PtR: Spurs' decision to re-sign Tiago Splitter is paying off

[Aztecfan03]

Dammit, Pop, did 6 teach you nothing?

That guy isn't Pop. If he was Parker and Mills wouldn't get any playing time at all. (btw i know you were kidding)

[heyheymymy]

bwahaahahahaha

[Darius McCrary]

I like Tiago, but still think he's soft. I still don't trust him against OKC or MIA.

But I like that he's on our team. I just worry that the FO paid him too much money and won't be able to re-sign Kawhi.

[therealtruth]

Meanwhile, Splitter's predecessor (Blair) is having a hard time getting minutes in Dallas. Why? Because of his lack of defense abilities.

Tiago is a valuble guy for this team. He may not be as good a fit in other places.

The Spurs are better at getting stops now then they were three years ago or so. Green, Leonard, and Splitter have a lot to do with that......

Pretty much the reason the team has a chance has been Green, Leonard, and Splitter. We've replaced offensively minded inconsistent players with better defensive players.

[therealtruth]

I think Splitter is a touchstone for being able to identify people who know basketball and people who don't. Like the eye test. People who know basketball wouldn't need stats to know that Tiago has been a huge defensive upgrade.

[Dex]

Pretty much the reason the team has a chance has been Green, Leonard, and Splitter. We've replaced offensively minded inconsistent players with better defensive players.

Funny how when you do that, the defense....wait for it...improves!

I know part of it was just taking what you could get, but some of the FO decisions from 2008-2010 definitely seemed to be coming out of Pop's wine cellar.

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

He's the best big defender on the team. Not as good as Duncan at protecting the rim or as good as Diaw in defending the PnR, but he does both at a near-elite level for a big man imo.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

Meanwhile, Splitter's predecessor (Blair) is having a hard time getting minutes in Dallas. Why? Because of his lack of defense abilities.

Tiago is a valuble guy for this team. He may not be as good a fit in other places.

The Spurs are better at getting stops now then they were three years ago or so. Green, Leonard, and Splitter have a lot to do with that......

I agree. Also, i like the Splitter/Parker pick and roll.

[AFBlue]

While it's true that Splitter is a bad match-up against the two teams that are likely the Spurs biggest contenders, the team still needs Tiago's presence and contributions to put themselves back in the position to face those foes. Without Splitter, this team surely would not be sitting 3 games ahead of OKC and on the cusp of wrapping up the Division le in early April. Even if Tiago is only effective against the remaining 90% of the league, it's that domination that could earn the Spurs HCA against OKC or Miami, and no Spurs fan will deny the importance of that after last year's Finals.

The Spurs also appeared to recognize that Splitter would be marginalized, which is why they've put a lot of focus on their small-ball rotations (signing Beli and Ayres, running more offense for Diaw, picking up Daye at the deadline).

Agree with this post completely. I'm glad Diaw has stepped up his game, and I'm glad the Spurs have greater small ball depth. I didn't think Splitter was the best option at the time, but even then I understood his value. Glad to see he's playing well in his role.

[SpurPadre]

Tiago is obviously a vital part of the team. That being said, Pop should still start Diaw over him should we reach the Finals again and face the Heat.

[pgardn]

7 foot guys with his agility are rare.

He can't jump, he is a poor finisher, but the guy is as mobile as any 7 footer in the league.
And he is better each year. He will be vital again against teams like Memphis and the Clippers if we meet them.