So who is Spurs toughest match-up after all these league-wide moves?

[Hoops Czar]

Lol you're missing Aldridge and Anderson. Aldridge alone will be playing as many minutes as Splitter and Baynes did combined (20mpg & 16 mpg). He should easily surpass the production Baynes/Splitter gave the Spurs in the 36 mpg they were on the floor. Not to mention, Aldridge's ability to be on the floor in the last 5 minutes in games against any matchup ( unlike Splitter) and be an elite go to guy in half court sets ( huge value w/ Parkers regression). And that's without even considering what David West will bring to the front court.

And Kyle Anderson is essentially a new addition to the mix. There's no reason to believe him or Simmons can't replace Marco's effectiveness. They may not be as pure of a shooter as Marco, but they'll be able to make it up with their production in other areas. Like on the defensive end, on the glass, or their ability to create off the dribble and finish around the basket.

Just thought it was funny how you left out two new important pieces when pointing out your production lost take.

I left out Kyle Anderson? Tell me, what exactly has he done at the NBA level worth noting? There's no reason to believe other than having a stellar summer league performance that he'll be anybody's replacement in the rotation. My guess is Leonard/Manu and to a lesser extent Green will man the back up SF position to start the season. It's not uncommon for Leonard to play with the second unit anyways. Pop will try to work Anderson/Simmon's into the rotation slowly and if they're succeeding, increasing their workload as the season progresses. However, the Summer league is about three notches below NBA level compe ion so I'm not holding my breath that either will actually crack the rotation by season's end. As for David West, he was a net negative on the court for the Pacers last year. I'm expecting him to have a bounce back year but, I'll keep to my tempered expectation until I see him on the court for the Spurs firsthand.


Ah, yes, I forgot Aldridge though I was primarily talking about the bench additions/subtractions. Commence laughing.

[JakeCuenca]

I left out Kyle Anderson? Tell me, what exactly has he done at the NBA level worth noting? There's no reason to believe other than having a stellar summer league performance that he'll be anybody's replacement in the rotation. My guess is Leonard/Manu and to a lesser extent Green will man the back up SF position to start the season. It's not uncommon for Leonard to play with the second unit anyways. Pop will try to work Anderson/Simmon's into the rotation slowly and if they're succeeding, increasing their workload as the season progresses. However, the Summer league is about three notches below NBA level compe ion so I'm not holding my breath that either will actually crack the rotation by season's end. As for David West, he was a net negative on the court for the Pacers last year. I'm expecting him to have a bounce back year but, I'll keep to my tempered expectation until I see him on the court for the Spurs firsthand.


Ah, yes, I forgot Aldridge though I was primarily talking about the bench additions/subtractions. Commence laughing.

damn Hoops laughing at Anderson is good news for us.

Looks like we found ourself a good Kawhi back up.

[Hoops Czar]

damn Hoops laughing at Anderson is good news for us.

Looks like we found ourself a good Kawhi back up.

I know this troll but, I just can't quite put my finger on it. You'll slip up eventually.

[JakeCuenca]

I know this troll but, I just can't quite put my finger on it. You'll slip up eventually.

Sorry bro, I don't roll that way...

[therealtruth]

The Clippers were not unbeatable. Pop refused to make adjustments for the Clippers high double screen. The Clippers scored so many points of that. You can't gift a team points like that.

[dabom]

The Clippers were not unbeatable. Pop refused to make adjustments for the Clippers high double screen. The Clippers scored so many points of that. You can't gift a team points like that.

Someone should tell Pop he can make adjustments next playoffs.

[skulls138]

I'd say OKC if they get their chemistry straightened out. They obviously have talent especially now that Westbrook was actually correct in thinking he was on par with KD. If the new coach can get them to max their talents w/out stepping on their egos they are scary.

The biggest question thoughi is ourselves, both our new parts and our old and the meshing of them. Without that it doesn't matter.

[Sean Cagney]

These Parker vs Kawhi wars facepalm..........

Player fans.... DAMN.

[SAGirl]

I'd say OKC if they get their chemistry straightened out. They obviously have talent especially now that Westbrook was actually correct in thinking he was on par with KD. If the new coach can get them to max their talents w/out stepping on their egos they are scary.

The biggest question thoughi is ourselves, both our new parts and our old and the meshing of them. Without that it doesn't matter.

I have no doubts these guys will mesh up well, they are pros and all very compe ive. But you are right there are questions how Pop will use them, and some guys will probably have their roles altered a bit... We just don't doubt that they will all come together and be better than last year's crew.

[cd021]

OKC when healthy is the hardest matchup for the spurs. We never could stop Durant. They had a terrible coach and their best players are way more athletic to our counterparts. WHEN HEALTHY it goes 50/50. Anything less and we win 100% of the time.

I'd disagree

They seem to have quite a few either or players that can only be impactful on one side of the ball (Kantor, Morrow, Waiters on defense and Roberson on offense)

the Spurs front line should cause match up problems. Ibaka will have to guard LMA outside of the paint leaving it open for drives. I'd expect a ton of Duncan pick and rolls with Kantor having to try and stay in front of Parker and keep Duncan from scoring on rolls or in the post.

Interested to see how Durant/Westbrook,Kantor and Ibaka mesh on offense. I could see those four taking 55-60 shots a game.

Green and Leonard have had plenty of success in the past of slowing down Westbrook and Durant and they really don't have a ton of scoring punch outside of their top four players.

[dabom]

I don't think I've ever seen Durant have a bad game vs us when their big 3 are healthy.