The Spurs surely didn't . . .

[SpursDynasty85]

Please elaborate. Neal, a rookie, is a regular in the rotation. Pop was giving Anderson, another rookie, steady minutes before his injury. You can argue about Splitter getting minutes, to which I agree, but were only a month into the season, so theres still plenty of time for Splitter to become a regular in the rotation. Which older vets are you referring to? The big 3? Dyess? Right now, the only critizism I have of Pop, is giving too many minutes to Bonner. If Bonner isn't hitting his 3's, he needs to benched. My only concern is for the big 3's health. So I really don't see the need to over-analyze any deficiencies for a Spurs team thats 16-3.

Popovich has always had a tendency to sit newcombers as he sees fit. Spurs back up sf situation gave pop no choice but to play JA or Bobby Simmons(both newcombers). JA is obviously wayyy better than Bobby Simmons. Neal was not in the regular rotation before JA went down with injury and Neal racked up a couple DNP's even when George Hill was in a slump. It was obvious to see why Popovich had to play Neal and Anderson otherwise.

As far as being happy with 16-3. I am very happy with the record. What I'm not happy with is Popovich's insistence to bench Splitter over Bonner even early in this season. Everyone knows its hard to pick up the Spurs system, so to suggest it is better to bench a rookie early and slowly integrate him is not smart when the Spurs are going for broke here on out.

[jjktkk]

Everyone knows its hard to pick up the Spurs system, so to suggest it is better to bench a rookie early and slowly integrate him is not smart when the Spurs are going for broke here on out.

Popovich usually doesn't just throw a rookie out there, to learn on the fly. Hes gradually gives the rooks minutes. It seems that Pop wants a rookie to fully comprehend the system before he plays him. Thats Pop's M.O. I don't necessarily agree with Pop, but it is what it is. My hope is pretty much like everyone else on here, as to wanting Splitter out there and solidfying a regular spot in the rotation. There is still plenty of season left to see this happen.

[ChumpDumper]

are you that DUMP ChumpDUMPer

You didn't answer the question that wasn't asked of you.

[smeagol]

Basically it is the same team as last year. Splitter is a non factor and Anderson is injured. Those were the top two player acquisistions from last year. The early fast start and record is fools gold. The spurs will fall back as the schedule gets tougher and players start to wear down as the season goes on. There just wasn't enough of a roster change from last years team to believe this team has enough talent to take it all the way to a le.

Some things never change . . .

[Fireball]

Odds are that the Spurs have their best days ahead of them. Reasons? New guys will continue to learn the system and get more comfortable with it (Neal, Splitter, etc). Anderson will return and give us another role player. Udoka will be gone.

I am really not sold on that "Anderson will return" thing. I really think this stress fracture injury is a career killer ... just look at Grant Hill. And Anderson got this injury after playing 10 games or so plus the preseason. Lets hope for the best ... I want to see him back as early as possible to get rid of Udoka.

[ElNono]

I guess everybody is happy with the 18 mins for Tim and 22 mins for Manu last game?

The reality is that if we play defense seriously from the get go and start blowing out teams, we can rest our guys. Otherwise, they will need to play or we just won't win, which is one of the stated goals for this team early in the season.

[ShoogarBear]

I guess everybody is happy with the 18 mins for Tim and 22 mins for Manu last game?

The reality is that if we play defense seriously from the get go and start blowing out teams, we can rest our guys. Otherwise, they will need to play or we just won't win, which is one of the stated goals for this team early in the season.

Yes, that was nice.

What's stupid is they couldn't do that in the three games between the Twolves and the Clippers.

[smrattler]

No they didn't.

And don't call me Shirley.

[Blake]

No they didn't.

And don't call me Shirley.

Awwww.....you just missed being the first to post what we were all thinking.

that's a shame.