Blair in the starting lineup..

[timtonymanu]

Blair is crap so far. Splitter, please be the true starting center we need.

[Spurs Brazil]

The spacing was poor with the Duncan-Blair lineup IMO..both Parker and Ginobili had multiple drives to the basket that were heavily contested due to both Duncan and Blair being under the basket, giving them no option to pass, and a much tougher shot than usual..

The defensive issues are still there..Duncan is no longer good enough to make up for his frontcourt mate's weaknesses on D..Blair played decent 1 on 1 D against West at times, but his team D is still too poor to justify being in the starting lineup..

McDyess is a much better fit, but like TD said, his minutes need to be limited..with Bonner being out again, Splitter has a realistic shot at taking the starting spot early in the season, which wasn't expected..the spacing might still be an issue with Splitter, but the defense will be much better..

Agree 100%

[dbestpro]

Blair needs to focus on the things he does well and quit trying to do things he does not do well. He needs to be more like Rodman and less like Rose (after the big contract). I also think he takes too many plays off. For what we need from him he needs to have his motor going constantly. I would also like to see him provide some hard fouls for those who would drive. Lastly, I really, really, really, do not like the smile that ensues after a bad play. I would like to see a more serious player who gets angy at himself when playing poorly.

[HarlemHeat37]

I agree..

His shot selection has been really annoying so far..

We heard so much about how he improved his game, that's nice and all, but he's going away from the things he does well, like dbestpro said..he's trying too hard to take defenders off the dribble, he's not using his body as much anymore, he's not using his strength, he's shooting too many jump shots..he's playing way too much of a finesse game..I understand he's going to need that against taller/bigger players, and that's nice to have, but he can't be playing like that against everybody..he needs to go back to playing his own game..

I also agree about the smiling, even though complaining about that seems kind of unfair..he lacks a killer instinct..

[tuncaboylu]

He started just 2 games, be patient.
See how RJ improved and how long time cost for this. Wait Blair to find his rhytym, he will get experience and be fine game by game

[HarlemHeat37]

Is it still too early?..

[Halberto]

Then you must be asking for McDyess, because Splitter looks just as sloppy

[HarlemHeat37]

Splitter looks fine, he's a much better fit for the starting lineup..I don't expect it to happen, it's too early, but Blair has to be sent to the bench ASAP..

[EricB]

I disagree I thought he looked better tonight.

[HarlemHeat37]

So, is it time for a change yet?..the answer should clearly be yes IMO..

Blair was -14 tonight, the only significant negative on the team..his defense was a huge liability, as usual..

[arakkus]

agreed the +/- definately shows who the liability is in this case not to mention watching the games and they just drive it into him.

Splitter on the other hand had 3 blocks, offensive boards, got a charge called, and got to the line. I say give the guy a chance soon.

[Cessation]

blair will only get better in the starting unit if he grows another couple of inches, good luck with that, at this point hes not skilled enough to overcome his lack of height for the center position, he belongs on the bench, bring in splitter hes ready

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs record is great but I think it's time for a change.

Blair as a starter is not working. His D is terrible, late on rotations and a lot of bad decisions on O.

Blair was the beast last season when he came off the bench and provided great energy.

It's time to start Dice or Tiago

[SpursDynasty85]

I thought blair would have a break out season, but I guess it was too much for such a young and undersized forward. He'll be a good energy guy off the bench for now. Tiago,Bonner,Duncan, and Dyess are all older and more importantly better than him right now.

[TDMVPDPOY]

blair is horrible as a starter when his game is not on, his a liability also on defense when the opponent is bigger then him

[Cessation]

Blair has gotten better since the start of the season, but he's not the answer against elite front courts. At this point, he's not skilled enough to overcome his height dissadvantage.

[Spurs Brazil]

OK Pop, that's enough

Blair as a starter is a BIG FAIL

Put him on the bench and try Tiago or Dice

[timtonymanu]

Unfortunately we really don't have any other options.

Splitter is too lost and is pretty soft. Bonner only plays better on the bench. McDyess is the most realistic and best option but Pop is saving him for the playoffs it seems.

[Spurs Brazil]

With Dice/TD combo tonight in the 4th the Pacers only scored at the FT line. I know the best thing is get Dice ready for the playoffs but start him and play 23-25 minutes a game won't hurt

[ElNono]

Unfortunately we really don't have any other options.

Splitter is too lost and is pretty soft. Bonner only plays better on the bench. McDyess is the most realistic and best option but Pop is saving him for the playoffs it seems.

Define better? Plus he gets starter minutes.

[Arc]

dice has been making a lot of bonehead mistakes though. don't want. i'd rather see splitter and duncan play together. twin towers plus guaranteed splitter minutes... a boy can dream.

[objective]

Starting Splitter is the way to go. This is January, no better time than to give him the chance to get with it.

If he's garbage by the all-star break, you still have McDyess or Blair to start.

That being said, Blair would be better off the bench no matter what. His game is better against tired starters and bench players.

[timtonymanu]

It would make sense to start McDyess now to get him in rhythm.

I don't think the Spurs should start Blair anymore. He's too inconsistent to be a starter. He's even more cringe worthy than Bonner was as a starter and that's scary.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I didn't like the idea when it was first reported, now I like it even less..I don't want to overreact after 1 game, but he's going to have to change his game up a little..

He looks for his shot too much..that won't work with Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and even Jefferson on the floor with him..he often forces up bad shots too..he's better suited on the bench in that regard..

His defense still looks horrible..with the Spurs horrible perimeter defense, they're going to need all the interior D/mobility from bigs that they can get..

Splitter is the only answer, his game better translate..

He's more and more like Malik with every passing hour.

[timtonymanu]

Define better? Plus he gets starter minutes.

I remember he would always shrivel up when he started. But then again that was two seasons ago so I'm talking out of my ass right now. IMO, I would prefer Bonner over Blair in the starting lineup.