Somebody upstairs needs to tell Mitch that Castle has to play more

[RC_Drunkford]

Absolutely, and thanks for raising this.

While I see some value in shutting Fox down and getting the surgery done if the play-in starts to slip away (especially if it means more ping pong balls), I think there is equal value in just getting maximum minutes of the guys we think are going to be here long term (Fox, Castle, Wemby for sure, Vassell and Sochan most likely) playing TOGETHER. That doesn't mean they all need to play at the same time in one lineup, but I want to see over a long stretch how Devin plays with Fox caving in the defense. I want to see how Castle and Fox fit together. I want to see Fox and Wemby develop chemistry, etc.

I'm curious what the recovery time for Fox's surgery realistically looks like. If it's something that can get done in May and he's ready to go by August either way... then there is no need to rush it. Then it just becomes a matter of how much you have to gain by soft tanking to close the season (my guess is that there probably won't be much).

"I want to see CP3 and Fox together"

[spursparker9]

I get a feeling that it was Pop, Castle would get even lesser min.

Pop would play Malakai and Wesley over Castle

[SpursBig3s]

My dream scenario would look something like this:

Starting lineup

Fox
Castle
((Insert 6'8" 3 and D guy))
((Insert 6'8" 3 and D guy))
Wemby

Bench

CP3
Vassell
Sochan
Barnes
((Insert rim protecting big))

this x1000... Cam Johnson and PJ Washington would be awesome for those forward slots

[Darkwaters]

My dream scenario would look something like this:

Starting lineup

Fox
Castle
((Insert 6'8" 3 and D guy))
((Insert 6'8" 3 and D guy))
Wemby

Bench

CP3
Vassell
Sochan
Barnes
((Insert rim protecting big))

But where does Malaki Branham fit?

[sfernald]

My dream scenario would look something like this:

Starting lineup

Fox
Castle
((Insert 6'8" 3 and D guy))
((Insert 6'8" 3 and D guy))
Wemby

Bench

CP3
Vassell
Sochan
Barnes
((Insert rim protecting big))

my dream lineup would be:

fox
castle
cam Johnson
cooper flagg
wemby

i think we might win a championship with that team.

we just need a little luck again in the lottery and the cam trade should be doable with our assets!

[Ice009]

I get a feeling that it was Pop, Castle would get even lesser min.

Pop would play Malakai and Wesley over Castle

Sadly you might be right. Maybe it's better that Pop isn't coaching him right now.

[MannyIsGod]

Does anyone actually even know what if any promises were made to CP3? Because to me it just reads like making excuses for this coaching staff making stupid lineup decisions and after years of this nonsense I think we all know they just make stupid decisions and we don't need to invent promises out of thin air in order to give them cover for that. Chris Paul has utility both as a player and as a mentor to our youth but a lot of that is eroded if the only reason he's starting is because of a ing promise. More than likely Mitch is just scared or dumb. Take your pick.

[Strategic]

Prolly lucky that Jones was traded away or he would be some of Castles’ minutes.

[spurraider21]

[onechance87]

U dont need the break to see whats wrong with this lineup.Bench cp3 for castle.Also bench vassell for champ.
Guy dont deserve to be starting.

[Manu-of-steel]

U dont need the break to see whats wrong with this lineup.Bench cp3 for castle.Also bench vassell for champ.
Guy dont deserve to be starting.

Agree with this!

[scott]

This season has been full of a lot of pleasant surprises...

We actually traded for Fox... we actually got rid of Collins... if would actually make the obvious lineup adjustments (even if 5 games too late) it would be rather amazing.

[LeBowen]

Castle might replace Devin, CP0 isn't going anywhere.

[Extra Stout]

Minutes should be:
Fox 36
Castle 36
Paul 32
Wemby 36
Barnes 36
Sochan 24
Champagnie 28
Bassey 12
Vassell 0
Johnson 0

[emanueldavidginobili]

[CGD]

Pretty much. CP3 tank commander tbqh

[SequSpur]

I agree, he should be playing 40’minutes

[NASpurs]

Evaluate lineups to see which one guarantees a lottery pick. I fully expect the only change is Keldon to start over Barnes.

Imagine being so stupid and blind that you need to evaluate for a week instead of what a simple eye test tells you.

[spurraider21]

i agree the lineups are a joke

i think "quiet tank" is giving them a lot of benefit of the doubt, that they are intentionally making a mistake.

[Ice009]

This is what the local SA media should be saying. I don't know why they never call out the team.

[RC_Drunkford]

This is what the local SA media should be saying. I don't know why they never call out the team.

that's San Antonio media for you

It’s that substance the Spurs crave. They love the young players in their organization. Among those young players who’ve been around the longest, they have guys who’ve worked hard to set positive examples, and who try to say the right things.

But those around the team say they don’t yet have anyone who speaks with the authority – with the substance – that Paul does. A young team needs that.

So why not indulge the old fella? Walking and talking Monday night in Washington, Paul explains that he always thought he could play off the ball, next to another point guard. He’s excited about that chance now.

“Just to be honest with you, I can really shoot the ball,” Paul says. “It’s a role I’ve wanted for a while now.”

And if the Spurs keep giving him that chance? It’s not because they’re doing him a favor.

By keeping him happy, and keeping him talking, they’re doing themselves one.

[Ice009]

Geez, I wonder if CP3 said that to keep his starting spot? He's a really good shooter and can play off the ball? I could be wrong, but that sounds like someone who doesn't want to lose their starting spot.

[weeks]

i mean, if they have a handshake agreement with paul there's a zero percent chance they move him to the bench. i'd love to be wrong but i get why they would feel obligated to honor that, it's just how they do business in SA - for better or worse

[Dejounte]

i told y’all Paul’s number one goal is to play a lot of minutes and not chase rings with contending teams but naahhh “he’s leaving for by the trade deadline for sure”

[exstatic]

i mean, if they have a handshake agreement with paul there's a zero percent chance they move him to the bench. i'd love to be wrong but i get why they would feel obligated to honor that, it's just how they do business in SA - for better or worse

Very rarely does it work out worse. This business model got us draft picks and stuff in two Demar DeRozan trades where he wasn’t signed to play for us.