Splitter vs Bonner

[mystargtr34]

No, it's not self-contradictory at all. And it does follow your balance conundrum.

We have a good share of players that are more than capable on the offensive end (including Bonner when he's hitting his shots), and not enough players that can play average defense. So we're unbalanced.
Bonner is the epitome of unbalanced production. He's a below average defender, consistently, and he can only make up for that deficiency on the offensive end (where his production is inconsistent).

But take a sample of this thread, and all you hear about Matty is his offensive production.

I personally wouldn't have a problem with Manu/Hill/Neal taking the 3 point shots that Matty takes, even if they would hit a few less, but playing an actual big that can play defense more minutes, and actually makes up the difference on that end. Maybe that guy is Dice. Maybe hand 10 mins to Splitter and see how it goes.

BTW, let me state that Matty is a hard working guy, and looks to be a great guy and teammate too. This has nothing to do with him personally. He is who he is, and we already have a large sample size of what he brings to the table, especially on the defensive end (which is where we need a lift now).

This is a good point tbh.. personally i dont get mad at Bonner anymore when he gets abused in the post or when he cant coral a rebound because he cant stretch his hands above his head.. or even when he misses an open 3 point shot in a close game. If he chokes in the playoffs this season i also wont really be that mad at him - because he is who he is.. a one trick pony who is inconsistent at that one trick. He tries his hardest.. and looks like he really cares. Thats all you can really ask.

[The Truth #6]

ChuckD brought up percentages for Bonner to dispute the claim that he sucks at shooting 3s. He's leading the league in 3 point %. That's not sucking. Whether or not Pop should expect him to make a shot in the clutch is a different conversation. Obviously Bonner is not clutch but, again, that's a different point. I can tell if people are posting from their cell phone or are really just stupid.

[jjktkk]

Hey I'm EricD, and I don't know .

Thats okay EricD, just read as many posts on here as you can, then maybe some day you can have some Spurs knowledge.

[rmt]

Erden was nothing more than a role player for his Turkish side Fenerbahce. His last season in the Euroleague which was his most productive he had averages of 6 points and 5 rebounds and less than a block a game on 47% shooting in 20+ minutes. His PER was 10.5.

Splitter's had averages of 14 points and around 5-6 rebounds routinely in around 25 minutes a game on 60% shooting. One Euroleague season he shot 66% from the field as the main option and even blocked 1.6 shots... his PER that season was 26.9.

Erden has been very impressive when called upon.. its amazing what a 7 footer with skills can do when your on the court with guys like Rondo, Pierce and Garnett... these guys make the game easy for everyone else. Thats also the reason Doc specifically starts Semih to make sure hes out there with the best guys who will make tihngs easy for him. This is what is amusing when people bash Splitter when he goes 0-2 in garbage time when playing with Chris Quinn and Ime Udoka. Especially since he has already had double digit scoring games when hes out there with Manu and TP. You put Erden on the court with guys like Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels he probably wouldnt score a bucket all season... yet he looks like a legitimate NBA player when out there with the starters. Splitter is 10x the player Erden is.

And by the way... if Pop inherited that Celtics lineup with those injuries... i have a feeling you would have seen alot more of Big Baby-Garnett and Big Baby-Harangody then you would have seen lineups containing Erden. Doc Rivers values defense alot more than 2010 Popovich IMO unfortunately.... Doc knows what won him his ring.

This post makes me feel sick. To think that we're pondering the problem of the defense and some are thinking up trades while Splitter sits on the bench. Sometimes I think that Popovich deliberately benches players to humble them and make them buy into his system. Sometimes after Blair had a huge game as a rookie, Pop would hardly play him the next game.

I'd love to see some pick and roll with Manu/TP and Splitter if Popovich is so concerned about the offense. He needs to put his money where his mouth is about defense, look at the size and length of the front lines of the teams which have won over the past 12 years and give Splitter a chance.

[Ginobilly]

This post makes me feel sick. To think that we're pondering the problem of the defense and some are thinking up trades while Splitter sits on the bench. Sometimes I think that Popovich deliberately benches players to humble them and make them buy into his system. Sometimes after Blair had a huge game as a rookie, Pop would hardly play him the next game.

I'd love to see some pick and roll with Manu/TP and Splitter if Popovich is so concerned about the offense. He needs to put his money where his mouth is about defense, look at the size and length of the front lines of the teams which have won over the past 12 years and give Splitter a chance.

Same Here!+1000000000000000000000000000000000000000

I guess Pop is out there trying to be the first coach to win with the gimmick known as small ball. Maybe he has a bet with Nellie??? I don't know what think anymore???? I seriously have stopped watching all games now because I don't see this Spurs team going far with Bonner or Blair manning the middle with Duncan. Duncan ya esta viejo!! Why does nobody see that?? It would be different if we had the spring chicken Tim Duncan from 2003, but we don't anymore. I will not watch anymore games until I see Splitter play with Duncan, TP, Manu, RJ, and Hill period!!! Enjoy your regular season wins Bonner aficionados.

[jjktkk]

Same Here!+1000000000000000000000000000000000000000

I guess Pop is out there trying to be the first coach to win with the gimmick known as small ball. Maybe he has a bet with Nellie??? I don't know what think anymore???? I seriously have stopped watching all games now because I don't see this Spurs team going far with Bonner or Blair manning the middle with Duncan. Duncan ya esta viejo!! Why does nobody see that?? It would be different if we had the spring chicken Tim Duncan from 2003, but we don't anymore. I will not watch anymore games until I see Splitter play with Duncan, TP, Manu, RJ, and Hill period!!! Enjoy your regular season wins Bonner aficionados.

[200 miles]

Same Here!+1000000000000000000000000000000000000000

I guess Pop is out there trying to be the first coach to win with the gimmick known as small ball. Maybe he has a bet with Nellie??? I don't know what think anymore???? I seriously have stopped watching all games now because I don't see this Spurs team going far with Bonner or Blair manning the middle with Duncan. Duncan ya esta viejo!! Why does nobody see that?? It would be different if we had the spring chicken Tim Duncan from 2003, but we don't anymore. I will not watch anymore games until I see Splitter play with Duncan, TP, Manu, RJ, and Hill period!!! Enjoy your regular season wins Bonner aficionados.

[Spur|n|Austin]

I'm sick of all the Bonner haters. He hasn't disappointed all season.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

Well if Matt could actually play better D, then he'd be a lot better. As for Splitter, I hardly even see him play. Pop putting him in the damn doghouse.

[Mugen]

we should reevaluate this debate when Pop plays Splitter 5mins during a game. then we'll truly be able to judge.

[Dr. Gonzo]

The Spurs are winning. So obviously Bonner playing minutes over Splitter is working. Jesus Christ this is worst than the Mahinmi bull .

[Jesus Christ]

The Spurs are winning. So obviously Bonner playing minutes over Splitter is working. Jesus Christ this is worst than the Mahinmi bull .

Don't bring me into this. I'm on your side.