Pop panics

[sananspursfan21]

Feels to me like "Pop gives up" more so than panicking. None of us know since we don't know the man personally, but it seems more like he'd rather make it appear he didn't try when they get down. Maybe a pride thing, maybe a mopey thing. I was guilty of this when I played ball. If we were down in a game and it seemed hopeless, I gave up because I'd rather make it appear that I wasn't really into it rather than it look like I went down fighting tooth and nail. For me, I had an excuse suddenly that I was never really interested in winning to begin with. I was too prideful to admit I tried hard and lost. Again, probably wrong but that's one aspect of sports psyche. I was stupid for doing so and Pop would be too, so hopefully I'm dead wrong haha! Just a guess at what's going on in Pop's mind.

[GSH]

The Spurs have had the best record of any team in any major sport for two decades. As a result, they have gotten the least infusion of cheap talent via the draft over two decades. That translates to a slow erosion of talent - and they have done an amazing job of compensation for that. But it was mostly made possible by one incredible talent in Tim Duncan.

The Spurs are now throwing good money after bad:
Tony and Manu both make more than Steph Curry and Klay Thompson - and just slightly less than Draymond.
Pau Gasol makes $15M, and Pachulia makes $3M

I don't disagree that Pop is pig-headed and predictable. And I don't understand some of the lineups we've seen this year. , a lot of the lineups we've seen. But the team is in cap , and a lot of people here don't see it, or won't admit it. They have a HUGE amount of their available salary tied up in aging guys who are just worn ing out. They have a huge amount of experience, and they are smart and crafty, and all that other crap. But they are worn ing out. And the team will be spending right at $37M to bring back Tony and Pau, who will both be another year older.

The only thing that might let Pop coach his way out of a mess like this is a healthy Tim Duncan. And he doesn't have one of those.

[cd98]

Not Pop's fault. The GSW talent is not overcome by coaching.

[BillMc]

This is no different than 2000 or 2001 with the Lakers or 2012 with the Heat, these teams seem invincible while the Spurs are merely really good. But by staying at contender level, the Spurs will be there, especially if the more talented teams have a problem whether injury, chemistry, or just fatigue.

If Pop stays, Kawhi stays, RC stays, I'd be shocked if Spurs don't get another ring sometime in the next 3 years. Staying REALLY, REALLY good and waiting for the dominant team to falter has given us probably at least 2 to 3 of our les. No shame in consistency and being ready.

When the Jordan Bulls broke up, Spurs were there to get a ring.
When Shaq and Kobe imploded, Spurs were there to take the le.
When the Heat grew old and exhausted from 4 trips to the Finals, Spurs blew them out.

When Dubs go wrong (and they will) Spurs have their shot. Sadly, the Dubs derailed last season and it was Lebron, not the Spurs who grabbed the ring.

[TheGreatYacht]

If Pop stays, Kawhi stays, RC stays, I'd be shocked if Spurs don't get another ring sometime in the next 3 years. Staying REALLY, REALLY good and waiting for the dominant team to falter has given us probably at least 2 to 3 of our les. No shame in consistency and being ready..

I completely disagree. With Peter Holt stepping down, Greg and Buford know they basically own the team now. They don't answer to anyone. Even if they did have a boss, their reputation has been overrated beyond belief that if they were fired, the national media and fans would go into their defense. Their sense of urgency is gone. Kawhi will keep this fools gold/paper tiger team in the Top 5 or even 3, but they won't win a championship.

Parker and Manu have one foot in retirement. Gasol might stay one more year, max. Mills, Simmons, Dedmon will all walk this summer. Aldridge will opt out and try to get one more big contract.....

You're not that big of a homer to think the Spurs have a brighter future than Golden State, right?

[BillMc]

I completely disagree. With Peter Holt stepping down, Greg and Buford know they basically own the team now. They don't answer to anyone. Even if they did have a boss, their reputation has been overrated beyond belief that if they were fired, the national media and fans would go into their defense. Their sense of urgency is gone. Kawhi will keep this fools gold/paper tiger team in the Top 5 or even 3, but they won't win a championship.

Parker and Manu have one foot in retirement. Gasol might stay one more year, max. Mills, Simmons, Dedmon will all walk this summer. Aldridge will opt out and try to get one more big contract.....

You're not that big of a homer to think the Spurs have a brighter future than Golden State, right?

I disagree. The proof is in the pudding. Pop and RC make the right moves most the time. A lot of people on here seem to view it as having great teams that under achieve in the playoffs. I think because of Spurs culture its the opposite. I think they over achieve often and are sometimes exposed. But when a more talented team falters, they are there to seize opportunity.

Do they have a brighter immediate future? No. Because Dubs key players are generally younger. (Only Kawhi is a contemporary). But that wasn't my point. My point was by being really, really good the Spurs can get another ring if and when something goes wrong for the Dubs. And over say 4 years time there's bound to be a year or two when that happens. It just did in '16 when injuries and a Draymond meltdown allowed a weaker Cavs team to take the le.

I trust in Pop and RC to keep this team on the cusp of greatness, ready to pounce at opportunity. Don't think Holt's stepping down changes much.

[TheGreatYacht]

The seats are empty despite having the team on track for back to back 60 win seasons. FSSW local ratings are down. Spurstalk is rapidly dying. Spurs constantly have to have ticket discounts and player-fan meet ups.

San Antonio cares more about food than they do sports. Once they see that the team is just Hawks West, (make the playoffs only to get sent fishing past the first round) they will disappear.

Get read for a reincarnation of the dark years (2008-2011) where the Spurs waste their franchise player's prime with dog around him.

[dabom]

Spurs are the second most locally watched NBA team.

[BillMc]

Get read for a reincarnation of the dark years (2008-2011) where the Spurs waste their franchise player's prime with dog around him.

The very fact that these years (all 4 of them) are considered the dark age tells you how spoiled we are. 08 featured a WCF appearance, 10 a playoff series win over Dallas, and 11 a 60 win regular season. All 4 were over 50 wins. And that was generally rebuilding on the fly from the best Spurs team ever (the one from 2003 to 2008 that petered out in 09) to probably the second best Spurs team ever (2011 to 2014 that died in 2015).


As I said, as long as Pop, RC and Kawhi stay, we'll be okay even if we have a couple of such "dark years."

[dabom]

We were on pace for 70 wins last year. Of course the numbers are gonna drop.

[TheGreatYacht]

The very fact that these years (all 4 of them) are considered the dark age tells you how spoiled we are. 08 featured a WCF appearance, 10 a playoff series win over Dallas, and 11 a 60 win regular season. All 4 were over 50 wins. And that was generally rebuilding on the fly from the best Spurs team ever (the one from 2003 to 2008 that petered out in 09) to probably the second best Spurs team ever (2011 to 2014 that died in 2015).


As I said, as long as Pop, RC and Kawhi stay, we'll be okay even if we have a couple of such "dark years."

That's Tim Duncan for ya. Carried scrubs most of his prime.

Imagine having blind faith in a front office that once started Blair, Jefferson, McDyess, Roger Mason, Bonner, and Bogans during their franchise player's prime.

[cd98]

Pop panic? He figured out how to beat GSW in the first quarter, but pulled his punches to save them for the playoffs. He's been telling Danny Green to miss all those open threes during the regular season so people stop guarding him and then unleashing him in the playoffs. CIA Pop.

[duncan2k5]

what is the point? They have a much more talented team

so did the 2004 lakers compared to the pistons..the more talented team doesnt always win...we have had playoff losses to teams with less talent too...you got to put your team in the best position to win, and pop isnt doing that...THAT'S my point

[jbspurs]

Pop panic? He figured out how to beat GSW in the first quarter, but pulled his punches to save them for the playoffs. He's been telling Danny Green to miss all those open threes during the regular season so people stop guarding him and then unleashing him in the playoffs. CIA Pop.

This is therapeutic! lol

[sasaint]

That's Tim Duncan for ya. Carried scrubs most of his prime.

Imagine having blind faith in a front office that once started Blair, Jefferson, McDyess, Roger Mason, Bonner, and Bogans during their franchise player's prime.

Bonner should still be starting.

[Blake]

Oh a pop bashing thread.

[TheGreatYacht]

This senile continues to be responsible for the shortcomings of this team.

17pt lead?
Bryn, Joel, Deadman.. get in there

*Jazz go on 21-4 run*

[Budkin]

This senile continues to be responsible for the shortcomings of this team.

17pt lead?
Bryn, Joel, Deadman.. get in there

*Jazz go on 21-4 run*

Drives me bat crazy. I just don't get it.

[TheGreatYacht]

Drives me bat crazy. I just don't get it.

National TV game. The 70yr old will always try to prove to the world he can win with any rotation.

It will only get worse in 2 weeks..

[TD 21]

National TV game. The 70yr old will always try to prove to the world he can win with any rotation.

It will only get worse in 2 weeks..

The Dedmon-Anthony pairing mid 2nd quarter was inexplicable and even though it only lasted for 2-3 minutes, it was clearly and predictably the impetus for the Jazz immediately erasing a 16 point lead. Two of those types of centers should never, ever play together outside of garbage time.

I don't care if it's a "meaningless regular season game" and half the team was out; that doesn't mean you intentionally sabotage your own team.

[dabom]

The Dedmon-Anthony pairing mid 2nd quarter was inexplicable and even though it only lasted for 2-3 minutes, it was clearly and predictably the impetus for the Jazz immediately erasing a 16 point lead. Two of those types of centers should never, ever play together outside of garbage time.

I don't care if it's a "meaningless regular season game" and half the team was out; that doesn't mean you intentionally sabotage your own team.

[ElNono]

The Dedmon-Anthony pairing mid 2nd quarter was inexplicable and even though it only lasted for 2-3 minutes, it was clearly and predictably the impetus for the Jazz immediately erasing a 16 point lead. Two of those types of centers should never, ever play together outside of garbage time.

I don't care if it's a "meaningless regular season game" and half the team was out; that doesn't mean you intentionally sabotage your own team.

Yeah, the Joel Anthony acquisition and getting any minutes is inexplicable.

[duncan2k5]

This senile continues to be responsible for the shortcomings of this team.

17pt lead?
Bryn, Joel, Deadman.. get in there

*Jazz go on 21-4 run*

Tbh...

[duncan2k5]

If Joel Anthony gets ANY playoff minutes, I'll lose my sh*t

[TheGreatYacht]

If Joel Anthony gets ANY playoff minutes, I'll lose my sh*t

If Joel is active over a healthy Murray, I'll lose my .