So is baynes going to start from now on? Stop playing mind games old man....

[phxspurfan]

Who cares, it's the regular season.

[phxspurfan]

Splitter is not healthy. He still treats his calf when he is on the bench. Saw a towel around the calf during a huddle in one of the last two games ... when healthy he will start I guess.

I'm sure Pop knows at this point that Splitter is a lot like Manu. Basically, he can't go an entire season or play heavy minutes without getting hurt. So he's saving him for the playoffs.

[therealtruth]

If you are expecting a 6'10" center/PF (and the PF is somewhat questionable... to be defending the 3 point line against a guard and a small forward for more than 3 possessions or so per game he is going to get on every time by everyone. If for some weird reason a switch occurs where your big body center is on a PG or most small forwards more than 10 to 12 feet from the basket, he is supposed to hedge about 5 to 7 feet off of the opposing wing so that he can prevent a lay-up and provide help... He is hoping to be close enough to use his length to contest jump shots....

That's where Splitter excels. He can switch on the small player and still force a tough shot.

[Gagnrath]

Splitter is better than average at it... or he used to be not so much lately....
Its still a loosing propitiation if its occurring regularly.


His one seeming athletic attribute was good lateral quickness for a big man.

He also has better anticipation than Baynes to cut off passing angles and driving angles. This is partially due to playing more or less professionally since 14 versus Baynes starting high level play much later.

[cd021]

That's where Splitter excels. He can switch on the small player and still force a tough shot.

There was game early last season where he had to switch onto Klay Thompson late in a close game. He switched seamlessly and forced a contested 26 footer. Thats impressive.

[cd021]

I'm sure Pop knows at this point that Splitter is a lot like Manu. Basically, he can't go an entire season or play heavy minutes without getting hurt. So he's saving him for the playoffs.

Thats probably most of the reason, i also think that he is experimenting with Baynes. Baynes isn't a good rim protector but offensively he can hit an occasional open jumper and finishes well around the rim. Good FT shooter and competes for every board. For 15-20 minutes to start a game, its worth losing some defense in the starting unit. If Splitter can get back to something close to were he was defensively last season, out bench would be better off with Mills, Ginobili, Belinelli, Diaw and Splitter. Splitter will probably come off the bench anyway if we face GSW, or OKC.

[therealtruth]

Thats probably most of the reason, i also think that he is experimenting with Baynes. Baynes isn't a good rim protector but offensively he can hit an occasional open jumper and finishes well around the rim. Good FT shooter and competes for every board. For 15-20 minutes to start a game, its worth losing some defense in the starting unit. If Splitter can get back to something close to were he was defensively last season, out bench would be better off with Mills, Ginobili, Belinelli, Diaw and Splitter. Splitter will probably come off the bench anyway if we face GSW, or OKC.

Pop's tried the offense first approach. It doesn't work that's why we were better defensively with Splitter.

[cd021]

Pop's tried the offense first approach. It doesn't work that's why we were better defensively with Splitter.

The Spurs starting unit over the past season and 1/2 has become less balanced and trending towards a defensive unit. With Parker not getting to the rim, KL & Green not shooting nearly as well along with Duncan not shooting jumpers anymore, the spacing isn't there.

Our bench was a dominant offensive unit and an mediocre defensive unit. Having Splitter off the bench (assuming his defense improves) should better balance both units.

[Malik Hairston]

Wow, Pop inserting Splitter into the starting lineup..

The basketball mind of the OP is unreal..

[jeebus]

ter getting the start was a good move. Instead of waiting until the 2nd quarter to start losing by double digits, the Sperms hit that mark halfway through the first

[Brunodf]

Bump

[Malik Hairston]

Bump

[apalisoc_9]

splitter starts and the spurs win big...

What a surprise.

[apalisoc_9]

Splitter what a difference.

[ChumpDumper]

Calf healed. Starter starts again.

Quelle suprise.