Grades: Spurs @ Hawks - Nov. 5, 2019

[duncan2k5]

That system did make Leonard a star, so I disagree with that. But I do think they're going to have to make a similar Leonard type of trade in next years draft to get a starting caliber SF.

The system didn't make Kawhi a star... Most players work themselves into becoming a star... System-made stars crumble when they play in a different system... That's not the case with Kawhi

[Kobe'sAchilles]

I was beyond wrong last year in my prediction that the Raptors would lose in the second round and the Warriors would win the le. However, I am on track of being correct this year in my prediction. I will savor these Pop bashing moments because I know this is his last year of coaching. The dude probably thought he could retire the #1 All Time winning coach, but after this ty season, he's going to realize that the fire isn't there and it's better to retire and ride off into the sunset.

New headcoach: Manu Ginobili

[r0drig0lac]

That system did make Leonard a star, so I disagree with that. But I do think they're going to have to make a similar Leonard type of trade in next years draft to get a starting caliber SF.

what does that mean? Kawhi's talen and hard work with the SA development system made Kawhi a star (and he would be a star in any system)

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

DeRozan was the only Spur who played with any passion last night. A pretty sad display.

That said, the Spurs still could have won if Pop wasn't coaching out of his ass. That was pitiful. Timvp called it in the grades summary, and I was screaming it while watching last night...leaving Mills on Young in the fourth quarter (on top of his other questionable coaching moves during the game) was just unacceptable.

This team has plenty of talent to be compe ive, but right now they look uninterested. I saw coach getting on guys during a timeout with a couple of minutes left...maybe that's when he finally awoke out of whatever stupor he was in for the first 46 minutes of the game. I love Pop...but damn.

Just sad...we can't give away games in what will be a tough, tough, playoff race...but here we go again.

[R. DeMurre]

For years, I've defended myself as a fan of the Spurs with the explanation that they play the philosophy that I believe in: defense first, ball movement, wise shot selection, good fundamentals. When the Suns and Spurs had a great rivalry during the Steve Nash/Amare years, I pointed out to my friends who were fans of the Suns that I couldn't root for a team that didn't emphasize defense, or even seem to care about defense. But it's gotten to the point now that I don't know if it can be said that the philosophy of the Spurs is even remotely defense first anymore. Truth is, I don't what the philosophy of the Spurs is... they've loaded up on redundant shooters like Beli, Forbes, and Patty but still take the fewest threes in the league. Why have weak defenders on the floor whose main strength is three point shooting, and then emphasize the low percentage mid-range game as an offensive attack? I watch Pop stubbornly refuse to play what has the potential to be the best young defensive back court in the NBA, and then put line ups of 3 or 4 poor defenders on the floor together. I watch the greatest number of minutes go to DeRozan, who has a proven 10 year track record of mediocre advanced stats, and would be better suited in a Lou Williams-like role. I watch Aldridge adamantly refuse to shoot threes in the modern era, but happily shoot 19 footers all day. With his size and release point, Aldridge could have more open looks from three than Dirk if he wanted them, but no-- he'd rather shoot just over 40% from 16 ft+... For the first time in twenty years, I just don't identify with the way the Spurs play, and it's not wins or losses, or even talent-- it's the way the game is approached.

[UZER]

That system did make Leonard a star, so I disagree with that. But I do think they're going to have to make a similar Leonard type of trade in next years draft to get a starting caliber SF.

It helped him grow into a star, but once he was a full star, it boxed him in. Look at the freedom he played with in Toronto and especially plays with now in LA.

Other players that are already stars don’t want to come here to get boxed in by Pops system and the pet players he constantly keeps around.

[jjktkk]

what does that mean? Kawhi's talen and hard work with the SA development system made Kawhi a star (and he would be a star in any system)

The system also includes the Spur's coaching staff and scouts who saw the talent in Leonard and made the move to trade for Leonard. Nobody expected Leonard to be the star he is today, but the Spurs saw something in him.

[jjktkk]

It helped him grow into a star, but once he was a full star, it boxed him in. Look at the freedom he played with in Toronto and especially plays with now in LA.

Other players that are already stars don’t want to come here to get boxed in by Pops system and the pet players he constantly keeps around.

I agree that Pop needs to get rid of his pet players. Belinelli and Mills needed to go like yesterday. . But we didn't get to see how the Leonard Aldridge duo would of worked.

[BackHome]

Wonder if Jakob doing all the dirty work but not getting an extension is playing a role in this? He saw LMA get money despite being soft as .

That and they run no set plays for him he is a great rolling Big who should be get some easy set up dunks by our PG. In reality he should be scoring about 10pts a game pretty easy but Poop never has set plays for him.

Also Atlanta has some bouncy Centers who were dunking like crazy until Poodle came in I don’t think he gets enough appreciation for his rim protection

[SAGirl]

The system didn't make Kawhi a star... Most players work themselves into becoming a star... System-made stars crumble when they play in a different system... That's not the case with Kawhi

Getting called a system player may well be one reason for him looking to get out way b4 the actual plan was put in motion.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

kawhi was given the keys to the franchise like they had been given to duncan. kawhi was to be the system