Could Boban play Duncan's role next year if Duncan retired?

[MVPCues]

No. In 2 or 3 more years after he has had more NBA experience... no.

[bic50]

I really like Boban but no. This team will miss Duncans defense badly. Of course I hope I'm wrong though.

[r0drig0lac]

no, I hope we can get Nerlens Noel

[TrainOfThought5]

Duncan is having an elite defensive season, it would be hard to envision Boban even approaching that, tbh..

I know everybody is all over Boban and Simmons, but we have barely even seen them play against opposing starters for long stretches or serious games, so far..playing short stretches vs. starters is entirely different than playing real minutes vs. opposing starters and teams that understand your tendencies and strengths/weaknesses..

A lot of players in this league have had great stretches where they catch teams "by surprise"..

Linsanity being the perfect storm example.

[TrainOfThought5]

no, I hope we can get Nerlens Noel

Are you serious?

[ironman2886]

No. Boban is a solid backup center against other low post players.

[tenbeersbold]

Boban is too slow and too old to get used to the athleticism of the NBA,you see scrubs blow by and step around him all the time,replacing Tim...get outta here

[SAGirl]

I don't think Boban will ever be the Spurs' defensive center. He's a guy who's big enough to block shots, but his game is slanted toward offense. In that way, he's closer to what Brook Lopez brings than Tim. That he has the mobility of a 27-year-old version of Old Tim makes him unideal to play more than 20 minutes in this league. I guess he could start, but the Spurs should do what they can to get a starting-caliber center anyway to fill the other minutes.

If Tim could hold out one more year, the Spurs would have the cap space to pursue a player like Ibaka, who isn't Tim on defense but who can protect the rim and guard the PnR better. With Serge and LMA, there would be a lot of rim protection, and both could play with Boban. As far as who that fourth big would be, I don't know. Would be nice if it were Boris, but he'd probably be cut to make the cap room necessary, and he could be too old anyway. Maybe LJC or Lalanne will have developed by then.

That is a good plan. Boban has the makings of a 6th man too bc he energizes the crowd and he can score or get fouled pretty easily. He would make a nice pair with Anderson who likes to throw him lobs anyways and seems to be on the road to be a dangerous jumpshooter. I still see Boris here next season. He's aged well and been very healthy the last few years. As Boris ages maybe Anderson will step into his role, but that is not necessary next season.

The situation for our bigs next season remains very fluid bc West is in that 1 yr contract, Tmmy could retire realistically, and Boban if we want him will need to be resigned. It will not make sense to pay Boban to keep him as the 5th big if everyone returns. Spurs have devoted a lot of effort to his development, which leads me to believe they want to keep him for a role. Either Timmy or West won't be here next season is my guess although right now, it's impossible to know.

[JeffDuncan]

Hey, people, c'mon. Tim's retirement will not be such a big problem. There's not a thing to worry about.

We still have Bonner.

[Dre_7]

I love me some Boban, but I do NOT want to see Timmy retire any time soon. He is still one of the best defenders in the league and can score when needed in big games.

[r0drig0lac]

Are you serious?

yes, it will be a defensive beast, especially playing in San Antonio, will logically not subs ur Tim, but if you want to replace Tim with only one player you can go into the tank, or hope KAT or Davis had a bas child in San Antonio, to have a chance of one of them sign here

[steeledl]

Ugh it's gonna be sad as if he retires.... But at the same time I don't want him to play until he has nothing left like KG.

[100%duncan]

Ugh it's gonna be sad as if he retires.... But at the same time I don't want him to play until he has nothing left like KG.

Timmy and Manu gonna retire after 6th. We tank next season. Win 6 more championships after that.

[Agloco]

no, I hope we can get Nerlens Noel

Fo realz?

[Splits]

If Duncan retires, Spurs will pickup Hibbert for peanuts in free agency and revitalize his career.

[TD 21]

I don't think Boban will ever be the Spurs' defensive center. He's a guy who's big enough to block shots, but his game is slanted toward offense. In that way, he's closer to what Brook Lopez brings than Tim. That he has the mobility of a 27-year-old version of Old Tim makes him unideal to play more than 20 minutes in this league. I guess he could start, but the Spurs should do what they can to get a starting-caliber center anyway to fill the other minutes.

If Tim could hold out one more year, the Spurs would have the cap space to pursue a player like Ibaka, who isn't Tim on defense but who can protect the rim and guard the PnR better. With Serge and LMA, there would be a lot of rim protection, and both could play with Boban. As far as who that fourth big would be, I don't know. Would be nice if it were Boris, but he'd probably be cut to make the cap room necessary, and he could be too old anyway. Maybe LJC or Lalanne will have developed by then.

If Duncan's knees hold up well enough this season for him to feel he can play out his contract, Splitter will be the replacement.

[xellos88330]

Boban looks like he could be much faster, but he cant move his feet fast enough to chop his steps effectively. I don't think he could be the defender Tim is/was. In the Spurs current system, he runs around setting screens the whole time. He very rarely gets the chance to post up opposing bigs.

So currently my answer is no. Boban cannot replace the role Duncan plays on this team.

If Boban ever gets quicker feet, his chances increase exponentially.

[senorglory]

remember how awesome dejuan blair seemed... back before he had significant playing time, and all we had was potential to judge him on?

[dabom]

Blair is garbage though.

[senorglory]

Blair is garbage though.

that's my point.

[Kawhitstorm]

Boban is life, he can't be replicated

[SAGirl]

I like Boban, but he's not there defensively at all. Still makes too many mistakes. I want him close to the paint, even if he gives up open jumpers. His teammates should be the ones picking up those shooters not him. He's still not aware of where to be. But there will be minutes coming up, at least what he gives up, he can get back on the other end. But he's not to the point where he can be a starter yet. Maybe a few minutes you can, before the opponent figures him out.

[maverick1948]

With Timmy taking a break, Boban will get some time to prove his worth. Maybe he can give us more minutes over the next few games.

[daledondale]

With Timmy taking a break, Boban will get some time to prove his worth. Maybe he can give us more minutes over the next few games.

He already did it. I'm waiting for playoffs.