Locked Out of the House - The 2012 RRT Preview

[VBM]

Too long...still read. Great writeup, facto. The RRT is now the Manu-watch. Looking forward to his return and how the team integrates him with the youngin's that have been playing in the backcourt.

[will_spurs]

It's definitely a two edged sword. I used to rant about the horrible offensive rebounding but now I'm more inclined to side with the coach on getting back in transition. If you think about having to face a team like Miami or OKC it becomes pretty important, as the athleticism of both teams allows them to thrive on easy transition baskets. Not allowing easy baskets>potential for offensive rebounding opportunities IMO.

Yeah I was mostly commenting on why the OR rate is so low, but I'd rather guys fall back in transition than give easy fastbreak opportunities.

Nice write-up, by the way. I don't necessarily share your optimism but we will see. I see losses @ Philly, Clippers and Denver at least, one loss between Utah and Portland (unlikely we beat them both) and probably a 5th loss against a scrub team, because one of them is due a good shooting night on us, or a brainfart from Pop (e.g. putting Bonner 25 minutes on Monroe and allowing the rookie to score 30+ points).

But even at 4-5 it would still be ok.

[Morg1411]

IMO, one of the toughest games in the trip will be in Philly. Not only are the 76ers playing well, but the Spurs traditionally get their asses kicked at the Wells Fargo Center. Hopefully the youth movement can help bring that to an end.

[Mel_13]

IMO, one of the toughest games in the trip will be in Philly. Not only are the 76ers playing well, but the Spurs traditionally get their asses kicked at the Wells Fargo Center. Hopefully the youth movement can help bring that to an end.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/...r_by=date_game

[VBM]

http://www.basketball-reference.com/...r_by=date_game

Hmm, last two times SA has won in Philly, they went on to win the le that year. GSG

[manufan10]

Hmm, last two times SA has won in Philly, they went on to win the le that year. GSG

If it wasn't an even year, I would be happy.

[benefactor]

The youth movement has been, too slowly for some, taking hold over the last several seasons. If we start with the 2008 draft of George Hill and look at the percentage of total minutes played by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year players, we get:

2008-09: 8.7%
2009-10: 22.6%
2010-11: 34.2%
2011-12: 50.1% (would be close to 40% w/o the Manu and TJ injuries)

Thanks...nice stat work. I guess with the injuries forcing Pop's hand in really feels like this is the first year he has fully trusted such a large group of young players. It actually did start with Hill but we are in full swing now.

This is the tenth RRT and the sixth time that the All-Star game will take place after the last game of the RRT.

All-Star break during RRT: 2003, 2204, 2009, 2010

After RRT: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012

Yeah...I didn't take the time to look that up. Thanks again. I guess those back to back years of the ASB splitting the road trip made it feel like it happens more often. I know better than to rely on my memory(don't do drugs, kids).

[benefactor]

Too long...still read. Great writeup, facto. The RRT is now the Manu-watch. Looking forward to his return and how the team integrates him with the youngin's that have been playing in the backcourt.

lol...I tried to keep the write up on each team as short as possible. I knew with nine teams it could get tedious pretty quickly.

[Bruno]

Nice writeup, benefactor.

The game against Philly will be difficult to win. I expect Pop to quickly give up if Spurs start to be down. After the last two huge wins, losing it won't be a big deal at all.

After that, there are 3 games against bad east teams (Nets, Pistons and Raptors). Spurs should be able to win at least 2 of these 3 games.

The end of the rodeo road trip will be hard but Manu should be back.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Nice write up Benny.

After a tough RRT, the Spurs come all the way home to have a tough one against Chicago.

Gee, thanks NBA

The thing with Philly is that they play such great D I think the Spurs will really struggle.

But like Bruno said, the next couple games are against cupcake teams, so those should help get us back on track.

The Clippers game will be interesting, Billups is out (likely for the season) with a torn achilles. Am curious to see how the Spurs fare against an improved Clipper team who are looking much better than when we last faced them.

[DPG21920]

This was a big win from SA (beating mem). Spurs need to win the next three or at least go all out trying. They have the most rest for these 3 games with a day off before Philly, 2 days off before the nets and another 2 days off before Detroit. Philly is the most difficult but they have a day before and two after so they should fight for the win. Same with their two weakest opponents in NJ & DET.

[TJastal]

Nice write up Benny.

After a tough RRT, the Spurs come all the way home to have a tough one against Chicago.

Gee, thanks NBA

The thing with Philly is that they play such great D I think the Spurs will really struggle.

But like Bruno said, the next couple games are against cupcake teams, so those should help get us back on track.

The Clippers game will be interesting, Billups is out (likely for the season) with a torn achilles. Am curious to see how the Spurs fare against an improved Clipper team who are looking much better than when we last faced them.

No kidding (about Billups). Guess the clippers just became players in the JR Smith bidding war.

[Mel_13]

#Sixers Hawes (sore Achilles) and Brand (sprained right thumb) are game-time decisions Wednesday, according to Collins.

http://twitter.com/tmoorepburbs

[TDMVPDPOY]

how long is ford still out for?

[Mel_13]

The youth movement has been, too slowly for some, taking hold over the last several seasons. If we start with the 2008 draft of George Hill and look at the percentage of total minutes played by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year players, we get:

2008-09: 8.7%
2009-10: 22.6%
2010-11: 34.2%
2011-12: 50.1% (would be close to 40% w/o the Manu and TJ injuries)

That post was back on Feb 6th after 25 games.

Even with Manu's return and the addition of Diaw, Pop stuck with the young guys all season long.

Updated percentage for 2011-12 thru 64 games: 49.2%

[benefactor]