Pop to Rest Duncan, Ginobili and Parker Tonight

[Mel_13]

Well if he's not fully going for the shortened rotation, it could be that he's overestimating his players a little bit (while underestimating others).

I'm definitely in favour of giving Tim, Tony, and Manu a break from time to time, but not all at once when we need to win for the sake of HCA. They won't break if they play limited minutes and I think Tony was plenty capable of playing 15-20 since the PG position was where this game was lost imo. The others could've taken a break I guess.

The schedule is pretty brutal.

I guess between the frontcourt and this whole business of resting players I'm not fully convinced that this team is going to be ready/able to win during the playoffs.

You do live up your username.

[therealtruth]

All these DNP's and musical chair games with the frontcourt is just eating up valuable time Pop could be using to figure out the best rotation and developing some chemistry heading into the playoffs.

Seems Pop is banking on the fact that all this rest in a condensed season is going to pay huge dividends come playoff time but as TD_21 has pointed out it's not going to play a big of a factor as he thinks once guys start logging extended minutes in the playoffs. In fact I agree (with TD_21) it could just as easily have the exact opposite effect in that guys won't be ready for the sudden jolt of increased minutes.

I definitely felt that happened last season. And if some of the role players regress in the post season guys are going to have to play more minutes to make up for it.

Pop's rest strategy hasn't brought dividends in the playoffs. In 2010 when they were fighting for their playoff lives is the last series they've won since '08. I'm all for sitting guys for valid injury concerns but sitting guys just because they're too tired just makes them soft. What happens when they're down big in a crucial playoff game? Do they get extra energy to fight back because of all the games they sat out? Or they can't fight back because of missing the mental and physical toughness? I don't know the answer but I guess we'll find out.

[TJastal]

One of Pop's claims for the loss in the playoffs is that the team was out of rhythm going into the playoffs. You can't avoid that with injuries. But now he's intentionally disrupting rhythm by playing musical chairs with who's playing.

[ChumpDumper]

For your sakes, I'm glad the Spurs finally lost.

[TheSkeptic]

For your sakes, I'm glad the Spurs finally lost.

What do you mean? Winning or losing this particular game probably wouldn't have changed my overall opinion.

[ChumpDumper]

What do you mean? Winning or losing this particular game probably wouldn't have changed my overall opinion.

Not directed at you.

You're good people.

[Legacy]

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I've used that term/analogy/whatever (to myself ) numerous times to describe "The Madness" this season.


<<----------------------------- ACK!! I SERIOUSLY, SERIOUSLY HOPE NOT! DEAR LORD!! ... Have mercy! ... I'm just another boring Spurs Fan. Gah.

[TheSkeptic]

You do live up your username.

I love you too Mel.

Not directed at you.

You're good people.

Oh I see. And thanks.

[Arcadian]

They talked about this on PTI today. Tony was against it on the grounds that fans should at least get to see the star players at the game, so they should have at least traveled with the team. Michael defended it on the grounds that Pop's first priority is to win the championship, and this served that interest. Tony argued that David Stern should act to prevent coaches from this, as it serves the commissioner's top priority of providing entertainment to the fans.

You at least have to appreciate that there are many dimensions to this argument, and they should all be considered.

[Reck]

They talked about this on PTI today. Tony was against it on the grounds that fans should at least get to see the star players at the game, so they should have at least traveled with the team. Michael defended it on the grounds that Pop's first priority is to win the championship, and this served that interest. Tony argued that David Stern should act to prevent coaches from this, as it serves the commissioner's top priority of providing entertainment to the fans.

You at least have to appreciate that there are many dimensions to this argument, and they should all be considered.

Good for Parker.

I wasn't ok with this the first time Pop did it but was this time around just for the simple fact that we have some tough games ahead of us and will need our 3 stars well rested.

But something does need to be done about this. You cant let this become the norm.

[TMTTRIO]

Manu should've played. He's been sitting on the bench for almost half the season already. How's he supposed to be in any kind of playing shape/rhythm by playoff time if he at least doesn't play a few minutes. maybe you sit him to prevent him from getting injured again but anytime he plays from now on there's always going to be a risk. So are we going to sit him out of the playoffs too? At least play him ten minutes a game. He said recently he's still trying to get back. Tim and Tony it would be good for.

[Arcadian]

Good for Parker.

I wasn't ok with this the first time Pop did it but was this time around just for the simple fact that we have some tough games ahead of us and will need our 3 stars well rested.

But something does need to be done about this. You cant let this become the norm.

Just to clarify, I was referring to Tony Kornheiser, co-host of Pardon the Interruption on ESPN.

[Reck]

Just to clarify, I was referring to Tony Kornheiser, co-host of Pardon the Interruption on ESPN.

Still the man has a point and I agree with his take.

[Spurs da champs]

Pop is the only coach who really does this, Doc doesn't & his old players are fine. The only guy I can agree with Pop sitting from time to time is Manu simply because he's made out of glass.

[Hoops Czar]

Good for Parker.

I wasn't ok with this the first time Pop did it but was this time around just for the simple fact that we have some tough games ahead of us and will need our 3 stars well rested.

But something does need to be done about this. You cant let this become the norm.

The only thing the league could do is implement some sort of pay for play scheme. If players are losing money, you bet your ass they'd be on the court. But, I doubt that will ever happen. Hopefully, this is due to a condensed schedule and won't continue on into next year.

[therealtruth]

The only thing the league could do is implement some sort of pay for play scheme. If players are losing money, you bet your ass they'd be on the court. But, I doubt that will ever happen. Hopefully, this is due to a condensed schedule and won't continue on into next year.

I heard Stern say he has more tolerance for it this year since he knows the schedule is crazy.

[Borosai]

The next time the 3 don't play, the Spurs will win. Guaranteed.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

The next time the 3 don't play, the Spurs will win. Guaranteed.

@Lakers? Highly doubtful.

[Legacy]

They talked about this on PTI today. Tony was against it on the grounds that fans should at least get to see the star players at the game, so they should have at least traveled with the team. Michael defended it on the grounds that Pop's first priority is to win the championship, and this served that interest. Tony argued that David Stern should act to prevent coaches from this, as it serves the commissioner's top priority of providing entertainment to the fans.

You at least have to appreciate that there are many dimensions to this argument, and they should all be considered.

Have to agree with Tony. People actually pay $MONEY$ (yes, even the fans sitting on the courts of "Away Teams", durrr) to see NBA Superstars.

I thought it quite 'unprofessional' for them to not even travel with the team and represent them in any way, shape, or form. The Road Team signs autographs at those arenas, too, yanno.' It's just common sense to me. Plus, there is a little thing called "Team Spirit", General Pops. Positive vibes from any ONE of The Big 3 just sitting there ( even though, his calls are random as ), or high-fiving them during time-outs, etc, etc, etc)... could be a confidence booster to any one member of the bench--instilling even more pride. (???)

I don't know if they even made it out on the plane or not with the rest of the team--but Pops being a "leader" should know that his star players are SUPPOSED to be leaders as well. He's just... ugh... once again... needs to be medicated.

That's like if I went to pay money to see 'The Elite' at say... Miami, even though, I don't want them to win/beat my team, but I still admire them secretly as a PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE. Only to find out Lebron, Dwayne, AND Chris are "No-Shows." LMAO.

It's just a huge slap in the face for the fans, IMHO. Oh yeah, but remember. Pops is and can ONLY be "The One True NBA Superstar" out on the court--whenever and wherever.

... Just a complete head move. So many dimensions of this 'issue' just leave a bad taste in my mouth. It's embarassing, really, some of the crap he pulls... While people continue to KISS ASS. UGH. Just... WTFever. I'll NEVER bow down to him. Even if we win it all. Sorry.



LOL

[Legacy]

Sorry. More edits like a mutha'. Where the is my medication..?? :P

[temujin]

Sorry. More edits like a mutha'. Where the is my medication..?? :P

A quality post, finally.

[temujin]

Oh, and Popovich obviously did respond in the correct way to this totally absurd schedule.

He'll have the 3 staying in Northern California and not travelling to LA.
It's never worth travelling to LA from up there anyway.

[Legacy]

A quality post, finally.

Ehhh, PISS OFF, turd.

[Legacy]

Oh, and Popovich obviously did respond in the correct way to this totally absurd schedule.

He'll have the 3 staying in Northern California and not travelling to LA.
It's never worth travelling to LA from up there anyway.

Another KISS-ASS that thinks he's smarter than a "noob." gets sssoooo effin' old, seriously.

So again... kindly SHEW!

[VBM]

You'll get that if SA drops both games against LA/Mem... , maybe even if they just drop the LA game.