that Ruff, I think he wanted Tim back in, but probably regretted not giving Blair time earlier. Blair was scoring in the post, playing decent D (I don't remember him really giving up points), grabbing every board possible, out-manning all of the Mavs bigs combined, getting Dirk to his pants AND receive a tech, the list goes on. And I'd rather see hard playoff fouls and/or flagrants 1s than Tims patented I don't want a foul so I won't do anything. It's not like he was really in foul trouble, he ended with only one, for s sake. Blair had 2 fouls in a third of the time, but besides Dice, he was the best Spurs big last night.I read something the other day that suggested we're closer to signing him than we were. I guess it was from a thread on here. I'm pretty confident he'll make his way over - it's now or never, really. if he wants to play in the NBA, this is the time.
I think you might have misunderstood me. I'm not suggesting they be limited at all. I think you play them as much as their performance deserves, and yeah, Blair could definitely have played more tonight, especially in the early 4th when he was yanked for Duncan who was having a down night. I think Pop pulled Grizz because of the flagrant - he didn't want to risk the youngster getting too over-excited!
Personally, I would have left Blair in for another few minutes before subbing Tim back in. He was a one-man wrecking ball for 6 minutes bridging the 3rd-4th quarters.
I like the way Pop is using him as a quick-hitting game-changer though. Long minutes is not the way to use him right now - short bursts of 4-6 minutes going flat out is the real deal for Grizzly.
Blair is not nearly reliable enough to be given big minutes..like Ruff said, he's best used as a quick game-changer..he's still way too green to leave on for too long..he was subbed off after the flagrant IIRC, and they obviously needed to get Tim in at some point, so Pop played it well IMO..
My hope is that Blair can be a consistent 12-15 minute sparkplug off the bench for the remainder of the playoffs.
Not only should the big three have another run in them, but they should have a better one. Next year's team figures to have instant cohesion. Splitter and maybe one more wing player figure to be the extent of the additions to the rotation. This could be the first round pick, but if it's not, expect that and one more big man to be the extent of the additions.
Next season, the Spurs should be able to hit the ground running. No waiting for the team to come together, figuring out a rotation, having their two best players work their way into shape/rhythm (though Duncan was dominant in the first half of the season despite this), having a cadre of rotation players learn the system, none of that. Everyone should know their roles from day one, they'll be no pouting veterans who expected to have a bigger role sitting on the bench.
On top of that, Hill figures to improve marginally, Blair could potentially improve substantially and Splitter would just so happen to fill the most glaring hole on the roster. Next year's team could potentially be scary.
Gee/Temple/Hairston would all have to be worked in. Maybe not all 3, but I doubt there are less then 4 new players next year, or players that have never really gotten solid minutes over a long period of time (Ian, Hairston, Temple).
I know my point isn't a great counter to yours, just pointing out there will be new guys learning the system. Most of this playoff rotation will be back though, and I doubt anyone will come in with Dice/RJ-size expectations (except Splitter). TD, MG, TP, GH, RJ, DB, and AM are reasonably sure bets (idk about Bogans), and hopefully Pop dumps Bonner and changes his mind about Ian, regardless of what Splitter does.
The possible outcome of the offseason:
+Ian(wishful thinking)
+2 of Hairston/Gee/Temple (must get decent minutes for them to gel)
+Splitter (makes the third minus much easier for Pop to accept)
-Mason
-Bogans
-Bonner
If half this happens, or at least two of minuses come true, I will be more pumped for 10-11 than I was for 08-09 when I thought Ian and Splitter would be getting major PT.
Last edited by Manufan909; 04-26-2010 at 11:39 PM.
Gee might not be on the roster and Temple probably will be, but don't expect either to be in the rotation. Ideal (realistic) additions: Splitter, Bell, George/Pondexter, Cook. Hairston is probably the only one of the D-League guys with a realistic shot at being in the rotation. I suspect he'll be the tenth man in what will primarily be a nine man rotation (at least against good opposition/in the playoffs). Regular season, Pop will be managing minutes, so Hairston could see semi-regular minutes.Gee/Temple/Hairston would all have to be worked in. Maybe not all 3, but I doubt there are less then 4 new players next year, or players that have never really gotten solid minutes over a long period of time (Ian, Hairston, Temple).
I know my point isn't a great counter to yours, just pointing out there will be new guys learning the system. Most of this playoff rotation will be back though, and I doubt anyone will come in with Dice/RJ-size expectations (except Splitter). TD, MG, TP, GH, RJ, DB, and AM are reasonably sure bets (idk about Bogans), and hopefully Pop dumps Bonner and changes his mind about Ian, regardless of what Splitter does.
The possible outcome of the offseason:
+Ian(wishful thinking)
+2 of Hairston/Gee/Temple (must get decent minutes for them to gel)
+Splitter (makes the third minus much easier for Pop to accept)
-Mason
-Bogans
-Bonner
If half this happens, or at least two of minuses come true, I will be more pumped for 10-11 than I was for 08-09 when I thought Ian and Splitter would be getting major PT.
I know there will be new guys learning the system, but rotation-wise Splitter and possibly a wing (for arguments sake I use Bell, because I know the Spurs have like him and he figures to be affordable, plus he'd essentially combine Bogans and Mason into one player, which is what the Spurs need). In both cases neither would be a big part of the offense and in general, the other seven-eight rotation players would already have chemistry and cohesion, because they'll have played together for a season. That should make it easier for two guys to fit in if everyone else is in sync.
The Spurs probably want Mahinmi back, but why would he stay? He couldn't get consistent minutes this season, so how will he next season? Splitter will probably be on the team and Blair figures to improve. Why would him and his agent want him to spend another season on the bench? Because Bonner is likely going to be the odd big out and the Spurs are obsessed with having a stretch four, Cook is a possible (probable? Considering the dearth of minimum salary stretch four's) fifth big.
Starters: PF - Duncan, SF- Jefferson, C- Splitter, SG- Hill, PG- Parker
Bench: SG- Ginobili, PF- McDyess, SG- Bell, PF- Blair, SG/SF- Hairston, SF- George/Pondexter, PF- Cook
Inactive: SG/PG- Temple
If the Spurs decide to exceed thirteen, I presume either Gee or the 2nd round pick would most likely be the player kept and they'd spend the vast majority of the season in the D-League.
Would the luxury tax not allow the Spurs to sign more than 2 of those guys? I know a S&T could happen, but with Splitter taking all of the MLE, I don't see how the Spurs wouldn't have to put themselves in further debt to sweeten a deal, unless the other team wants expirings. And someone would have to hypnotize Pop into believing Dice is the stretch big man he always wanted.
Also, have the Spurs shown recent interest in Bell/Cook, and will they come cheaply? Factoring in current contract length, expiring or not, said player not all about the benjamins.
Getting back to the new kids, how would everyone grade Blair's D in the last two games? I've been so pumped that I haven't focused on anyone's weaknesses, except TPs inability to stay on his man in crunch time, and TD/Manu not switching from throwing bricks to play making fast enough. From what I can remember, Blair did well at ending Mavs possessions for the most part, getting a block here, a steal or two there. I know Haywood went over him for a putback, but he did that to Timmy, so you can't fault him there... too much. Oh, and I loved the hard foul on Kidd. It sickens me when Bonner only "plays smart". And by "play smart", I mean "gives his opponent the path of least resistance". He needs to take it from Blair, both are pretty expendable. It makes sense when Timmy sometimes gives up points in order to stay in the game.
I don't expect guys like Gee or Temple to be rotation players, more like guys who get a chance to shine on b2bs, blowouts, and when an injury causes their window of opportunity to widen. Heck, even Hairston might stay in that group, but I'm going to assume he'll be the first SG/SF off the bench, at least to start. Idk how he wouldn't be in the 10-man rotation, unless Pop resigns RMJ. Which is highly doubtful. And I hope I'm not making a fool of myself and he isn't an expiring contract this year.
Last edited by Manufan909; 04-27-2010 at 01:08 AM.
Splitter would be signed using the mid-level exception, Pondexter/George would be the 1st round pick (predetermined salary), Bell would be signed using the bi-annual exception and Cook would be signed for the veteran's minimum. It's all doable and realistic (though I suppose Bell could get more than that). The four I mentioned would likely make $9-10 million in salary, but the Spurs would be shedding roughly $9 million in salary with outgoing players.Would the luxury tax not allow the Spurs to sign more than 2 of those guys? I know a S&T could happen, but with Splitter taking all of the MLE, I don't see how the Spurs wouldn't have to put themselves in further debt to sweeten a deal, unless the other team wants expirings. And someone would have to hypnotize Pop into believing Dice is the stretch big man he always wanted.
Also, have the Spurs shown recent interest in Bell/Cook, and will they come cheaply? Factoring in current contract length, expiring or not, said player not all about the benjamins.
Getting back to the new kids, how would everyone grade Blair's D in the last two games? I've been so pumped that I haven't focused on anyone's weaknesses, except TPs inability to stay on his man in crunch time, and TD/Manu not switching from throwing bricks to play making fast enough. From what I can remember, Blair did well at ending Mavs possessions for the most part, getting a block here, a steal or two there. I know Haywood went over him for a putback, but he did that to Timmy, so you can't fault him there... too much. Oh, and I loved the hard foul on Kidd. It sickens me when Bonner only "plays smart". And by "play smart", I mean "gives his opponent the path of least resistance". He needs to take it from Blair, both are pretty expendable. It makes sense when Timmy sometimes gives up points in order to stay in the game.
I don't expect guys like Gee or Temple to be rotation players, more like guys who get a chance to shine on b2bs, blowouts, and when an injury causes their window of opportunity to widen. Heck, even Hairston might stay in that group, but I'm going to assume he'll be the first SG/SF off the bench, at least to start. Idk how he wouldn't be in the 10-man rotation, unless Pop resigns RMJ. Which is highly doubtful. And I hope I'm not making a fool of myself and he isn't an expiring contract this year.
Pop will just have to accept not having a stretch four in the rotation. If this team has designs on winning another championship, adding Splitter but getting rid of McDyess (to facilitate re-signing Bonner) is not going to get it done. If Splitter is added in addition to the three bigs under contract and makes the impact he's thought to, now you're looking at a viable front court for a team with championship aspirations. Bell would add a guy who's over 40% career on threes to the rotation, so losing Bonner's three point shooting in the rotation wouldn't be a serious problem, if one at all.
Yes, the Spurs were interested in Bell earlier this season, but declined a Mason for Bell swap. At least this is what was reported. Cook, I'm not a fan of. But he's a cheap stretch four who could be Bonner's replacement and the fifth big.
That's how I see Temple and Gee's role as well. Hairston, I'd be shocked if he's the first wing off the bench. The Spurs need a guy ahead of him who's a proven defender and a 40% three point shooter, which is why Bell would be a nice fit. I figure Hairston would be the tenth man, which means seeing semi-regular minutes until the playoffs when the Spurs inevitably go down to probably nine guys.
Last edited by TD 21; 04-27-2010 at 07:30 PM.
OMG!!! I read the thread le and thought "oh , Kori sent her babies off to Ruff, so he could babysit while her & LJ could go to the game!!!"
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