TP interview

[silverblk mystix]

great at ude by Tony...

, the whole ORGANIZATION speaks similarly ...it is (as always) a result of things being done ----the right way.

[Parker2112]

Our le hopes rest in Tony's hands.

[TD 21]

Thanks, Bruno.

This part is interesting.

If Hill can't go on Sunday, will Pop actually start Temple to keep Tony in the X-factor role? He's a better choice than starting Mason, but starting such an inexperienced player would be unusual.

Even though Temple's game resembles Hill's more than Mason, Bogans and Hairston, I can't imagine Pop starting him in a playoff game. Other than if Butler get's it going, Bogans isn't really needed in this series. He can't guard Terry and Barea and he's not needed to guard Marion and Kidd. So that leaves Mason as the likely starter, which would be a disaster. I expect the Spurs to go with a three guard rotation, so that third guard will have to play significant minutes and with the way Mason is playing, that right there could cost the Spurs the game(s).

Pop may opt to sit Hill for game one since game two isn't until Wednesday, which would give him essentially a full week off, while only having missed one game. Sounds reasonable, but realistically if the Spurs have designs on not only winning this series, but doing so in six games, they'll have to steal game one. That's because Duncan and Ginobili will be rested and likely have strong game one performances. If that's the case, the Spurs can't waste a game where both of them are on top of their games, particularly on the road. I see this series playing out as similar to the '07 Suns series, but it all starts with winning game one and to do this, the Spurs will more than likely need Hill to play and not noticeably favor his ankle.

[Brazil]

If Hill doesn't play in game 1 I think TP will begin the game and Temple will do the back up job

[ezau]

Parker's going to rape the Mavettes' bench, book it

[spurs4real]

I understand why you are so happy.

Well I have to be honest about it of course Im happy, you should be too. Good things come when you let Manu orchestrate the offense.

[lefty]

I read on a french website that Pop has decided that Manu will be option number 1 on offense, as he doesn't want to ruin a good thing

[ezau]

Either way, the Big Three has to be ready and healthy. We need Parker if we want to make any noise this playoffs

[DPG21920]

It was really great to hear TP speak so highly of Manu. It is great to at least hear everyone is feeling good and confident. There were certainly some trust issues and complications with the team the entire year, but they are playing well so far.

I still don't agree with TP coming off the bench, but we will see how it works out.

[crc21209]

I'm down with TP being that X-factor/6th man off the bench for us in the Playoffs. I mean why not...Hill has done well in the starting line-up and Manu can dominate the ball with the starting unit while TP can come in and do what he wants with the 2nd unit....

[crc21209]

I read on a french website that Pop has decided that Manu will be option number 1 on offense, as he doesn't want to ruin a good thing

As it should be...Manu is playing at an incredible level right now.

[BillMc]

All that matters to Tony (besides a win) is total and crunchtime minutes.

Tony is a team guy and always has been. Not sure why some think otherwise.

[kace]

I read on a french website that Pop has decided that Manu will be option number 1 on offense, as he doesn't want to ruin a good thing

link ?

coming from the bench / let manu lead the show for the first unit and overall AND not being a first offensive option are different things. if tp is at his best or not far from it (big IF though), i think we will have three main offensive options as usual.

so knowing your opinion about TP, i would like a link.

[kace]

All that matters to Tony (besides a win) is total and crunchtime minutes.

Tony is a team guy and always has been. Not sure why some think otherwise.

exactly. more quotes from the french sport site lequipe.fr:

"Pop does what he wants and i'll do what he asks me to do. He wants me to be an X-factor from the bench. Manu plays very well now and we need not to break his rythm"

"It's a new thing from me, that's strange, but i understand. and i know i'll get on the court very soon in a game".

[lefty]

link ?

coming from the bench / let manu lead the show for the first unit and overall AND not being a first offensive option are different things. if tp is at his best or not far from it (big IF though), i think we will have three main offensive options as usual.

so knowing your opinion about TP, i would like a link.

Here is the link: http://www.rmc.fr/editorial/108248/t...banc-a-dallas/

Dimanche à Dallas, San Antonio débutera son premier tour de play-offs face aux Mavericks. Tony Parker débutera ses oppositions sur le banc et servira d'électron libre comme lui a demandé son coach Gregg Popovich. Il s'agit « de ne pas casser la bonne dynamique de Manu Ginobili » a confié Tony Parker. L'Argentin est le grand artisan du réveil des Spurs lors de la fin de la saison régulière. Toutefois Parker jouera le même nombre de minutes que lorsqu'il débute dans le cinq majeur des Texans.

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Oh , mavvies are gonna get RAPED by TP coming off the bench. Brilliant move, and good for Tony pulling a Manu and not letting ego get in the way of the team (after all, he's not just been a starter for 9 years--he was our most recent Finals MVP).

YOU, parker haters.

[sonic21]

I read on a french website that Pop has decided that Manu will be option number 1 on offense, as he doesn't want to ruin a good thing

Here is the link: http://www.rmc.fr/editorial/108248/t...banc-a-dallas/

[Lebowski Brickowski]

Will you start against Dallas?
No. Pop want that I come from the bench. I will play the role of X-Factor

I like it -- but I want TP to get a lot of time against kidd. Tony will be fired up to play against him, as he always is. Tony has the skills to neutralize him on O and D (maybe more than any other PG in the league,) and can really use that match-up to regain his rythym, speed, balance, and authority -- which will be extremely important to the team's success.

[gm5k]

They won't.

Most of those posts were in two parts:

1. Tony's ego won't allow him to accept a bench role.

2. Pop won't have the courage to do what's best for the team.

Usually stated with great certainty. Don't expect them to show up when evidence to the contrary is clear for all to see.

I was in the first camp. I made a hasty harsh comment about the subject. I was wrong. Crow happily eaten

never been a Tony hater, big fan. I just honestly thought he'd be a baby about the role of coming off the bench. Like I said, glad to be wrong.

thanks OP for interview. gotta love that we have a former Finals MVP coming off the bench

[Cane]

I like Tony coming off the bench although that means that the midget named JJ will be guarding him rather than the old and slow Jason Kidd.

[in2deep]

I like Tony coming off the bench although that means that the midget named JJ will be guarding him rather than the old and slow Jason Kidd.

wait we don't know if Tony will be off the bench.

Since Hill will probably be out, Tony might come back as starter?

nevermind, Pop will probably try to continue riding Manu's greatness to start the game and hope Tony can bring the punch off the bench.

But that might change in game 3 on

[lefty]

Yeah something like that

[lefty]

Either way, the Big Three has to be ready and healthy. We need Parker if we want to make any noise this playoffs

Manu and Tim will be ok

I hope Hill won't miss the playoffs

[Doctor J]

Thanks for posting, Bruno.

By the way, what does HCA stand for?

[lefty]

Thanks for posting, Bruno.

By the way, what does HCA stand for?

Home court advantage