Ten Reasons Why Ginobili and Leonard Should Start

[shorttotry]

I'm a huge believer in being able to change the pace of a game, which is why Manu was always so valuable off the bench. But I think this second unit can offer that on their own. I would love to see Pop put both Manu and Kawhi in to start the game. That leaves RJ to play against the opponents' subs, where he would be fine - he might even get a chance to play more of his old style game. The only problem I see is that Manu is by far our best backup PG right now. There's something to be said to having either him or Tony on the floor at all times, at least until Ford comes back.

What I'd really love to see is a starting five of Tim, Tiago, Leonard, Manu, and Tony. Even if the Tim/Tiago combo ended after 6-7 minutes, to be able to open the game with a dominating lineup, and setting the tone for the game... that could save a lot of grief in the latter stages. I really think that starting five could make things tough on just about any other team in the league.

Absolutely a +1! When Manu first went down with his injury, I would never have agreed with this, but in the past several games, the second unit has played with more intensity and at times much more effectively than our starters. We need to do exactly what TMVP suggests... Start TP, Manu, Leonard, Duncan, and (unfortunately) Blair. When TJ returns, a second unit of TJ, Neal/ Green, RJ/ Anderson, Bonner, and Tiago is likely the best second unit in the NBA!

Of course we need to play Tim and Tiago together much more in preparation for the playoffs, but this general lineup is what needs to be the basic game plan for Pop to start games. I am gaining more and more confidence in Leonard defensively day by day, and TIMVP summed it up perfectly... But while I don't totally agree that he's a better perimeter defender than Manu as of now, he's definitely at least our second best perimeter defender. And he relieves a lot of energy for our best offensive playmaker, which of course is Ginobili.

Great writeup!

[Vic Petro]

I think Pop should go

Parker
Green
Leonard
Blair
Duncan

I think Ford's playing time is in jeopardy no matter when he comes back. He was playing well and Pop loves veterans but Pop also has a history of banishing new guys for early season injuries. Manu and Neal can handle the back court when Parker isn't in the game. Jefferson, Bonner, Splitter also off the bench.

Bringing Manu off the bench also allows TP to be the focal point of the offense for longer stretches, and I think he plays better when he doesn't have to worry as much about spreading the ball around. Tony is at his best when he is in attack mode at all times

[TJastal]

I think Pop should go

Parker
Green
Leonard
Blair
Duncan

I think Ford's playing time is in jeopardy no matter when he comes back. He was playing well and Pop loves veterans but Pop also has a history of banishing new guys for early season injuries. Manu and Neal can handle the back court when Parker isn't in the game. Jefferson, Bonner, Splitter also off the bench.

Bringing Manu off the bench also allows TP to be the focal point of the offense for longer stretches, and I think he plays better when he doesn't have to worry as much about spreading the ball around. Tony is at his best when he is in attack mode at all times

+1 Great posting Vic Petro!

This makes perfect sense to me. Ironically it was Timvp's "advanced big man stats" that showed exactly why, too. Dejuan Blair is such a complete and total liability on defense that its almost imperative you have two of your best defensive wings on the court with him. The other alternative is to use
Splitter in his place but that would have required Pop make the switch either last year or at the very least the beginning of this year so him and Duncan could learn how to co-exist together on the court. Since we're already heading into the all-star break and Duncan & Splitter have barely logged more than a handful of minutes together in two years it appears the best solution now is to leave the big rotation as is and find a different way to augment Blair's gaping black holes on defense. And this is the best solution I've seen so far.

Also right now with the way Tony Parker is playing, why tinker with that? Give him the keys and let him run the first unit and then hand em off to Manu for the two 10-12 minute stretches between the 1st and 2nd periods and also 3rd and 4th. And then of course if needed to close out the game. That way, the spurs can best maximize their two best playmakers.

And I could really give a care less if Blair's production is hampered by not having Manu out on the court with him. Having to rework the entire lineup and rotation is enough horsing around for one guy. I think not only will Tiago be made that much more effective (than Blair would) but as a fan I'd personally much rather see Splitter become the prime benefactor of Manu's passing at this point since he has been the one to sacrifice the most so Blair could keep his starting job and continue being the lazy fat slob he is.

[TJastal]

Oh, and I should qualify the above opinion by keeping my fingers crossed that Tim Duncan will hopefully make it through the rest of the season and entire playoffs lugging Blair's fat lazy ass in tow... because premature fatigue or injury could easily throw a monkeywrench into that whole plan!

[SpurNation]

Also right now with the way Tony Parker is playing, why tinker with that? Give him the keys and let him run the first unit and then hand em off to Manu for the two 10-12 minute stretches between the 1st and 2nd periods and also 3rd and 4th. And then of course if needed to close out the game. That way, the spurs can best maximize their two best playmakers.

And I could really give a care less if Blair's production is hampered by not having Manu out on the court with him. Having to rework the entire lineup and rotation is enough horsing around for one guy.

Seems to be the logical formulation if the team wants to get the best out of its two best players. (As well as it's supporting members)

And I would like to add...from here on out Blair's only goal on this team should be that of his known strengths and NOT trying to involve him as anything else. Set Screens...Box Out...Board. His only points in the game should come off what he earns from dirty work and not as a called play to get him involved.

[therealtruth]

The thing is Tiago needs more minutes. He makes everyone else better. Bonner, Neal, TP, and Manu can really benefit from playing with him. He seems to have that same kind of Manu effect of making others better. I think a big part of it is the way he sets picks. First he's big enough to make the pick effective and then you have to defend him on the roll.

[timtonymanu]

Watching getting owned by Tayshaun Prince makes me wish we see Manu-Leonard even more.

[DAF86]

If Leonard starts hitting that three with regularity he becomes a vital piece.

[jjktkk]

If Leonard starts hitting that three with regularity he becomes a vital piece.

Hes already a vital piece, just with his defense and rebounding alone. Whatever he contributes on offense is icing on the cake imo.

[crc21209]

I don't understand starting the combo of RJ and Green tbh.....

[SpurNation]

I don't understand starting the combo of RJ and Green tbh.....

Kanundrum. Neal being the best option at the 2 but has to play b/u point. Ginobili coming off injury. Leonard not as good as Green at the 2 spot leaves Green as your only option at this time.