Quick Grades: Spurs vs. Bulls - March 6

[playblair]

Do people just not know that Joseph was a McDonald's All American coming out of high school? The only reason talking heads criticized Joseph in the draft was because he came out too early and they said he wasn't "NBA ready". There wasn't anyone who didn't think he had NBA talent. Many of them said that he could be a good player for a team that picked him and took the time to develop him. Who does that sound like to you?

This is going to sound more critical than I intend it to, but Nando's 4 years older and has played pro basketball for several years. He's had exactly the same number of training camps as Joseph has with the Spurs. CJ played in Summer League while Nando was playing in the Olympics. Nando said he didn't come here to play in the D League, and Joseph has gone and played his ass off every time he's assigned. So far, Joseph's the better shooter, better defender, better rebounder, and has been less prone to turning the ball over.

word....................... cojo = avery bradley defense .....................

[Obstructed_View]

You can be raw but have talent. There are all americans who don't make it into the NBA. CJ had one year of college ball to help refine his skills. The NBA and best foreign leagues are on another level though. I'm not saying that CJ was crap. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been drafted by the Spurs, but there is a reason why no one really expected him to get taken in the first round.

Yeah, the reason was his age. I'm not quite sure how what you're saying above dovetails with "Nando's raw is better than CJ's raw".

Nando has years on him, but he's played overseas. In some ways it gives advantages (solid compe ion), but his background is all overseas. It takes time to adapt. See Tiago Splitter for that. He was hampered by injures a lot and the lockout didn't help anyone, but it still takes time. Spurs system ain't that easy too.

Splitter didn't play because Pop thought he was Duncan's backup. Pop has rectified that mistake, but a mistake is still what it was. If the compe ion of Euroleague is such a step up from D-League and college, AND Nando is has more raw talent and ability, I'm unsure why we're even having this conversation.

Joseph has had one summer league more than Nando, yet he's progressed to the point where he's moved above Nando in the rotation.

[EricB]

Just a player coming into the game makes the other team go on a run!

magic!!!

[EricB]

If you intend the implication that Blair and Bonner are both "competent, experienced players", then Baynes has shown that he's competent. How does he get experience sitting behind the bench in a suit? This is the same bull you said about Splitter too.

Bonner isn't competent and experienced? Amazing.

[Hoops Czar]

word....................... cojo = avery bradley defense .....................

I don't know how anyone can make that assumption based on two games. Right now, I'd take Bradley 10/10 times over CoJo.

[Obstructed_View]

Bonner isn't competent and experienced? Amazing.

If Baynes isn't a competent NBA big, then there's no ing way Bonner is, and there's a LOT of experience to back that up.

Still waiting for you to explain how a guy gets experience without playing time, btw. Go.

[Obstructed_View]

I don't know how anyone can make that assumption based on two games. Right now, I'd take Bradley 10/10 times over CoJo.

Consider the source, HC. Take my advice: Ignore list.

[Chinook]

Danny Green B
The Bulls are great at defending the three-point line, which limited his impact. But, nevertheless, he found ways to chip in. He took quality shots, didn’t force things and limited his mistakes on both ends.

I actually was happier to see Green score all seven of his points in a burst than I would have been to see him score 10 points sporadically. It showed Chicago's defense that you have to guard Green at all times. There's no taking him out in the first quarter and being able to leave him once he is unable to establish rhythm. We saw in this game and in the first Nets game how much Green can help the offense if he forces his man to stick to him the entire time. I also thought Green's points came at a very important time, as they brought the Spurs back at the end of the first half. I actually thought he deserved more minutes, as his plus-minus was significantly higher than anyone else's on the team outside of Joseph until the final run. But it's hard to do that with Ginobili having the game he did.

I also loved Leonard's ability to create some more shots. I'd like to see some creative PnR players with Leonard being both the ball-handler and the roll man.

[TD 21]

We should have Tim or Tiago out there at all times, its that simple. I mean if they're playing together, its great. If Tiago is paired with Boris, thats fine. If Tim is paired with Boris, I'm fine. Same with Blair, Bonner if necessary. But to have turd towers or Diaw with one of them is unacceptable. We need rim protectors. Unless Pop is planning on giving Baynes minutes (not likely this season) we can't afford to rest Tim and Tiago together against playoff teams

I suspect they will in the playoffs. The past few months, I think he's just been trying to get Duncan and Splitter as much playing time together as possible, so that they get used to playing with another center and so the team in general does, because obviously there's less spacing. Also, I think he wants to get Splitter used to playing longer stretches, as opposed to subbing in and out every six-seven minutes.

[spurraider21]

Consider the source, HC. Take my advice: Ignore list.

Unless he's a fan of ty takes followed by ..................

[Obstructed_View]

I actually was happier to see Green score all seven of his points in a burst than I would have been to see him score 10 points sporadically. It showed Chicago's defense that you have to guard Green at all times. There's no taking him out in the first quarter and being able to leave him once he is unable to establish rhythm. We saw in this game and in the first Nets game how much Green can help the offense if he forces his man to stick to him the entire time. I also thought Green's points came at a very important time, as they brought the Spurs back at the end of the first half. I actually thought he deserved more minutes, as his plus-minus was significantly higher than anyone else's on the team outside of Joseph until the final run. But it's hard to do that with Ginobili having the game he did.

I also loved Leonard's ability to create some more shots. I'd like to see some creative PnR players with Leonard being both the ball-handler and the roll man.

For some reason I thought it was in the second half, but Green scored like seven points in a row when it was critically needed. He didn't do a lot great, but that was big.

[Kidd K]

I agree with the ones saying they felt Green was more impactful than given credit. He's a role player after all, it's not like he's going to be a scoring beast all game long. They have to pick their spots with him and sorta ambush the other team with Green's abilities.

When Green did turn it on and start scoring, the Bulls seemed really surprised by it, as if he wasn't supposed to be a real source of offense. What ended up happening was Green got multiple clean looks when the Spurs really needed it, and converted on most of them.

Nando's biggest problem is time. CJ has 2 years on him, where they focused nearly exclusively on his game. Nando raw is better than CJ's raw, but Nando needs one more summer. Honestly, Austin would be a good place to get a jump start, but injuries have definitely put pressure on keeping a bigger roster. His shot has definitely improved since the beginning of the season, but a summer with Chip is mostly needed. That and working out with their strength coach chad forcier

I could see that being the case. I wouldn't mind seeing Nando sent down to the D league for the rest of the year and a portion of next year until he becomes a more crisp basketbal player. I don't think Nando is entirely worthless, but he plays very raw and loose. Not really what I want out of my backup PG.

I just hope De Colo isn't one of those guys who just stay raw, like Jamal Crawford, JR Smith, etc. He should be in the D league imo. Getting the extra playing time and being given the proper instruction. Being fair though, Joseph already had pretty tight handles last season. He's only really improved his jumpshot and decision making. His PG skills are pretty similar with the exception of his decision making.

[AFBlue]

Bonner was garbage last night...exposed, once again, as useless when a competent defensive team does not allow him to take wide open 3s.

I don't know if Baynes is the answer, but at least he provides defense and rebounding.

[Bruno]

Neal not playing was noteworthy. It could be because of his injuries but it could be Pop moving him out of the rotation.

[racm]

Bonner was garbage last night...exposed, once again, as useless when a competent defensive team does not allow him to take wide open 3s.

I don't know if Baynes is the answer, but at least he provides defense and rebounding.

I'd rather have Blair than Bonner if forced to pick one of them tbh. Blair can rebound and isn't afraid to put the ball in the basket.

Neal not playing was noteworthy. It could be because of his injuries but it could be Pop moving him out of the rotation.

Wasn't he listed as questionable for this game?

[ElNono]

Just a player coming into the game makes the other team go on a run!

magic!!!

What's magical about it? Putting subpar talent vs good talent will normally lead to a run.

Bonner isn't competent and experienced? Amazing.

By NBA standards, his competence is below average, IMO.


BTW, weren't you ing about Bonner on twitter not that long ago?

[ElNono]

Anyone sort of get the feeling that Pop wanted to rest Diaw for the game, which is why he was out of the rotation in the first half? He looked rusty when he got the call in the second half but after that awkward floater went in he seemed to really get engaged.

I did thought that. And I also thought that after the 1st half, he had to make a choice to play him or lose the game.

[Bruno]

Wasn't he listed as questionable for this game?

He was and he isn't fully healthy but he played some garbage time minutes in the previous game and he was active for that game.

[racm]

He was and he isn't fully healthy but he played some garbage time minutes in the previous game and he was active for that game.

Pop's rotation was tighter in this game than the Pistons game. I guess Pop just goes to the deep bench when it's clear that the opponent won't be making a 4th quarter run.

[maverick1948]

Thats what happens when your team has 1 less player.

Yep makes you throw the damn ball the wrong colored jersey. SMH

[Spur|n|Austin]

Why is it so difficult for some of us fans to accept that the best Coach in the business may just know more about his team than we do?

One day they will open the doors to the church of Pop

[John B]

That was a playoff-like win as the Spurs grinded it in the inside instead of relying heavily on 3's. They reacted very well on Bulls' better perimeter defense. In the past we've lost when teams closed in on our 3's. Bonner and co got neutralzed. Last night was different. Guys were making cuts and Manu was finding them resulting to 9 assist. Not sure but I prefer Manu's inside passing than TP's dishing to outside shots which misses could mean long rebounds and passbreaks. Against athletic teams is dangerous. But I guess we need both. Great win.

[Chinook]

That was a playoff-like win as the Spurs grinded it in the inside instead of relying heavily on 3's. They reacted very well on Bulls' better perimeter defense. In the past we've lost when teams closed in on our 3's. Bonner and co got neutralzed. Last night was different. Guys were making cuts and Manu was finding them resulting to 9 assist. Not sure but I prefer Manu's inside passing than TP's dishing to outside shots which misses could mean long rebounds and passbreaks. Against athletic teams is dangerous. But I guess we need both. Great win.

Outside shooting off Parker's passes is the fundamental aspect of the Spurs' offense. The Spurs have good three-point shooters to offset the lower probability of success of outside shot, and they get back on defense as opposed to going for offensive rebounds to offset the increased risk of fast-breaks. Inside cuts are a nice change of pace, but they don't work without the spacing that comes from the outside game.

But you're right: Both are important. That's why it's great to see Green (and Duncan and Splitter) looking for cutters in the starting lineup, and that's why it would be great to see if Joseph or Mills could develop a strong drive-and-kick game to pair with Ginobili's passing.

[racm]

Outside shooting off Parker's passes is the fundamental aspect of the Spurs' offense. The Spurs have good three-point shooters to offset the lower probability of success of outside shot, and they get back on defense as opposed to going for offensive rebounds to offset the increased risk of fast-breaks. Inside cuts are a nice change of pace, but they don't work without the spacing that comes from the outside game.

But you're right: Both are important. That's why it's great to see Green (and Duncan and Splitter) looking for cutters in the starting lineup, and that's why it would be great to see if Joseph or Mills could develop a strong drive-and-kick game to pair with Ginobili's passing.

Exactly; these things go hand in hand.

Nevertheless the Spurs like high percentage shots more than any team not named the Rockets.

[Obstructed_View]

Neal not playing was noteworthy. It could be because of his injuries but it could be Pop moving him out of the rotation.

That's possible. Either he's going to get absolute rest for to get some of his nagging injuries under control, or Pop is simply preparing for the likelihood that some of his injuries will prevent him from being effective any time this season.