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The Spurs are carrying two max players on the roster: Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge
Which one is the alpha? My vote is Kawhi because of age and I believe his ceiling his higher. It seems like the braintrust with the Spurs would need to promise Aldridge the alpha role to get him to sign. Kawhi has a bad tendency to default and not be assertive. My only concern, outside of overall team health, is that the arrival of Aldridge may stunt the development of Kawhi.
They are not primitive chimps, they are smart ppl. Pop is the boss and then there are plenty of smart ppl who want to win basketball games. Duncan should be the alpha if you need to pick one.
I think this may be a situation where Kawhi's demeanor actually benefits the team.
Leonard was supposed to step more into that leadership role last season, and even though he was hamstrung with injuries for a good portion of the season, he never did quite seem to be comfortable stepping up and being "the man". His offense picked up later and the season and obviously he was always a beast on defense, but I still am not convinced that he is ready for that role, or is even really built for it.
Enter LaMarcus. He's used to being the alpha in Portland, and left because he felt like that place was no longer there for him. He came to San Antonio primarily because he has that opportunity again.
I think it will end up being Aldridge 1A, Leonard 1B. Hopefully Kawhi will be okay with that. I think he will be, as he doesn't strike me (yet) as the type of player who wants to be "the guy", but moreso was being put in that position because that's what the Spurs needed.
DUNCAN
pop
Still Duncan
I wish Duncan still had the physical ability to carry the team! One of Kawhi or Aldridge will emerge as the overall team MVP. One could argue Duncan was that during the playoffs, but towards the end of the regular season Kawhi was doing crazy things starting on defense. I just find it difficult to hand the reigns of the team over to someone that's never played in the system.
Parker on offense with lma being alpha for long stretches.
Duncan on defense, with kawhi being alpha for stretches.
Just depends on matchups. This is what's great about a great flexible team.
Was curry the alpha of the warriors during the finals? No.
Smh player fans trying to make this out of the individuals rather than team.
Kids these days :rolleyes
That being said the only alpha in the team is Gregg Poppvich
The Spurs didn't trade for McCallum for nothing?
Kawhi Leonard. Next question.
Pecking order is:
1. Pop
2. Duncan
3. Parker
4. Manu
5. Aldridge
6. Kawhi
Although I think by end of year Aldridge may move up to #3
:lolQuote:
Originally Posted by LongtimeSpursFan
Pecking order should be
1. Timmy
2. LA
3. Kawhi
4. Enrique
5. Manu
None, Alpha is a term used to describe the leader of a band of animals and or NBA players that don`t play as a team.
Timmy is the Alpha until he decides to hang it up.
Yep. As Pop says everyone works for Tim and it'll be that way until the day he retires.Quote:
Originally Posted by DrSteffo
Here is the true order.
1. Timmy
2. Timmy
3. Timmy
4. Timmy
5. Pop, with the permission of Timmy
Because of Tim Duncan we are the luckiest fan base that has ever followed sports. :toast
West is more alpha than both of them.
1. Duncan
2. West
3. Manu
4. Mills
5. LMA
6. Parker
7. Kawhi (Kawhi is one of the hardest working players in the NBA, if not the hardest, but he does not have an Alpha character whatsoever, well at least at this point.)
My list is not by talent, but by who I think provides or will provide leadership for the Spurs team. Mills probably will surpass Manu this year. Mills is the emotional leader of this team by far.
Alpha is a personality trait. Parker has it (sometimes to the detriment of the team) and Aldridge has it. Kawhi and Duncan both don't, even though they have the skill and willingness to lead. My vote is Aldridge
This is true, Cheers to all!Quote:
Originally Posted by TXstbobcat
Amen.Quote:
Originally Posted by BillMc
Alphas lead by example. Duncan has never been what one would consider alpha by the traditional sense. In that sense Kawhi is the alpha of this team.
The amount of disrespect of new age Spurs fans towards Duncan is disgusting tbh
The Alpha of this team untill he retires is Tim fucking Duncan. Not only he was the best player last year by a mile but he made the sacrifices to land pieces to maintain Spurs contender. He has the ultimate Alpha genes.
Who is disrespecting Timmy?Quote:
Originally Posted by Brazil
Honestly though, in the Spurs system the alpha is whoever has the best shot. If they don't care who it is, then why should we?
I'm no kid, I'm forty five and live in my moms basement! You're probably out there working a job, while me I'm living the good life, just Spurs, NBA 2K, and no care in the world! You do look pretty impressive from that high perch you sit upon. Please, at you're earliest convenience, pee some more wisdom down upon us that are lower than you!Quote:
Originally Posted by hater
Is there such thing as an Alpha Hog? If so then Parker, Tony Parker.
Duncan w/o a doubt, Manu and TP have it to, they basically lead their national teams, since I have a feeling TD will outlast Manu, it will be Tim's team until he retires, when he does, MVParker will assume the throne, it doesn't seem to be in Kiwi's makeup. LMA was the best player on the Blazers for nearly a decade but it became Dame's team as soon as he got there and Tony has more pull than Dame. The trio rules the Spurs but TD rules the trio, once TD and Manu gone, no doubt it will be Tony's team.
:lmaoQuote:
Originally Posted by $pursDynasty
Have you ever seen Duncan get into alpha mode. You must be young. Duncan is just one of those strong silent types, but he is Alpha in every sense of the word. He just one of those guys that have to make a statement all time because he knows he is the MAN.Quote:
Originally Posted by stnick2261
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsTAwvk5VgU
Haha! That's a good one!Quote:
Originally Posted by RD2191
I think people are getting too caught up on the word Alpha. Opposing defenses are going to need to game plan against the Spurs. I think Kawhi's athleticism makes him more dynamic than Aldridge, but that's contingent on whether or not his shot is falling. Kawhi is also way younger than Aldridge. It's gonna be an interesting season. A coach as good as Pop with players of this quality has a chance to do something special.
The ones who think Spurs Alpha is somebody else than DuncanQuote:
Originally Posted by RD2191
At the end of the day, Pop answers to Timmy tbh.
Alpha imo isn't the best player it is the leader of the pack, all Spurs defer to Timmy, you see it, can you imagine Manu getting into Timmy's face and Timmy backing down? I can't. Even though LBJ is the best player on that Heat team, DWade was the alpha. Can you see Kiwi telling TP to sit the hell down and shut up, or complain about him not setting a screen, I can't seem to but I can easily imagine the reverse.
Becky.
It's absolutely Duncan. You don't have to be selfish to be an alpha. You don't have to be loud or demonstrative. You have to be the guy who makes teammates accountable and the guy who will make the right play at the right time for the team in a big moment.
21 is absolutely those things.
:lolQuote:
Originally Posted by BatManu20
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vito Corleone
If y'all think Duncan is going to be the biggest concern for opposing defenses at 40 yrs old, I'm sorry to burst y'all's bubble. The Spurs are without a doubt the house Duncan built. He is the Spurs smartest player, best teammate, and heart and soul of the team. Duncan is not physically capable of carrying a team throughout the course of an 82 game season. Some people on here are predicting he'll sit 40+ games. Duncan would be the first to tell you he is no longer physically capable of commanding double teams and out playing the opposing team's best player throughout an 82 game season. That's the quality that makes Duncan so special, he is honest about his limitations.
Timmy is Alpha
Pop is Beta
RC is Gaama...
:lolQuote:
Originally Posted by SPURt
you ask who is the Alpha, we answer who is the Alpha
now if your question is who is going to be the biggest concern of opposing defenses it's another question
try to focus and keep up brah
Can't speak for everybody, but I obviously know that this team runs through Tim. He's the foundation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brazil
That being said, I think he will take a backseat to Kawhi and Aldridge this season, especially on offense. With all of these weapons, we no longer need Tim to wear himself out carrying the offensive load. I see Tim settling into more of the D-Rob role now where he will he will help anchor the defense and pick his spots on offense...at least until the playoffs start.
Larry O'Brien leads this team.
Timmy
Well, I think what I've learned is objectivity is in short supply with fans. I stated in my original post that the Spurs have two max players, which would imply they are getting max contracts for on court contribution. Luckily the front office doesn't pay for legacy alone like the Lakers. I was looking for more of a basketball conversation, but people want to talk about feelings and nostalgia. Which is all good. Tim Duncan is my favorite Spur, so I can't complain too much with the consensus.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brazil
I understand how you think now. No mention of D. Disregard 50% of the game and then your way of thinking makes more sense.Quote:
Originally Posted by SPURt
Lol that's not alpha dummy.
For example in okc Westbrook is alpha eventhou Durant is the most formidable player.
Now if you want to know who will be the more formidable player its Aldridge by a million miles.
Kawhi is a good 2nd banana that's all.
Why isn't Diaw on the list????? Do you folks remember the 'elimination' party? Guess who was calling the shots... Boris Diaw.Quote:
Originally Posted by spursparker9
On the cout the guys who really run the team are Parker, Manu and Diaw. Everyone else are just guys who finish plays.
I'd still go Durant, both max, same debateQuote:
Originally Posted by hater
Kawhi is a better defender than Duncan at this stage, I'm fairly confident in that, but what do I know?Quote:
Originally Posted by DrSteffo
I can't see how Aldrige can be the 'Alpha' if he's the only one in the rotation without a ring.
He's never been in the WCF or finals. He's got zero creds from the point of view of all the other members of the team.
Manu Ginobola
Porker
Dancan
Danny Green
Patty Mills (when confident)
West
Bonner
Kawhi
Aldridge
Yes but remove Duncan from this team and what rim protection is there? Nada. A combination of leadership skills, experience and history, skill on O and D probably makes someone the leader among players. On the Spurs it's clearly Tim Duncan.Quote:
Originally Posted by SPURt
Being a max player does not equal being AlphaQuote:
Originally Posted by SPURt
Nostalgia ? the fuck you are talking about... Duncan was last year Spurs best player and I'm talking about basketball here. Luckily for us he won't be anymore the best player starting next season even though one can wonder, but discussing Duncan and bb is not a nostalgia... far from it
I am not young... I've followed Duncan his whole NBA career. Duncan being a strong silent type is exactly why I don't consider him an Alpha personality. People confuse alpha personalities as being the leader. Alpha personalities are people who DESIRE to be the leader. If you look at the Myer-Briggs personalities... I would guess Duncan to be an INTJ (the Mastermind):Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowboys_Wear_Spurs
"Trying to anticipate every contingency, Masterminds never set off on their current project without a Plan A firmly in mind, but they are always prepared to switch to Plan B or C or D if need be. Although they are highly capable leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead. Once they take charge, however, they are thoroughgoing pragmatists. Masterminds are certain that efficiency is indispensable in a well-run organization, and if they encounter inefficiency-any waste of human and material resources-they are quick to realign operations and reassign personnel."
I do believe Duncan is the best leader on the team, but not the one who desires to be the face of the team (like Aldridge considering joining a poor Suns team so he could be the face of the franchise).
Kawhi does not have the "alpha" personality of a Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Paul, etc. He clearly wants to be the quiet, role-player type who is talented and productive, but is not in the limelight. He is most comfortable in the shadows.
The "downside" of this personality is that it makes it tough for guys like Kawhi to be a leader. People want to follow the "rah-rah" type, which he is not. The "upside" is that you don't have to worry about Kawhi feuding with other talented players on the team, even the "alpha" types. Kawhi will be happy (grateful?) to let them be the loud, all-eyes-on-me type, while Kawhi quietly does his thing. Meanwhile, the alpha types like playing with Kawhi types because they can hold their own, make the team better, but don't want to steal the spotlight. It's a great combo.
so mutes can never be alphas?Quote:
Originally Posted by stnick2261
:lmao right
Duncan
Just how retarded are you?Quote:
Originally Posted by hater
The ability to speak has nothing to do with the desire to lead.
Muteness or mutism (from Latin mutus, meaning "silent") is an inability to speak often caused by a speech disorder, hearing loss, or surgery. Someone who is mute may be so due to the unwillingness to speak in certain social situations.
Just like being introverted / extroverted has nothing to do with your basketball skills
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vito Corleone
You said it. Sometimes Mills will be on fire and his unspoken attitude just communicates: "DOn't worry about it, you just get me an open shot and I got this." Love that guy!
TD PERIOD!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RD2191
Kawhi is the alpha. Pop saw his alphaness after his first year for SA.
We were awful without Kawhi during the year and winning a lot of games down the stretch with him. Let's not re-write history to fit an agenda. Kawhi is a max player with the Spurs for a reason. I will concede Duncan was the best player on the Spurs in the Clippers series.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brazil
Boban Marjanovic
duh
http://i.imgur.com/tRod3tp.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by SPURt
and on the regular seasonQuote:
Originally Posted by SPURt
Kawhi was.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brazil
We paper tigers when kawhi sits.
3rd in RPM last year.
Timmy, in his own way...Take out TD from the his team now and we are probably 1st round exit considering all whole intangibles he takes way from it..
Take away kawhi and we lottery team.Quote:
Originally Posted by spursistan
50/50 ball over 4 years says that.
I disagree, taking the Spurs record without Kawhi and his DPOY award into consideration, I take Kawhi last year. But hey, what a luxury to debate between the two. I would love for Tim to be as efficient as last year, I'd love to be wrong, that'd mean Timmy is going to be killing it at 40. Tim and Manu are my favorite Spurs, but it's a lot to ask these guys to continually carry the team. At some point there has to be a transition.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brazil
it is hard to imagine where Aldridge fits because we have no sample size. I'll have to bump this at the end of the year. I just hope health holds for all of these players.
Now that is funny! I'm gonna miss the poster prop that is Baynes. He got paid, can't argue with that...Quote:
Originally Posted by Godbama
Tim played 13 more games, logged 200 more minutes, lead in points, rebounds, blocks and WS has equivalent or better advanced stat than Kawhi and has been the best player during the series against Clippers.Quote:
Originally Posted by SPURt
not sure how he is not Spurs best player last year
Diaw is one of the real leader if this groupQuote:
Originally Posted by Cowboys_Wear_Spurs
Duncan did not lead Kawhi in pts and it's not like Duncan was killing Kawhi in the advanced stats. If Duncan was so much better than Kawhi, why didn't he get defensive player of the year? Kawhi was taking out the other team's best player while leading the team in scoring and only averaging one assist per game less than Tim. I don't even think Kawhi has come close to a ceiling. I'm also not down playing Tim's contribution. He made some other younger players on the team look shameful with his ability to still out play them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brazil
.Alpha is the pack leader. The most dominant, powerful, or assertive man in a particular group. If the Alpha starts talking, everyone shuts up and listens. The Alpha leads by example and others follow without questioning. IMO Aside from Pop, if Duncan starts talking in the huddle, everyone is listening. He may not be known for doing that, but if he does everyone listens. My top 8 list.
8. West (Can and will move up because he does have a leadership mentality)
7. Diaw (great 2nd line leader)
6. Mills (See: Manu x2)
5. Kawhi (leads more by example, not vocal)
4. LMA (will assert himself as a leader quickly)
3. Manu (Firestarter in the huddle and court, gets the nod because of experience)
2. Parker (vocal leader, must be for a PG)
1. TD (He's Mutha Fuc*%n Tim Duncan)
Defense doesn't always show up in stats and Kawhi is a better defender than Tim last year. No debating that. Kawhi edges out tim last year due to defense and decent offensive production.
:lol who said much better ?Quote:
Originally Posted by SPURt
He has had a better season than everybody... deal with it tbh it's cool
:lol the "alpha" in basketball is not a real thing, tbh..that's part of the beauty of the Spurs, they don't buy into this media fabricated, narrative shit..
It's part of the Dad Killer legacy.."clutch gene", "alpha", "will to win", "killer instinct", etc are all traits that were fabricated by the NBA media due to the presence of Dad Killer..they're all stupid attributes and wouldn't have resonated as well if they were created in today's era..the lack of social media and thorough coverage allowed a player like Dad Killer to be an "alpha" and punch his teammates, throw them under the bus, etc without mainstream media coverage, and his "competitiveness" was portrayed as "alpha leadership"..
You don't have to be an "alpha" to be a great leader or teammate..
We were blowing out teams with Kawhi and Pop kept benching him. Totals doesn't mean shit but we are talking about a resident troll here whose favorite player is a washed up dleaguer. Anyone watching the spurs would know that though.
Alpha is a term created by player fans, who need an excuse for the player they like more than their team putting up 30 shots a game while they don't make the playoffs. This isn't a pack of dingoes, this is a team sport. There aren't Alphas on successful teams, there are leaders, many who lead by example. Duncan had 27 points and 11 rebounds in the last game he played. If he's not the best leader by example in the history of sports then he's in the top two. I'll take that over an Alpha every fucking day.
You can state opinions as facts as much as you want, anyone watching the Spurs close the season and in the previous Finals knows Kawhi was the Spurs most valuable player before dissappearing against LAC.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brazil
Had Tony not been shit last year we wIN 4-0.
Like HarlemHo says above, no alphas in the Spurs system but Aldridge has to be the 1st option. Hit a couple of midranges to open up the floor to allow everyone else to go to work. Team effort in the end but for spacing, Aldridge has to eat first.
I love Kawhi, and he's certainly a big time player, but he is just still not yet there up even with current Timmy as being an automatic show-up in a crucial playoff game..Under any circumstances, TD's level will never dive like Kawhi did in game 5-7. of playoff series...Quote:
Originally Posted by dabom
The whole "player fan" schtick is a weird thing on this website. Contracts are a pretty good indicator that not all players are equal. The Spurs sent at least 4 HOF's to slobber on Aldridge's knob because he's one of the best players in the league, and Lawd knows what they promised him. I don't know if Aldridge wants to play 29 minutes per game with 10 touches. I, like most of y'all, would prefer the Spurs game stay beautiful instead catering to Aldridge's ego. Next season is gonna be different.Quote:
Originally Posted by Obstructed_View
Also, a pack analogy fits sports because you are only going to be pride of the pack as long as the body holds out. Tim is playing on borrowed time, and Aldridge needs to play up to his contract to insure Tim is able to stretch his career further. Other than Kobe, there aren't players getting money AND playing time for legacy or being a good person. It comes down to physical ability.
At at the end of the day, I don't care what giant humanoid is putting a ball in the hole attached to some glass that has no bearing on my life, as long as the genetic freaks that play for the Spurs do it more frequently within 48 minutes than all the other teams.
Timmy, of course. Always has been and always will be until he hangs it up.
Maybe I don't know how the term player fan is used around here, but I was referring to 90 percent of the people on this site who claim to be Lakers fans, but are actually just Kobe Bryant apologists. They've been doing that particular schtick so long that they're now reduced to ridiculing smart team moves and bragging about his team-killing salary.Quote:
Originally Posted by SPURt
Timmy is the fucking alpha until he fucking decides to stop playing, ya' hear?
Ah, I see, thank you for taking the time to clarify! I haven't seen these posters yet but only one season left for them to troll.Quote:
Originally Posted by Obstructed_View
My apologies if it's already been said, I quit reading the redundant posts.... Without question Duncan is the Alpha in much the same way that DRob was still the alpha during Tim's first years at bat. Duncan will take everyone by the balls and show them how to play Spurs basketball. After he retires, it's a toss up if KL can come up with a leader attitude. If he doesn't, it's LMA's team. (Under Pop of course). Parker will never be the alpha. EVER