these past two seasons. Starting Splitter alongside Duncan also makes sense if Pop think that Tim will be able to play 36-38 mpg in the playoffs and that Splitter will then be paired a lot with Tim.

Splitter starting validates that Tim rebirth isn't some kind of fluke and that his knees are objectively in better shape. Spurs/Pop aren't worried that his knees gave up at some point of the season like it has happened in the past.

Remember the kerfuffle surrounding whether OKC made an error in picking Harden over Tyreke Evans?

Yeah, me neither.

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Splitter starting alongside Duncan is also a sign that Spurs are damn confident about Tim's health. If Spurs goal was to limit Tim's regular season wear and tear, they wouldn't start alongside him the player that is his backup. By doing so, Pop makes it almost impossible by design to have Tim playing the 28mpg he played these past two seasons. Starting Splitter alongside Duncan also makes sense if Pop think that Tim will be able to play 36-38 mpg in the playoffs and that Splitter will then be paired a lot with Tim.

Splitter starting validates that Tim rebirth isn't some kind of fluke and that his knees are objectively in better shape. Spurs/Pop aren't worried that his knees gave up at some point of the season like it has happened in the past.

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Tim losing weight and being a very disciplined player in terms of conditioning helps too. If Shaq had the same discipline as Duncan or Abdul-Jabbar he'd have a better end to his career.

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Originally Posted by timvp

-The Tiago Splitter conundrum: Is he better utilized as the PJ Brown of the starting unit or the Hakeem Olajuwon of the bench unit? I don't know. I've thought about it but I haven't come to a conclusion. On one hand, it's great to have two real bigmen in the starting lineup for a change. Splitter helps out as part of the starting five and he makes that quintet better ... but he's never going to be more than the third option -- and even lower if Danny Green or Kawhi Leonard is feeling it. Off the bench, he's basically the first option. He's involved in every play and each play is designed with Splitter getting a layup as the optimal result. When Splitter plays in that environment, he can put up scary numbers. In fact, his per-minute numbers when in the bench environment are as good as just about any center in the NBA. But then again, bench production isn't as important (or as easy to come by) in the playoffs. It's a tough call.

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I think a 6'9" forward that is athletic enough to cover the pick and roll would help, just so it is a true 6'9". Not someone who is really 6' 7 1/2" crap. I was hoping that Rick jackson would be able to earn a 10 day call up soon from the Toros, but it doesn't look like it's in the cards.He's not making his free throws, and that makes him a problem. Someone like that might help solve some of the post questions?

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Originally Posted by Strategic

I think a 6'9" forward that is athletic enough to cover the pick and roll would help, just so it is a true 6'9". Not someone who is really 6' 7 1/2" crap. I was hoping that Rick jackson would be able to earn a 10 day call up soon from the Toros, but it doesn't look like it's in the cards.He's not making his free throws, and that makes him a problem. Someone like that might help solve some of the post questions?

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Sounds like a Spur to me...

Keep splitter in the starting lineup, it's good experience for him. Who else would the spurs play in his place? Blair? Bonner? No, when the playoffs roll around, these two will be next to useless. And letting diaw start would just encourage his passiveness. Tiago starting also means an increase in minutes, which is long overdue.

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can a Nando De Colo and Manu Ginobili backcourt work? I don't like the early returns. De Colo is good as a creator but if you move him off the ball, he's pretty useless. Ginobili is always going to be the creator in that alignment so then De Colo turns into a spot-up shooter -- and that's not his game. One possibility to to move Ginobili into the starting lineup and then allow De Colo to run the second unit. However, I'm not sure how reasonable that is; to change something that major just to fit De Colo into the rotation is probably overdoing it. Patrick Mills next to Ginobili is a much more natural pairing. If Mills can bring the ball up the court (not always a given) and defend decently (also easier said than done), Mills next to Ginobili could work out very well.

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So what would you do with Manu? If you start Manu, Tony seems to become less aggressive out there with him on the court. If you bring Manu from the bench, he doesn't seem to fit in with Nando. What's left to do with him? Oh well he'll probably be injured again at some point and there will be room again for Nando.

NDC and Manu can work...Worked against the Raptors.

Splitter isn't getting many touches, but is good for his confidence be in the starting lineup and get ready for the playoffs...

Manu played well again, he is in shape... Timmy still looking 5 years younger. Tony was great on O.

Green did what he is supposed to do, but still can't pass or make layups...

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Originally Posted by Brunodf

NDC and Manu can work...Worked against the Raptors.

Splitter isn't getting many touches, but is good for his confidence be in the starting lineup and get ready for the playoffs...

Manu played well again, he is in shape... Timmy still looking 5 years younger. Tony was great on O.

Green did what he is supposed to do, but still can't pass or make layups...

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Manu and De Colo could work, but I doubt it would work as well as Manu and Patty. If you check Timvp's player pairing statistics, you'll see how much better Manu plays with Patty than he does with De Colo.

Regarding whether to start or bench Splitter, I think you have to go with the best long term solution that produces the highest ceiling come playoff time. To me, that's clearly having the twin towers playing as much together as possible.

All those years that Splitter was a spurs I hear that he needs to start! And now it seems like it's not that good idea. Well IMO with the way Pop plays him and Tim and Boris I see absolutely no problem with him starting. It all comes to rotation of bigs and then you can play them considering matchups and day performance.
I'd rather see also Bonner here and there in the rotation but whatever.

It's too early and the sample is not big enough IMO to say that Mills will be better then De Colo. It all depends on the duties. Pop needs to find the way how to use De Colo in most effective role. Not put him as a SG and running off screens side to side. He is better vertical then horizontal as I can observe.

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I like it that Tony Parker seems to have another gear this year. It's like a I'm-pissed-GTFO-of-my-way gear that allows him to increase his speed by 25%, his physicality in the paint by 40%, his ability to find three-point shooters by 20% and his jumper accuracy by 30%.

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Would be nice to see Tony Parker use the extra gear on transition D. Spurs got killed by the rockets on the fastbreak. As a team they have to improve on getting back and part of it will come from limiting their TO's.It will only get worse how-ever when the team leader who also happens to be one of the quickest guys on the court continously jogs back and at times is the last man back. Often i saw Tony expand more energy whining to the refs after forcing the action, while being content with watching his teammates running hard the other end. On an aging team that's a sure-fire way to tire them out and give the opposition easy points.

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On one hand, it's great to have two real bigmen in the starting lineup for a change. Splitter helps out as part of the starting five and he makes that quintet better ... but he's never going to be more than the third option -- and even lower if Danny Green or Kawhi Leonard is feeling it. Off the bench, he's basically the first option. He's involved in every play and each play is designed with Splitter getting a layup as the optimal result. When Splitter plays in that environment, he can put up scary numbers

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Essentially , he replaced Blair's mins and gained more time on the court. He's improved the starting unit defensively and offensively he's fitting in so i think it's worth it. When Tiago comes back in, usually around the 3min mark of the quarter that's where he should see more touches. The who partners Manu in the back-court issue getting solved will help his situation because Nando/ Manu combo hasn't been working of late. As a result the bench unit seems to be lacking cohesion. Work in progress because i hope the Spurs allow Nando to learn from his mistakes and Neal getting back changes things.

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Originally Posted by timvp

-The Tiago Splitter conundrum: Is he better utilized as the PJ Brown of the starting unit or the Hakeem Olajuwon of the bench unit?

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My vote is for the Hakeem Olajuwon of the bench unit. For a team with exactly two centers, it should be obvious that one starts and one comes off the bench. You don't start your two centers and then bring Diaw and Bonner off the bench. I advocate starting Duncan and Diaw.

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Originally Posted by timvp

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This has got to be one of your better write ups.

I would start Tiago just for the sake of getting him better for the future seasons. Kawhi, Green and Tiago are obviously our future so they should be developed.

To me Splitter starting shows Pop is serious about getting better defensively. When you have rim protection the TP, DG, and KL can be more aggressive on the perimeter.

SJax's 2nd half felt like 2003 again, even better because he's smarter. His first half would have been better in the recording studio.

Regarding Splitter, I think starting him is the right thing to do. And there might still be a way to get him enough minutes with the bench unit as well, e.g. by subbing in Diaw a bit earlier than it is usually done.

I agree with timvp that the Rockets have some nice pieces. I think Lin still needs to improve a lot, though. He is still basically a one-handed player, as he just doesn't seem to be able to finish with his left at a reasonable clip. He is even uncomfortable dribbling with his left hand.

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Originally Posted by spursmartyr

lol at even considering them

they're turrible, tbh

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By far the most random stat of the night, entering the game against houston and the lakers game against Portland the Lakers were 3rd in the NBA in total 3's down one 3ptr from the Spurs with Nash missing 25 games.

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Originally Posted by cd021

By far the most random stat of the night, entering the game against houston and the lakers game against Portland the Lakers were 3rd in the NBA in total 3's down one 3ptr from the Spurs with Nash missing 25 games.

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To date:

3pt attempts per game:

Lakers: 24.8
Spurs: 22.8

Why can't Splitter be a bit of both? Come off the bench and dominate, and then join the best unit to finish the game. Kinda like Ginobili did.

I hope Pop continues with the big starting line up. Let NDC and Manu figure out how they best play together and turn the bench back into the monster that it is. Tiago needs more time in the starting unit to get this defensive identity established. It will pay off later in the playoffs.
As long as the Spurs are winning, keep on doing it. Let the guys get into their new roles.

Once Neal gets back, DC's minutes will decrease. So its pretty irrelevant that he and Manu figure anything out.

I like timvp's random thoughts even better than his game thoughts because it lets him focus on what was most interesting instead of following a fixed form. He's a great writer!

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Originally Posted by doobs

Why can't Splitter be a bit of both? Come off the bench and dominate, and then join the best unit to finish the game. Kinda like Ginobili did.

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Good point. Pop might just mix and match with Splitter starting, or coming off the bench, depending on opposing team's matchups.

I know this is a somewhat loaded and/or complicated question, but...

For anyone here, do you see De Colo as more of a project player (who may or may not work out), or as a role player (who's ultimate role has yet to be defined)?

With Duncan/Splitter I've noticed that we always seem to get out to a great defensive start, then as soon as Diaw is subbed in for Splitter, the other team always makes a run. Then Splitter comes back in for Duncan and the other team makes a couple of subs and they cool off again. Kinda concerning against an opponent like OKC who won't be subbing anyone important during that sequence.

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Originally Posted by Bill_Brasky

With Duncan/Splitter I've noticed that we always seem to get out to a great defensive start, then as soon as Diaw is subbed in for Splitter, the other team always makes a run. Then Splitter comes back in for Duncan and the other team makes a couple of subs and they cool off again. Kinda concerning against an opponent like OKC who won't be subbing anyone important during that sequence.

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Diaw's defense was pretty good last year. Maybe he just needs to regain it and there shouldn't be that much dropoff.

The Splitter/Duncan frontcourt is a dominant one. With it, Spurs are allowing 90.6 points per 48 minutes while scoring 105.9 points per 48 minutes.

For the current starting lineup of Parker/Green/Leonard/Splitter/Duncan, even if the sample size is very small, Spurs are scoring 98.9 points per 48 minutes while allowing a crazy low 73.5 points per 48 minutes.

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Originally Posted by Bill_Brasky

With Duncan/Splitter I've noticed that we always seem to get out to a great defensive start, then as soon as Diaw is subbed in for Splitter, the other team always makes a run. Then Splitter comes back in for Duncan and the other team makes a couple of subs and they cool off again. Kinda concerning against an opponent like OKC who won't be subbing anyone important during that sequence.

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When Ibaka is hitting, the Spurs haven't had an answer for him no matter who is next to TD. If it remains necessary to use Leonard to cover Durant I'm not sure the Spurs have what's needed to counter Ibaka and OKC's ability to play him, Durant and Westbrook for most of the game(youth, hmmpfh). That may have been Pop's purpose for giving Anderson one more shot, since he has enough size and physical tools to stay in Durant's face. It will be interesting to see if the FO thinks it necessary to pick up a front court body that can serve their needs, and in time to help the team this late season and playoffs.

I like Splitter starting next to Duncan but I think if Pop is committed to sticking with it the FO must make a move for a big. Against most teams playing even short stints with Diaw along side Bonner/Blair/or Sjax is just a disaster defensively and rebounding wise. The problem facing Spurs is can you get solid big without moving SJax? Somewhat on that note had there been any other news regarding Dice comeback attempt - VERY doubtful that he would be the answer for Spurs, but if he is healthy and in shape I could see him being more effective than Bonner/Blair for half a season in limited minutes

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Originally Posted by JRHernandez88

Yup, it's funny to me when thunder fans act like Martin for Harden won't change anything. Martin's a great scorer and has given us problems in the past but Harden is just a different animal.

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Seriously. They either flat out just don't have enough NBA-watching experience to know any better, or they're just playing it off like it doesn't matter so they can continue the arrogance of having gotten to the Finals. I don't see them making it back this time. They are worse than both the Spurs and the Clippers now. The Grizzlies could potentially handle them in the playoffs too.

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Originally Posted by Strategic

When Ibaka is hitting, the Spurs haven't had an answer for him no matter who is next to TD. If it remains necessary to use Leonard to cover Durant I'm not sure the Spurs have what's needed to counter Ibaka and OKC's ability to play him, Durant and Westbrook for most of the game(youth, hmmpfh). That may have been Pop's purpose for giving Anderson one more shot, since he has enough size and physical tools to stay in Durant's face. It will be interesting to see if the FO thinks it necessary to pick up a front court body that can serve their needs, and in time to help the team this late season and playoffs.

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Leonard or Jackson could defend him. Ibaka isn't good enough in the post to make the Spurs pay for playing them on him. The other of Leonard/Jackson can defend Durant. They both play him pretty well considering. Duncan can take Perkins easily on both ends of the court. And we all know the well-documented thrashing Parker gives Westbrook on both ends almost every time. Then it's Manu vs Martin. . .and I think we're better there too.

We match up better now than we did before imo. We just need to play a smaller/quicker lineup with Jack and Leonard at both forward spots.

Jack on Ibaka

I don't mind so much if Splitter doesn't start every game with Duncan. I'm beyond excited that they're finally allowed to be on the floor at the same time, since some of us have been talking about it since he was still in Europe. Having those guys getting minutes together just makes them better for a playoff run, and there's no downside to it.

Since Splitter has been starting and in previous trials, he has left the game about 6 mins +or- into the game. Diaw comes in and plays beside Duncan. When it is time for Duncan to go to the bench at the 2or 3 min mark, Splitter comes back and plays. Splitter is with the second unit at that time.

For me, I would like to see Bonner get about 4 to 6 mins a half. He will spread the floor and create a different look. When we get to the playoffs we are going to need our bigs to be rested. At that time, we can take Bonner out of the rotation and go with our best players. Even in the playoffs, our bench needs to be used more. When we get a lead in the playoffs, use the bench to keep the starters fresh. That is something we did not do last year. We lost to OKC because we did not have fresh legs in the last 4 games.

You can't use your bench to protect a lead when they can't hit shots and can't play defense.

great post timvp, I never realized this until now.

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Originally Posted by Bruno

The Splitter/Duncan frontcourt is a dominant one. With it, Spurs are allowing 90.6 points per 48 minutes while scoring 105.9 points per 48 minutes.

For the current starting lineup of Parker/Green/Leonard/Splitter/Duncan, even if the sample size is very small, Spurs are scoring 98.9 points per 48 minutes while allowing a crazy low 73.5 points per 48 minutes.

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The numbers are better than i expected

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Originally Posted by Mel_13

To date:

3pt attempts per game:

Lakers: 24.8
Spurs: 22.8

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at least we're more effiecent

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It sounds strange to say but I believe it's true: Harden is more difficult to gameplan for than either Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook.

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I agree . . . but it doesn't sound strange in the case of Westbrook. I've been saying since last season that Harden is better and that they should have chose him over Westbrook. Partially due to how erratic and clueless Westbrook is, partially because of how much harder it is to find a high level SG than PG. If I were them, before free agency began, I'd have offered Westbrook for Lowry, Parsons and a swap of 1sts.

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Getting back to the Spurs... can a Nando De Colo and Manu Ginobili backcourt work? I don't like the early returns. De Colo is good as a creator but if you move him off the ball, he's pretty useless. Ginobili is always going to be the creator in that alignment so then De Colo turns into a spot-up shooter -- and that's not his game.

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I said the same thing a week or two ago. De Colo-Ginobili doesn't work. De Colo-Neal does, but that only happens if they trade Green, which I don't see happening. If Neal is dealt, look for Mills-Ginobili to be the way they go (despite the fact that De Colo has usurped Mills as the 12th man).

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In the first half, at times I was wondering if Stephen Jackson was done. He just looked like he could no longer move.

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But I thought they had two starting SF's?

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The Tiago Splitter conundrum: Is he better utilized as the PJ Brown of the starting unit or the Hakeem Olajuwon of the bench unit? I don't know. I've thought about it but I haven't come to a conclusion.

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He's probably best served where he is, because it means he get's a few extra minutes more than Diaw, which makes sense considering he's the fourth best player on this team and playing him 20 mpg is not enough. They're already (inevitably) going to ask him to take below market value (again) to re-sign. It'll be easier to sell him on doing so with an expanded role.

But whichever way it goes, it doesn't change the fact that they need a competent fourth big. A three big rotation only works if one can play 40 minutes.

Looking at Splitter's numbers as a starter with Duncan (not including the MIA game) . . .

If my quick math is right his FGA per 36 and his FG% is down, with rebounds down slightly (ORB down a good deal), but other categories go up while starting next to Duncan.

More steals, more blocks, less fouls, more assists, more FTA, fewer turnovers.

Splitter should start but also needs minutes with the second unit. For that to happen he'd need to continue to get at least 25 minutes a night. Sorta like Gasol was next to Bynum when he'd start as a passive big then be the go to center with the reserve unit.

As for NDC, it's gna be tough to find a spot for him when everyone is healthy. Starting unit with Green works fine. Neal/Manu are a good fit (similar to Mills-Manu but I trust Neal more in important stretches). That leaves NDC in the third unit, or "spark unit" next to mills and bonner. NDC needs to be the primary ball handler to thrive, and that won't happen with TP or Manu on the floor

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Originally Posted by JRHernandez88

Jack on Ibaka

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That works for 20 minutes, I'm not sure about the other 20 minutes every game that Ibaka will be on the court?

Is Pop crazy enough to have put Splitter in the starting lineup so he could drop his numbers. Tiago was dominating at times with the bench unit and posting some good numbers. He's probably not going to be cheap to resign next season and putting him in the starting 5 kind of drops his numbers a bit.

I want him in the starting 5, just throwing that crazy theory out there.

spurs need to trade manu that is what they need to do with him
someone like the nuggets would flat overpay for him

Jeff McDonald ‏@JMcDonald_SAEN Pop on Tiago Splitter: "He's every coach's dream because he does everything so fundamentally sound."

Jeff McDonald ‏@JMcDonald_SAEN
It Splitter's starting job to lose, Pop? "He's starting for us. Just leave it at that. I don't know what's going to happen in the future."

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Originally Posted by ace3g

Jeff McDonald ‏@JMcDonald_SAEN Pop on Tiago Splitter: "He's every coach's dream because he does everything so fundamentally sound."

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Are u sure that he wasn't talking about Timmy?

I think a Mills and Ginobili pairing would be extremely deadly indeed. Let Mills eat Neal's minutes.

I'm thinking that Pop is going all or nothing this year, and with a TD this good he basically has to. Everybody understands that come playoff time, the starting unit and how they perform is what matters the most. Rotations change, the bench gets smaller..So in that regard starting Splitter is a good thing. We'll need heavy production from both centers to compete and those two together like Bruno pointed out is the best line-up out there. We need good 1st and 3d quarters, especially on the defensive end. When it matters TP, TD, Manu, Splitter and Kawhi should all play 30+min. Diaw, Neal and Jack (especially) will cover most of the rest.