Reconsidering the Possibilities

[Blake]

I don't see why they couldn't beat the mavericks. They have someone that can guard nowitzki and someone that pop trusts in a big man to leave in there and stay big....

who is it that can guard nowitizki?

[Solid D]

The past dozen games conjure up dreams of past greatness, but as for me, I'm going to wait and see what this team looks like with Tony Parker back in the mix. What does adding TP back into the rotation do to their ways of doing business on the court? It will be different offensively. It will be different defensively. Will it be better? Will RJ still be an option on the fast break and will he go back to being a spot shooter instead of a dribble-drive option.

I also want to see the Spurs beat the Mavs before getting all hyped. I admit the defensive intensity and proficiency has been very encouraging the past dozen games. It's one of the main reason the Spurs beat the Cavs, Celts, Magic and Lakers. With TP back as a starter and Hill gimpy, will the proficiency continue?

One thing I'm sure of....the TP vs. Manu threads will regain THEIR proficiency.

[EricB]

who is it that can guard nowitizki?

Mcdyess has proven he can guard Dirk many times this season.

[raspsa]

I always contend that the Spurs are capable of pulling surprises. So I take it one game at a time, digesting each outcome.. to project too far ahead isn't really worthwhile for me.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

timvp, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind discussing the potential first round matchups the Spurs would face and who we would have the best chances against in the opening round?

I think at this point Denver would be a great first round opponent since there is no guarantee K-Mart would be back for the opening game and George Karl would be absent as well. I'm sure we can all agree the Lakers and Mavs wold be our worst bets.

Good to have you back

[urunobili]

One thing is out of question... this team ain't going down without a fight... now with Georgie going down their hearts will be tested even further...

I see the Spurs winning a couple of rounds and maybe even reaching their Finals to lose there for the first time... unless the East champ's star goes down... no way we can defeat Orlando or Cleva in a 7 games series... against the west... Manu just made me believe we can defeat anybody with heart and desire.

I also think TP will ONLY enhance this team's power. I think RJ already understands how he can help and almost with a full regular season under his belt and his brand new focus of going after every rebound he'll thrive with TP too...

Manu.... I don't think Pop should bench him...

[ace3g]

Timvp can you do a Stretch Run Analysis on RJ?

[JR3]

The difference is that these "IFs" are not that big anymore. They are small. Every team has small IFs.. .the way we are playing, we have just as good of a shot as anyone minus the home court advantage.. but if there is a team that can win on the road in the playoffs, its us.

[Blackjack]

Welcome back to the RTB campaign, timvp.

I had my own Reconsidering the Possibilities of sorts a while back, and came to some similar conclusions: new found hope and enthusiasm through a change in perspective and a belief that Tim's problems were the result of fatigue.

There's a lot of 'ifs' that have to go right for this team to do anything truly miraculous, but there 'ifs' that didn't exist a few months ago; it was an effort in futility to even allow yourself the opportunity to think such a thing. But with Manu playing at this level and as long as Tim and Tony are on the team, you just can't count them out.

These injuries are absolutely maddening considering the timing and cir stance (in terms of time of year and how they're playing) and it could very well be their undoing: Manu being forced to play at this level and man the point is flirting with disaster and Tim seemingly flipping the playoff switch early (which it seems he's done over the last couple of games) could have them worn down or falling off before the first round of the playoff completes.

I guess the hope is that Tony's reinsertion into the lineup coincides with any falloff and leaves them no worse for the wear. (Which is dicey. But the hope, nonetheless.) And George will come back refreshed (he needed a break with all the minutes), fully healthy and picks up right where he left off; the 'ifs' are many but not inconceivable.

I'd definitely be a lot more optimistic if the Spurs could avoid the Lakers, but the loss of both point guards doesn't bode well. And starting a 4-games-in-5-nights stretch can't help but temper optimism of such an avoidance.

Still, I hold out hope. And if they do have to play the Lakeshow right off the bat, at least it will be before they're playing their best ball and before Bynum is back or in rhythm.

I do know this: he's Manu Ginobili (and that's, more often than not, enough).

[Baseline]

TimVP, I'd like to hear your opinion on this. My theory on why the Spurs have a very legit shot at the le this year is because the Lakers aren't as good as people think they are.

Last year the only healthy team they faced who was even decent was Denver. They didn't have ot beat a healthy Spurs team (Manu was out), or a healthy Celtics team (Garnett was out), or even a healthy Orlando team (Jameer Nelson was just coming back from injury and was useless on the floor).

The reality is that LA was simply the healthiest team, not the best team. If Nelson was healthy, I think Orlando could have beaten them. I know a healthy Celtic team would have beaten them. And the Spurs weren't even in the discussion because of our injuries last year.

Which brings me to the present. I realize the Spurs are not at 100% physically, but when Parker comes back, our Big Three will be healthier in the postseason than any point since the 2007 Finals. And Manu, the key, is playing better than we has even in 2007. And believe me - the rest of the League knows how well Manu is playing.

Bynum is still a big X factor, and if Bynum isn't fully healthy when he returns, it's obvious that LA is nowhere near as deep as people think they are. They have five good players, six if Bynum is healthy, and then it drops off a cliff.
I'd almost rather play LA in the first round, before Bynum gets his groove back and before the Lakers find their rhythm.

[duncan228]

Effect of injuries on playoff teams
Britt Robson
SI.com

SAN ANTONIO SPURS: Already regarded as one of the NBA's most charismatic clutch performers, Manu Ginobili has been spectacular this month in the wake of the broken hand that sidelined point guard Tony Parker. Now San Antonio's other point guard, George Hill, is out with a sprained ankle. Parker and Hill are expected back for the playoffs, but neither is likely to be at 100 percent efficiency. That matters less now that Ginobili has elevated his game into a pretty fair imitation of Dwyane Wade, averaging 28.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists over his last nine games while initiating the offense in half-court sets.

Ginobili has almost single-handedly altered the trajectory of the Spurs' season, from disappointing underachievers to proud, gritty veterans who have a chance to become a fearsome Cinderella story in the West. Ironically, a rapid return to vintage form by Parker could diminish the incredible roll Ginobili is on and ultimately hurt San Antonio's playoff chances. But if anyone can overcome pecking-order issues, it's the Spurs' Big Three of Ginobili, Parker and Tim Duncan. (And don't count out Hill, a Gregg Popovich favorite.)

[101A]

Until this latest run, I had NO faith that this team could win a championship - for a simple reason: The team that wins the championship MUST have a player who is (arguably) the best player in the league. Before the ASB, the Spurs did not have that player. As good as Tim was playing, no one would make the argument that he is the "the best"; with a straight face. Now the argument can be, and has been, made that Manu is the best player on the planet. Therefore, the Spurs are in the discussion - if Manu can keep it up.

The one exception to this rule has been the Pistons of '04, and strangely enough the Bad Boy Pistons before them; other than that, you can't find a team that didn't have a player who was (again, arguably) "the best" when his team won the championship. Tim, Wade, Shaq, Tim, MJ, Dream, MJ, Magic, Bird, etc....

[easjer]

It's the most hopeful I've felt since December. I am actually interested in watching games again, which is saying something. I didn't give up on them, but it was no longer captivating for me. Now it is again.

Here's to April being a great month.

[Obstructed_View]

2nd round is still the ceiling IMO, too many "ifs" for us to go further.

2nd round is probably indeed the ceiling for a Spurs team with Duncan going through the motions, Hill and Parker injured, and Mason not able to hit the broad side of a barn. A lot of those things are likely to change in the next few weeks.

[Spurs Brazil]

Great to read your post again timvp

I'd like to know how much improvement you see from the key off season addictions lately and what expect from them in the playoffs Dice, RJ and Blair)

Thanks

[Phenomanul]

Great to read your post again timvp

I'd like to know how much improvement you see from the key off season addictions lately and what expect from them in the playoffs Dice, RJ and Blair)

Thanks

On a corollary... will Blair bounce back from the rookie wall (wookie wall - in Blair's case)... or will Pop give him the Hill treatment (from last year's playoff series against _allas)???

Great to have ya back timvp...

[smeagol]

Damn, there are so many things to be exited about if you are a Spurs fan!

The fact we have beaten CLE, BOS, LAL, ORL, OKC and we were very close to beating ATL and CLE again . . . and all this without TP and with Timmy playing at 50% of what he is capable of . . .

By the way, good to have you back around these places, LJ

[Galileo]

We as Spurs Nation entered this season with high hopes. The refueling that took place in the offseason seemingly added the necessary firepower to allow the Spurs to regain their footing as an elite and legitimate contender. However, the transfer from paper to the hardwood was met with many a hiccup. Spurs Nation experienced lows not seen since Vinny Del Negro's hair-fake left town.

Despite the difficulties, I always expected the Spurs to put up a valiant (yet futile) fight. A victory in the first round appeared to be the ceiling for this squad. I had fully accepted San Antonio's pretender status.

As life temporarily interrupted my ability to make time to voice my opinions, I coincidentally became speechless. Facing a horrifying schedule, the Spurs unexpectedly found the wherewithal to thrive. I've watched each of these recent wins multiple times and I find myself to be equal parts surprised, proud and inspired.

Logic tells me that the Spurs are still a longshot to reach the Western Conference Finals, much less win a fifth NBA championship. But I find it impossible to watch this team galvanize and not end up dreaming.

I simply cannot keep writing about the Spurs without mentioning Manu Ginobili. In recent weeks, Ginobili has gone from question mark to exclamation point. Right this second, he's the best basketball player on the planet. And that's not hyperbolic. Ginobili has grabbed the reins and, for much of this stretch, steered this team almost single-handedly to victories. Not only do I think this is the best stretch of his career, it's one of the best stretches I've ever seen out of any player in franchise history.

What if Manu Ginobili can keep playing at this level? What if Tim Duncan continues his recent resurgence? What if health can be restored in time? What if the chemistry continues to improve? What if all the contenders continue to sport s in their armor? Yes, the "ifs" are many but I can't help but connect the dots and reconsider the possibilities.







P.S.

I'm going to attempt to make up for lost time with 12 consecutive hours of postings. Let me know of any subjects you wish for me to discuss. I apology for thread hogging in advance.

The Spurs have the best point differential in the West, and they play in the toughest division. And they are peaking at the right time.

[kaji157]

Timvp why people love Manu and hate on Tony?

[Rick Von Braun]

Timvp,

I would like to know your thoughts about the front court rotations heading to the playoffs, the top 2 players in addition to TD for the Spurs to have any chance in the playoffs.

My short take is: 2 of Dice, Bonner, Meast and Mahinmi must step up their play in order for the Spurs to have a fighting chance. The Meast and Mahinmi are still too green, which leaves only Dice and Bonner (or small ball... ugh!?).

What are your thoughts?



P.S.: Congratulations on the new bundle of joy. I hope you fully enjoy your first, it is amazing.

[bonnington]

Once Manu took his team to the top, He can do it again, if he is healthy enough.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

We as Spurs Nation entered this season with high hopes. The refueling that took place in the offseason seemingly added the necessary firepower to allow the Spurs to regain their footing as an elite and legitimate contender. However, the transfer from paper to the hardwood was met with many a hiccup. Spurs Nation experienced lows not seen since Vinny Del Negro's hair-fake left town.

Despite the difficulties, I always expected the Spurs to put up a valiant (yet futile) fight. A victory in the first round appeared to be the ceiling for this squad. I had fully accepted San Antonio's pretender status.

As life temporarily interrupted my ability to make time to voice my opinions, I coincidentally became speechless. Facing a horrifying schedule, the Spurs unexpectedly found the wherewithal to thrive. I've watched each of these recent wins multiple times and I find myself to be equal parts surprised, proud and inspired.

Logic tells me that the Spurs are still a longshot to reach the Western Conference Finals, much less win a fifth NBA championship. But I find it impossible to watch this team galvanize and not end up dreaming.

I simply cannot keep writing about the Spurs without mentioning Manu Ginobili. In recent weeks, Ginobili has gone from question mark to exclamation point. Right this second, he's the best basketball player on the planet. And that's not hyperbolic. Ginobili has grabbed the reins and, for much of this stretch, steered this team almost single-handedly to victories. Not only do I think this is the best stretch of his career, it's one of the best stretches I've ever seen out of any player in franchise history.

What if Manu Ginobili can keep playing at this level? What if Tim Duncan continues his recent resurgence? What if health can be restored in time? What if the chemistry continues to improve? What if all the contenders continue to sport s in their armor? Yes, the "ifs" are many but I can't help but connect the dots and reconsider the possibilities.
P.S.

I'm going to attempt to make up for lost time with 12 consecutive hours of postings. Let me know of any subjects you wish for me to discuss. I apology for thread hogging in advance.

Holy sheeeit! Although it hasn't happened in a while due to your understandable absence, once again you totally encapsulate my thoughts. Great to have you back, Cap'n.

[mogrovejo]

Despite the difficulties, I always expected the Spurs to put up a valiant (yet futile) fight. A victory in the first round appeared to be the ceiling for this squad. I had fully accepted San Antonio's pretender status.

Nonsense. The Spurs were always contenders and played like contenders the entire season.

In recent weeks, Ginobili has gone from question mark to exclamation point.

Nonsense. It was obvious Ginobili was okay.

Right this second, he's the best basketball player on the planet. And that's not hyperbolic.

Nonsense.

[timvp]

Nonsense. The Spurs were always contenders and played like contenders the entire season.

Nonsense. It was obvious Ginobili was okay.

Nonsense.

Debatable.

[mogrovejo]

Well, I wrote it more than once. The signs were there, if you were unable to identify them it's kind of lame to now pretend they didn't exist.

Debatable.

Dude, just like Ginobili was a top player in the league rounding into form a few months ago and not a bum he now is a top player in the league in good form - meaning his light years away of LBJ. With that kind of reactionary analysis you're going to be wrong more often that not.