Monroe: Splitter figures to start

[TJastal]

How EXACTLY did you or anyone else know that a guy who shot greater than 45% from the 3 for most of the season was going to shoot around 31 or 32 in the Playoffs. Pop is supposed to be clairvoyant?

Ok, if Pop is such a bad coach, then why was the team playing so well in the early part of the regular season? Is Bonner so old that he can't maintain pace an entire season? The better perimeter defense displayed on Bonner is supposed to open up greater lanes for the penetrators (TP and Manu and to some degree RJ - if he had been in the game) but those that are supposed to either didn't capitalize or were too hurt to. Bonner is a ROLE player. Does it make sense to blame his lack of defense during the 15-20 minutes he's in the game as the cause for the Spurs demise. McDyess played EXCELLENT defense on Randolph IMO, Zach just played BETTER offense. Nothing against McDyess - he just didn't get it done. We can all speculate that if we had Channing Frye or Thompson or Josh Smith that the outcome would've been different but the Spurs DIDN'T HAVE those guys. Pop played the guys he had. On top of that, when the starting SF (that's really the only one you have) isn't good enough to be on the floor in the Playoffs, what should've been Pop's move then? Danny Green? Move your injured and undersized for the position SG to SF and put in another undersized player at SG?

We all want to criticize Pop for not seeing what seems to be obvious after the fact but I just don't agree...

Did you just become a spurs fan yesterday? Check Matt Bonner's past playoff failures and get back to us, 3rd string.

[Blake]

What the heck do qualifications and player personnel have to do with the simple fact that any half-witted numbskull should have been able to see that Bonner was a major liability against the grizz frontline and should have been sitting his ass on the bench in favor of a real 7 footer?

And what does that say about Pop that it took him to the 4th friggin game to finally see what every numbskull with at least a b&w 13 inch tv screen could figure out after watching for 5 minutes? Huh, 3rd string?

only numbskulls would think that the Spurs would have won the series if only Splitter had played instead of Bonner.

[Blake]

Did you just become a spurs fan yesterday? Check Matt Bonner's past playoff failures and get back to us, 3rd string.

What exactly are Bonner's playoff failures?

[TJastal]

only numbskulls would think that the Spurs would have won the series if only Splitter had played instead of Bonner.

TBH, damn near anyone instead of Bonner would have probably helped. Having a legit mobile 7-footer like Splitter would have made it alot more difficult for the grizz to dominate the paint like they did.

Nobody's saying the spurs would have won the series, but they surely would have made it more compe ive and perhaps made it to a 7th game.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

What the heck do qualifications and player personnel have to do with the simple fact that any half-witted numbskull should have been able to see that Bonner was a major liability against the grizz frontline and should have been sitting his ass on the bench in favor of a real 7 footer?

And what does that say about Pop that it took him to the 4th friggin game to finally see what every numbskull with at least a b&w 13 inch tv screen could figure out after watching for 5 minutes? Huh, 3rd string?

And btw 3rd string, I'd take a gimpy Manu over any of those players you mentioned, the guy almost singlehandedly carried the team past the grizz. Wasn't his fault Duncan was exhausted from having to defend the paint alone (again, thanks POP) and Parker couldn't handle the basketball without making sloppy turnovers.

Bonner has ALWAYS been a liability on defense. That's nothing new. Playing him in the playoffs was an attempt to do two things - see if he could continue to make 3s at somewhat close to the same rate he had earlier (which he didn't) AND to open up the lane for his penetrators to score (which they didn't). Is the latter Bonner's fault? Is it Pops?

You mention TD was too exhausted and that was Pops fault? TD played less mins per game this season than he ever had - should he have played even less? If so, who are you going to replace him with - Splitter? Perhaps that was a risk he might have elected to take had Splitter not been injured 90% of training camp.

Again, I've stated in many previous posts that you work on individual skills in the OFF and PRE season. Splitter had no off or pre season due to injury and sadly it looks like he won't get another one this yr w/ the lockout - but that's another discussion.

Let's say Pop is a race car driver. The car is battery powered (electric) and the battery has 5 cells. Those cells are PG, SG, SF, PF and C. And he starts w/ a fully charged battery to begin the season. Midway through the season, he's in 1st place and has managed to allow the PF/C cells to be rotated through various personnel to keep everyone in that cell as fresh as possible. The TD portion of the cell (which is the main portion) is playing a career low mpg and the Bonner portion (a backup portion) is producing a career and team high 3pt %. The Blair portion of the cell shows promise in some offensive areas but it woefully undersized defensively. The PG and SG cells are producing as always. The SF cell has never really been all that strong since the year before and you only have 1 guy who possesses the size, strength and skillset to work in the SF cell but he still manages to produce a career best 3pt % as well.

However, toward the end of the racing season, his SG cell is badly injured. His PG cell, which is healthy as far as he can tell, just doesn't produce like it did earlier. His PF and C cells, which were never all that strong to begin with are showing their age. The Bonner part of that cell doesn't score w/ near the efficiency that it should, the McDyess of that cell is old and less explosive both on offense and defense, the TD of that cell is exhausted (as you mention) and the Splitter of that cell shows promise but Pop just hasn't had enough time to evaluate and trust Splitter to do what is necessary. The Blair portion is still undersized. Pop is forced to remove the SF cell altogether and attempt to utilize different parts of the SG cell in its place.

Rock and a hard place for Pop.

I, for the life of me, can't understand why ANYONE would look at the specific Bonner part of the PF cell and blame it for ALL the woes of the team and completely disregard the malfunctions of the rest of the battery. Nor do I understand blaming the driver for NOT seeing the malfunctions of the PG, SG, SF and portions of the PF/C cells BEFORE they happened.

And as a far as 3rd string - I'm proud to have played for a D1 program. What program did you play for again?

[TJastal]

Bonner has ALWAYS been a liability on defense. That's nothing new. Playing him in the playoffs was an attempt to do two things - see if he could continue to make 3s at somewhat close to the same rate he had earlier (which he didn't) AND to open up the lane for his penetrators to score (which they didn't). Is the latter Bonner's fault? Is it Pops?

You mention TD was too exhausted and that was Pops fault? TD played less mins per game this season than he ever had - should he have played even less? If so, who are you going to replace him with - Splitter? Perhaps that was a risk he might have elected to take had Splitter not been injured 90% of training camp.

Again, I've stated in many previous posts that you work on individual skills in the OFF and PRE season. Splitter had no off or pre season due to injury and sadly it looks like he won't get another one this yr w/ the lockout - but that's another discussion.

Let's say Pop is a race car driver. The car is battery powered (electric) and the battery has 5 cells. Those cells are PG, SG, SF, PF and C. And he starts w/ a fully charged battery to begin the season. Midway through the season, he's in 1st place and has managed to allow the PF/C cells to be rotated through various personnel to keep everyone in that cell as fresh as possible. The TD cell is playing a career low mpg and the Bonner cell is producing a career and team high 3pt %. The PG and SG cells are producing as always. The SF cell has never really been all that strong since the year before and you only have 1 guy who possesses the size, strength and skillset to work in the SF cell but he still manages. Toward the end of the racing season, his SG cell is badly injured. His PG cell, which is healthy as far as he can tell, just doesn't produce like it did earlier. His PF and C cells, which were never all that strong to begin with are showing their age. The Bonner part of that cell doesn't score w/ near the efficiency that it should, the McDyess of that cell is old and less explosive both on offense and defense, the TD of that cell is exhausted (as you mention) and the Splitter of that cell shows promise but Pop just hasn't had enough time to evaluate and trust Splitter to do what is necessary.

Rock and a hard place for Pop.

But I can't, for the life of me, understand why ANYONE would look at the specific Bonner part of the PF cell and blame it for ALL the woes of the team and completely disregard the malfunctions of the rest of the batter.

And as a far as 3rd string - I'm proud to have played for a D1 program. What program did you play for again?

This is really simple logic, 3rd string. This is the last time I am going to explain this to you, so pay attention.

If Splitter was injured, then I agree Pop was between a rock and a hard place. But he wasn't injured. The "missed training camp" excuse doesn't fly. He was still at the practices, paying attention & soaking it all in plus the spurs have more than enough practices during the season for him to catch up. Pop chose not to integrate him for some unknown reason. He had all year to get him integrated into the rotation. So just STFU and quit using that as an excuse. It's asinine at best.

And isn't it obvious that Pop basically admitted to the world he royally ed up with his desperation move of tossing Splitter into the fire in game 4? (that some of us knew was bound to happen, except you apparently) Why can't you see this? Just pathetic coaching tbh.

[Blake]

TBH, damn near anyone instead of Bonner would have probably helped. Having a legit mobile 7-footer like Splitter would have made it alot more difficult for the grizz to dominate the paint like they did.

lol legit

Nobody's saying the spurs would have won the series, but they surely would have made it more compe ive and perhaps made it to a 7th game.

so you agree that the Spurs probably wouldn't have won the series any way.

thanks.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

This is really simple logic, 3rd string. This is the last time I am going to explain this to you, so pay attention.

If Splitter was injured, then I agree Pop was between a rock and a hard place. But he wasn't injured. The "missed training camp" excuse doesn't fly. He was still at the practices, paying attention & soaking it all in plus the spurs have more than enough practices during the season for him to catch up. Pop chose not to integrate him for some unknown reason. He had all year to get him integrated into the rotation. So just STFU and quit using that as an excuse. It's asinine at best.

And isn't it obvious that Pop basically admitted to the world he royally ed up with his desperation move of tossing Splitter into the fire in game 4? (that some of us knew was bound to happen, except you apparently) Why can't you see this? Just pathetic coaching tbh.

Pop "throwing" Splitter in at the last minute was desperation. What he didn't say - that you obviously didn't pick up on - was that he shoulda left Splitter on the bench and either opted for Blair or staying w/ Bonner.

I guess your argument is that Splitter should've gotten a better "look" earlier so that when the playoffs rolled around, he'd be ready.

Let me let you in on a lil something since it seems you lack the ability to understand what goes on during the NBA season...

Go back and look at the Spurs schedule. Here - I'll help you.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/schedule/

They played 15 games a month. That's one every other day. When exactly is Pop supposed to have time to work w/ Splitter alone on his front court skills? When is he supposed to see how well the rest of the team plays w/ him? If you had played ball any time during your life (any ball, football, basketball, baseball, field hockey, whatever) you would know that MOST of the minutes in practice goes to the starters. Not all but MOST. The 29 other NBA coaches were doing that as well as Pop. Why, because once you play one game, you're forced to start thinking about the next one almost immediately.

So, Mr Never Played, you can blog in a manner that seems informative, but if you had any experience, you would know better. Since you don't then we'll all just have to continue to suffer through your opinion...

[Interrohater]

Guys, give TJastal some credit (what?!). Seriously, he's spot on. Bonner sucks, Splitter sucks less. Inexperienced defensive minded 7 footer clogging the lane, or proven playoff choker who hangs around the three point line? Timmy no longer demands a double team and he still has a nice jumpshot, so why do we need to space the floor with a three point shooter? If every point counts in a playoff game, I'd rather someone be closer to the basket where the percentages are higher. Give me a Splitter every day of the week. He represents everything that this franchise has been built on. He's big, plays defense and is scrappy. I'M NOT CALLING HIM AN ALL-STAR or a hall-of-fame-r, but I am saying that his style of play is what we need. Bonner is a failed experiment that has lasted way too long and has been given way too much leeway.

I'd much rather have a guy shooting 50% at close range for two points than a guy who shoots distance at 40%. Why? Because that's what wins playoff games! We used to go inside out, now we're going outside in and it doesn't work.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Guys, give TJastal some credit (what?!). Seriously, he's spot on. Bonner sucks, Splitter sucks less. Inexperienced defensive minded 7 footer clogging the lane, or proven playoff choker who hangs around the three point line? Timmy no longer demands a double team and he still has a nice jumpshot, so why do we need to space the floor with a three point shooter? If every point counts in a playoff game, I'd rather someone be closer to the basket where the percentages are higher. Give me a Splitter every day of the week. He represents everything that this franchise has been built on. He's big, plays defense and is scrappy. I'M NOT CALLING HIM AN ALL-STAR or a hall-of-fame-r, but I am saying that his style of play is what we need. Bonner is a failed experiment that has lasted way too long and has been given way too much leeway.

I'd much rather have a guy shooting 50% at close range for two points than a guy who shoots distance at 40%. Why? Because that's what wins playoff games! We used to go inside out, now we're going outside in and it doesn't work.

Much better argument - you're obviously a lot better at this than jastal.

But, while I think your argument is smart, the #s don't add up. If you have a player who shoots 4/10 from 3, that's 12 points. If another player shoots 5/10 from 2, that's 10 points. In order to match a 40% 3 pt shooter, you need to shoot 60% from 2 pt land.

But, your logic about defense does make sense.

Let me ask you this - you're a coach and your team is DISTINCTLY 3 pt shooting. You lead the league in 3 pt attempts, 3pters made and are among the tops in 3 pt %. Why, during the playoffs, do you abandon that strategy, take your 3 pt shooters out an take on an inside-out type game?

[Interrohater]

Pop "throwing" Splitter in at the last minute was desperation. What he didn't say - that you obviously didn't pick up on - was that he shoulda left Splitter on the bench and either opted for Blair or staying w/ Bonner.

Desperation is exactly right. The mere fact that he put Splitter in the fourth game was a blatant admission that he screwed up. What you're saying is that since it was desperation, Pop had already given up by throwing in his worst big? By throwing in his scrub player? That can't be right. Pop finally conceded the fact that the others weren't matching up well and he needed a bigger defensive presence. Blair and Bonner were getting abused like something that gets abused a lot. There's no rational reason for anybody to think that they should have stayed in the game.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Desperation is exactly right. The mere fact that he put Splitter in the fourth game was a blatant admission that he screwed up. What you're saying is that since it was desperation, Pop had already given up by throwing in his worst big? By throwing in his scrub player? That can't be right. Pop finally conceded the fact that the others weren't matching up well and he needed a bigger defensive presence. Blair and Bonner were getting abused like something that gets abused a lot. There's no rational reason for anybody to think that they should have stayed in the game.

What we're all debating is when a coach should notice - in real time - when the horse he rode in on is no longer the horse he needs to continue to ride. When should baseball managers bench a player who is slumping but earlier in the season was hitting .400? When does the QB who is OK by all other means throws 3 or 4 INTs in a game?

It's easy to say AFTER the season that a different timing should have been utilized...

[Interrohater]

Much better argument - you're obviously a lot better at this than jastal.

But, while I think your argument is smart, the #s don't add up. If you have a player who shoots 4/10 from 3, that's 12 points. If another player shoots 5/10 from 2, that's 10 points. In order to match a 40% 3 pt shooter, you need to shoot 60% from 2 pt land.

But, your logic about defense does make sense.

I knew that you would say this, but the numbers DO add up. Matt Bonner shoots .7 free throws per game because nobody is going to foul him. Tiago Splitter, in his ridiculously low MPG shoots 2.3 free throws at about half the minutes. The numbers do add up.

[Interrohater]

What we're all debating is when a coach should notice - in real time - when the horse he rode in on is no longer the horse he needs to continue to ride. When should baseball managers bench a player who is slumping but earlier in the season was hitting .400? When does the QB who is OK by all other means throws 3 or 4 INTs in a game?

It's easy to say AFTER the season that a different timing should have been utilized...

The problem with that, though, is that if said player slumps at the same time every year, then maybe you should be prepared to make a change as soon as you see the first signs of that happening again. You're right, it is easy to say after the fact. However, I promise you my second born child if I wasn't screaming at the TV in the first game to get Bonner the out and put Splitter in.

[TJastal]

Pop "throwing" Splitter in at the last minute was desperation. What he didn't say - that you obviously didn't pick up on - was that he shoulda left Splitter on the bench and either opted for Blair or staying w/ Bonner.

I guess your argument is that Splitter should've gotten a better "look" earlier so that when the playoffs rolled around, he'd be ready.

Let me let you in on a lil something since it seems you lack the ability to understand what goes on during the NBA season...

Go back and look at the Spurs schedule. Here - I'll help you.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/schedule/

They played 15 games a month. That's one every other day. When exactly is Pop supposed to have time to work w/ Splitter alone on his front court skills? When is he supposed to see how well the rest of the team plays w/ him? If you had played ball any time during your life (any ball, football, basketball, baseball, field hockey, whatever) you would know that MOST of the minutes in practice goes to the starters. Not all but MOST. The 31 other NBA coaches were doing that as well as Pop. Why, because once you play one game, you're forced to start thinking about the next one almost immediately.

So, Mr Never Played, you can blog in a manner that seems informative, but if you had any experience, you would know better. Since you don't then we'll all just have to continue to suffer through your opinion...

Apparently you have no idea, but the spurs actually do practice often during the season, anytime they have 2 days in between games. Which happens quite often, so there's really no excuse why Pop could not get Splitter into the rotation.

[TJastal]

Bonner is a failed experiment that has lasted way too long and has been given way too much leeway.

I'd much rather have a guy shooting 50% at close range for two points than a guy who shoots distance at 40%. Why? Because that's what wins playoff games! We used to go inside out, now we're going outside in and it doesn't work.

This.

[TJastal]

Desperation is exactly right. The mere fact that he put Splitter in the fourth game was a blatant admission that he screwed up. What you're saying is that since it was desperation, Pop had already given up by throwing in his worst big? By throwing in his scrub player? That can't be right. Pop finally conceded the fact that the others weren't matching up well and he needed a bigger defensive presence. Blair and Bonner were getting abused like something that gets abused a lot. There's no rational reason for anybody to think that they should have stayed in the game.

And yet Pop CONTINUED to give his favorite ginger 20 minutes a game, even after Splitter was heaved into the fire. He just couldn't admit that Bonner was a bad matchup and he had made a mistake and so drove the team the rest of the way off the cliff trying to mask his own stupidity!

It's as if Pop thought he could fool everybody into thinking that his decision to throw a guy into a heated playoff battle who had barely seen a handful of meaningful minutes all year long was not reeking of desperation. Well tbh he did fool some in here, obviously.

Just shows clearly how Pop was more concerned about trying to preserve his own reputation and dignity than the welfare of his team.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Apparently you have no idea, but the spurs actually do practice often during the season, anytime they have 2 days in between games. Which happens quite often, so there's really no excuse why Pop could not get Splitter into the rotation.

You have been replaced by hater - the force is much stronger w/ him. But that's to be expected since you obviously don't have a shred of college (probably not even HS) ball of any sort to speak of as we all notice how you don't respond when questioned about your experience.

In your favor, I will state that given your obvious lack of experience, you do sometimes present a fairly believable and well thought out argument.

This just isn't one of those times...

[Tyrone Jenkins]

The problem with that, though, is that if said player slumps at the same time every year, then maybe you should be prepared to make a change as soon as you see the first signs of that happening again. You're right, it is easy to say after the fact. However, I promise you my second born child if I wasn't screaming at the TV in the first game to get Bonner the out and put Splitter in.

VERY good point.

However, I don't think a switch that late in the season was warranted. Had it been made around mid season (like the replacement of Blair) then I would've been all for it. TBH, I was actually hoping they would've opted for Splitter instead of McDyess but I'm sure that goes back to Pop's comfort level.

[TJastal]

You have been replaced by hater - the force is much stronger w/ him. But that's to be expected since you obviously don't have a shred of college (probably not even HS) ball of any sort to speak of as we all notice how you don't respond when questioned about your experience.

In your favor, I will state that given your obvious lack of experience, you do sometimes present a fairly believable and well thought out argument.

This just isn't one of those times...

And given your obvious lack of a brain, it's amazing you can even use a computer.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

Let me be completely honest here.

I think Splitter is part of the future of this team. He won't replace Duncan fully (no one ever will probably) but he looks like he might just be a 15/8 guy w/ some defensive skill. Combine him w/ a scoring PF like LeMarcus Aldridge, Josh Smith or someone of that nature, and the front court is pretty decent.

Bonner is a one trick pony. If he's shooting well, the trick is working. If not, then he sits in favor of someone else - I'm just not convinced that it's reasonable to think that Bonner would fade as much as he did (even though he always seems to fade a little it's NEVER been to that extent).

I don't think ANY of Bonner's poor play nor the fact that Splitter wasn't incorporated earlier makes as much a difference as the dropoff in production from TP and RJ. We talk about Bonner like he's a starter or something...

Moving forward, I look forward to Splitter being the part of the Spurs future frontcourt and think that he should've been given the opportunity far sooner last year. I think that Leonard should start in favor of RJ. I think that Anderson or Butler (whomever shows more promise in whatever off-season occurs) should start and Manu play the 6th man role. I think that both the undersized Neal and Blair should be traded in favor of a defensive C type (think Perkins type) who is a complement to Splitter's game and not the other way around. Finally, I think that TP needs to step up and be the leader of this team. Not just the PG but the leader - someone who is more vocal in his encouragement and scolding, who takes responsibility more and who isn't afraid to speak his mind about the team and/or coach (he did that earlier this year and then backpeddled - no backpeddle was necessary).

Just my $0.02

[Tyrone Jenkins]

And given your obvious lack of a brain, it's amazing you can even use a computer.

LOL perhaps not but at least I have played and can still play the game. You shy away from even mentioning any experience you have in favor of insults and cute smiley faces...

Are you like 14 years old? When you grow up and aren't cut from the JV team, I would bet your arguments would be more meaningful.

That might be a great day (for all of us).

[Interrohater]

Let me be completely honest here.

I think Splitter is part of the future of this team. He won't replace Duncan fully (no one ever will probably) but he looks like he might just be a 15/8 guy w/ some defensive skill. Combine him w/ a scoring PF like LeMarcus Aldridge, Josh Smith or someone of that nature, and the front court is pretty decent.

Bonner is a one trick pony. If he's shooting well, the trick is working. If not, then he sits in favor of someone else - I'm just not convinced that it's reasonable to think that Bonner would fade as much as he did (even though he always seems to fade a little it's NEVER been to that extent).

Moving forward, I look forward to Splitter being the part of the Spurs future frontcourt and think that he should've been given the opportunity far sooner last year. I think that Leonard should start in favor of RJ. I think that Anderson or Butler (whomever shows more promise in whatever off-season occurs) should start and Manu play the 6th man role. I think that both the undersized Neal and Blair should be traded in favor of a defensive C type (think Perkins type) who is a complement to Splitter's game and not the other way around. Finally, I think that TP needs to step up and be the leader of this team. Not just the PG but the leader - someone who is more vocal in his encouragement and scolding, who takes responsibility more and who isn't afraid to speak his mind about the team and/or coach (he did that earlier this year and then backpeddled - no backpeddle was necessary).

Just my $0.02

I agree with all of that, sans the trade of Neal. We truly need an ice cold shooter like him in the lineup. I read on this forum that Neal played PG overseas and I think he would be the perfect veteran backup if he can. Think Derek Fisher, the quiet deadly floor manager that every team needs. Plus, his contract is so small that we can keep him for peanuts. I'd be okay with trading Blair, but I'm not sure how many other teams out there can see him as an asset enough to trade away a larger player.

[purist]

So I'm guessing you and Blake are the 3rd string of the popsucker crew? Since the 1st and 2nd stringers have been getting torched lately?

Btw, nice try blowing smoke up everybody's ass. Maybe Chumpdumper will give you a promotion to 2nd string.

Just quit it already. Do you honestly think ANY of those coaches have given Bonbon 20+ minutes every game against the worst possible team matchup-wise for him when they had a legitimate 7 foot defensive juggernaut (in comparision terms to Bonner at least) on the bench? (No need to answer this rhetorical question whose answer is obvious).

i don't care

[pgardn]

Agree with T. Jenkins.

We dont have the horses up front. Aint a coach in the NBA that could get this team a championship. We are a very fundamentally solid team with fairly glaring athletic weaknesses up front. I dont care when the wins came, this team getting 60 wins was amazing. And there is no a doubt in my mind we could (not would) have beat the Grizz with a healthy Ginobili. But a championship was not and is not likely unless a lot of other teams break down. We just dont have the man power, and we dont have many options to get the players we need up front. People think a Bball team can stay a serious contender for 12 solid years in this NBA world need to constantly switch allegiances. It will make your sports entertainment life much easier but extraordinarily shallow.

Bunch of spoiled azz fans...