Grades: Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Dec. 26

[The_Worlds_finest]

So who?

ChumpDumper...This is the only guy the wanna-be gms can think off

[Dex]

First place in the SW, es!!

[ChumpDumper]

You're the D League expert. I'm asking your expert opinion. Name a legitimate 4 or 5 that isn't an upgrade over Bonner on the nights that Bonner isn't going 5 of 6 from three point range.

My dumbassed opinion is that I don't see how the two guys they cut over the last week are a step down in any way. Tell me why I'm wrong.

There's a reason people were excited about Pops Mensah Bonsu, and it's not because he lights the ing world up, it's because he lights the ing world up in comparison to Matt Bonner.

Right, that's because people don't know a lot about basketball.

It's OK. I asked for some names and you couldn't give any. It's not a big deal.

The big men in this season's watered-down D-League just aren't very good. Maybe some 5th big man candidates, but no one better than Bonner.

[ChumpDumper]

So if ever a situation arises that Duncan, Blair and Splitter get into major foul trouble, or worse yet one suc bs to an in-game injury, is the expectation really for Bonner to play center?

Chances are some scrub will be signed soon, and we can get excited by that scrub and his light then.

[SenorSpur]

We all know, by now, that there aren't any viable big man options. The point that I, and others who share my concern, have been trying to make is that the Spurs foolishly sat on the sidelines and allowed the list of viable big man options to be reduced to nothing.

Bonner is what he is and obviously he's not going anywhere. It's also obvious that the more minutes he gets, the potential of negative production increases. It would just be nice if the frontcourt rotation was such that Pop wouldn't have to rely upon him, and often times overutilize him, in the way that he has.

[DAF86]

Hey ChumpDumper, are you a part of the Spurs organization in some way other than beign a fan? A relative of someone in the Club maybe? 'Cause that's the only explanation I can find to the level of butthurdness you display everytime you try to defend every Spurs/Pop's decision.

[ChumpDumper]

We all know, by now, that there aren't any viable big man options. The point that I, and others who share my concern, have been trying to make is that the Spurs foolishly sat on the sidelines and allowed the list of viable big man options to be reduced to nothing.

Bonner is what he is and obviously he's not going anywhere. It's also obvious that the more minutes he gets, the potential of negative production increases. It would just be nice if the frontcourt rotation was such that Pop wouldn't have to rely upon him, and often times overutilize him, in the way that he has.

Who says they didn't try?

[Obstructed_View]

Right, that's because people don't know a lot about basketball.

It's OK. I asked for some names and you couldn't give any. It's not a big deal.

The big men in this season's watered-down D-League just aren't very good. Maybe some 5th big man candidates, but no one better than Bonner.

So I asked for your expert opinion and you decided to be a . Should have known that's the only thing you're really an expert at.

[ChumpDumper]

So I asked for your expert opinion and you decided to be a . Should have known that's the only thing you're really an expert at.

I'm no expert but I did give you my opinion.

Sorry it's not want you want to hear.

[ChumpDumper]

Hey ChumpDumper, are you a part of the Spurs organization in some way other than beign a fan? A relative of someone in the Club maybe? 'Cause that's the only explanation I can find to the level of butthurdness you display everytime you try to defend every Spurs/Pop's decision.

I have said I think they need to somehow acquire a third big man.

What is your reason for being so butthurt about my posts?

[Obstructed_View]

We all know, by now, that there aren't any viable big man options. The point that I, and others who share my concern, have been trying to make is that the Spurs foolishly sat on the sidelines and allowed the list of viable big man options to be reduced to nothing.

Bonner is what he is and obviously he's not going anywhere. It's also obvious that the more minutes he gets, the potential of negative production increases. It would just be nice if the frontcourt rotation was such that Pop wouldn't have to rely upon him, and often times overutilize him, in the way that he has.

I disagree that they have been sitting on the sidelines. They've tried for players but they absolutely can't afford any of the ones on their list. Their biggest problem is that they've set their sights too high. They've cut two guys who are capable of playing the position Matt Bonner currently occupies without a significant step down on the offensive side, and could accidentally grab a rebound or challenge a shot. , even having a guy who makes people score from the free throw line would be a help. The Spurs were already in the penalty.

[DAF86]

I'm not butthurt about your posts, in fact in many things I agree with you but many times you came out as a , even in some of the things we think alike. And I know I'm not the first to tell you this.

[SenorSpur]

I disagree that they have been sitting on the sidelines. They've tried for players but they absolutely can't afford any of the ones on their list. Their biggest problem is that they've set their sights too high. They've cut two guys who are capable of playing the position Matt Bonner currently occupies without a significant step down on the offensive side, and could accidentally grab a rebound or challenge a shot. , even having a guy who makes people score from the free throw line would be a help. The Spurs were already in the penalty.

We know they spent a great deal of time pursuing SFs. Personally, I never heard of them pursuing a true big - other than a late dalliance with Chuck Hayes. The fact that they weren't pursing what is easily their biggest need (PF/C), that's what I meant by sitting on the sidelines.

[DAF86]

And you do defend the Spurs management way too much.

[Obstructed_View]

I'm no expert but I did give you my opinion.

Sorry it's not want you want to hear.

Thanks for giving me your opinion after making two bag replies. Must have been really difficult to control yourself like that. I guess I should be more grateful.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm not butthurt about your posts, in fact in many things I agree with you but many times you came out as a , even in some of the things we think alike. And I know I'm not the first to tell you this.

So you should know calling me names is useless.

Other than making you feel better, maybe. That's up to you.

[ChumpDumper]

Thanks for giving me your opinion after making two bag replies. Must have been really difficult to control yourself like that. I guess I should be more grateful.

I gave my opinion in the first bag reply.

Mul asking.

[ChumpDumper]

And you do defend the Spurs management way too much.

Your butthurt opinion.

I was actually asking if folks had any particular player in mind.

Do you?

[Obstructed_View]

We know they spent a great deal of time pursuing SFs. Personally, I never heard of them pursuing a true big - other than a late dalliance with Chuck Hayes. The fact that they weren't pursing what is easily their biggest need (PF/C), that's what I meant by sitting on the sidelines.

Yeah I see what you're saying. The Spurs were trying to free up the MLE to throw at a big, and needed to be able to amnesty RJ to do it. It really didn't matter because there simply wasn't a big available who didn't get WAY more than the MLE. I shudder to think who the Spurs might have spent MLE money on if they'd had it available. It's probably going to require a trade, but frankly there are no pieces I want to give up aside from Bonner.

[DAF86]

Nah, I'm just a little tired and bored and I felt like expressing myself, maybe if I would have had something to do or would have been more mentally rested I wouldn't have called out somebody I don't know.

[underdawg]

Which one?

Is it really that hard to replace 6.8 pts and 3.5 reb per game? How about somebody that could just take some of his minutes, so he can focus on making his 3's when needed and leave the defensive stuff to prototypical bigs?

How about Dorrell Wright (closer to Horry than Bonner ever will be) when he was cheap a couple of years ago?
How about Josh McRoberts when he was available and cheap last year?
How about Shawne Williams when he was on the market - 2.5 mil?
How about Ajinca? He wouldn't replace Bonner but he sure could share his minutes.
Would Dwayne Jones really be worse than Bonner on the defensive end?

You know about most d-league players - right? How about:
Chris Daniels
Jamal Sampson
Greg Stiemsma or Chris Wright if they become available?
Brian Costner
Brian Butch
__________________________________________________ __

Bonner's here to stay - I get that, but why not make him a better player by limiting him to what he does best - 7pts a night and he can probably get that in 10 min per game? Get somebody else to play the other 10 minutes and get some rebounds and maybe even a stop or two.

[DAF86]

Your butthurt opinion.

I was actually asking if folks had any particular player in mind.

Do you?

Trying to convince McDyess out of retirement.

[ChumpDumper]

Nah, I'm just a little tired and bored and I felt like expressing myself, maybe if I would have had something to do or would have been more mentally rested I wouldn't have called out somebody I don't know.

Calling people out is like one of the main things we do here.

[SenorSpur]

Yeah I see what you're saying. The Spurs were trying to free up the MLE to throw at a big, and needed to be able to amnesty RJ to do it. It really didn't matter because there simply wasn't a big available who didn't get WAY more than the MLE. I shudder to think who the Spurs might have spent MLE money on if they'd had it available. It's probably going to require a trade, but frankly there are no pieces I want to give up aside from Bonner.

As of now, shortened season, no practice and all, I think the frontcourt situation is what it is, and don't expect much to change for the balance of this season.

It scares me because, being a big man short, there is absolutely no injury protection - especially in this accelerated schedule. Besides, every other team will be looking for bigs, as health subsides and injury attrition becomes a factor.

[DAF86]

Well, it doesn't make me feel better or worse. I just do it sometimes.