Spurs vs. Heat - Nov. 7 Game Blog

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Originally Posted by BeerIsGood!

I don't understand it myself. I've watched every game so far, and I haven't seen anything from Washington that would prevent him from getting even 9 to 10 min a night. He hustles on D and after loose balls and plays pretty good position D from the point, but he does have a tendency to shoot at the wrong times and out of the flow of the offense. I still don't think that's an excuse to not give him at least 7 minutes and push Parker back to 34 or so.

I'm also puzzled about Udoka. I know his defensive rotations aren't down yet, but this is the time of year that he needs to get them down. I don't know if Pop wants a quick start out of the gate or if he wants to get his big boys some regular work for a while before reeling them in. Either way, Parker's minutes seem way too high for November, but maybe Pop thinks he needs the work after taking most of the preseason off? If Barry's sprained ankle keeps him out for a couple of weeks or more then I'd think both Udoka and Washington will get a few more minutes. But who knows...

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I think part of it is coming from Pop's confusion over how to rotate a bench this deep. I think Washington's mistakes have hurt his time on the floor, but I would hope not to the detriment of actually spelling Parker. But also contributing, imo, is what you mention - the fact that Parker skipped preseason and he has looked it. He's looked rusty and his shot has been off to some degree. I also think Pop is not looking to get people used to Washington, on the idea that he's going down to Austin soon as Vaughn is back to work on things.

I think another part of it is that the first unit hasn't played well yet. I think he's trying to get them back into the rhythm and that he thinks time on court is the best chance of that. I don't expect to see it continue. I think Pop is trying to figure out who he wants to be the go-to guy on the wings and once he gets that down, he's going to work Udoka in more. Udoka is going to be role player, and I get the feeling that Pop is holding off until he fine tunes the starters and figures out what the role is.


At least I hope that is all true. It doesn't help that Tim and Fabs aren't playing well, and that Fin and Bonner are best described as streaky. We truly don't want to overplay anyone now. But I also think we are hyper-sensitive to the issue 5 games in because of an awareness of how the Mavs did last year and how things went the other 3 times we played a season after a championship.

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Originally Posted by E20

:lol @ Ducks.

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Mildly funny sometimes, pretty annoying almost all the time.

Definitely a step up from Tuesday's game with the Rockets but nothing great.

We'll see what they do against New Orleans tomorrow night.

Pop needs a haircut. Too old for that stringy gray mess hanging down his neck.