Spurs vs Rockets: Sunday Oct. 14th: 4th Preseason Game (1 PM CST Start Time)

[timvp]

The Powell DNP-CD doesn't make a lot of sense considering how well he's been playing. Either RC got my email or Pop likes him so much that he doesn't think he has anything left to prove.

Let's hope it's the former

[Bruno]

It was a fun game to watch.

Pop put again Splitter with Duncan while he didn't pair them at all last season. A reason of that could be the good surprise that is Curry. Pairing Splitter and Duncan is easier to do if you have another competent center on the bench.

I wish Pop a lot of courage to manage that stacked backcourt. Neal, De Colo, Jospeh and Green all looked very good today. If Mills come back at a good level of his ankle sprain, it's going to be a nightmare for Pop.

Regarding the invites, Witherspoon was a huge surprise. Curry plays really well and will likely be kept. Brown sucked and should be the next player to be waived. Powell got a DNP-CD.

[pookenstein]

It's just preseason, but damn it feels good to see the Spurs again. That was the first game we were able to see via ILP in Germany and I liked what I saw. Can't wait for the season to start.

[RodNIc91]

Bruno dont you see a scenario where everyone in the backcourt is happy with whichever playing time they get? Could they be that selfless?

[Frenchie]

Neal, De Colo, Jospeh and Green all looked very good today. If Mills come back at a good level of his ankle sprain, it's going to be a nightmare for Pop.

Regarding the invites, Witherspoon was a huge surprise. Curry plays really well and will likely be kept. Brown sucked and should be the next player to be waived. Powell got a DNP-CD.

I have not really appreciated what Neal has done tonight. Too many difficult shots tried.

Witherspoon could be signed by another team if he's released (what should probably be the case at the end of the preseason). He has skills to earn a spot somewhere. Nevertheless, he took benefit from the Spurs' passing game. It's always easy to play in a team like this.

[ace3g]

De Colo's jumper looked a bit quicker/smoother today; I think a small tweak from Chip will do wonders; he already has the passing, a reliable jumper on the move, etc (not just set shooting) will make him a tough player to guard.

I knew Brown's jumper needed work but I thought he could do more than just score in the fast break. He has no halfcourt offense, figured he could use his size to post up or take guys off the dribble. Plus he isn't as quick as I thought.

[DPG21920]

I am definitely really worried about the defense though. I am hoping they just don't want to show too much of a change in pre-season, but I have seen 0 improvement or change and that is a huge issue. Maybe once regular season starts they roll out the changes, but you would imagine they need a chance to practice the new philosophy in game.

[Bruno]

Bruno dont you see a scenario where everyone in the backcourt is happy with whichever playing time they get? Could they be that selfless?

Keeping everybody happy is just a part of the challenge. If you want to really develop prospects like Joseph or De Colo, you have to give them some playing time. Practicing and playing with the Toros is fine but it has its limit.

[RodNIc91]

I am definitely really worried about the defense though. I am hoping they just don't want to show too much of a change in pre-season, but I have seen 0 improvement or change and that is a huge issue. Maybe once regular season starts they roll out the changes, but you would imagine they need a chance to practice the new philosophy in game.

I think that we'll see the improvement in the last games of preseason. Where Pop will likely show the real rotation. But I agree with you. The D today sucked balls. Im really hoping the Keep curry. I know that blocking shots does not mean playing defense, but Curry is a REAL presence in the middle of the paint. He could alter some and block others more, thats for sure

[loveforthegame]

Witherspoon has been a huge surprise.

Curry continues to impress.

Wish we could keep both.

[RodNIc91]

Keeping everybody happy is just a part of the challenge. If you want to really develop prospects like Joseph or De Colo, you have to give them some playing time. Practicing and playing with the Toros is fine but it has its limit.

Thats very true. For me, one of the storylines of the season will be the involvement of the spurs in the market. I know its highly unlikely we get to hear from these but nevertheless we may hear one or two rumours throughout the season, as long as these players keep looking this good. Theres no doubt in my mind that some teams will be calling.

[Dex]

As good of a prospect as Witherspoon may seem, the Spurs have to keep Curry. A wing prospect would be nice; a big man is a glaring need. They have been looking and waiting too long for a legit center to fall into their hands just to let him walk now. He seems to have answered all the question marks about him that he came in with; to let him go would be looking a gift horse in the mouth.

[timvp]

With Duncan 36 and Splitter with possible ongoing back issues, Curry does fit a need. I'm not totally sold that the Spurs will keep him but he's doing just about all he can to win a roster spot. You have to respect that, at least.

[TE]

With Duncan 36 and Splitter with possible ongoing back issues, Curry does fit a need. I'm not totally sold that the Spurs will keep him but he's doing just about all he can to win a roster spot. You have to respect that, at least.

What, do you think, is the possibility Curry will get a roster spot (%)?

[TD 21]

With Duncan 36 and Splitter with possible ongoing back issues, Curry does fit a need. I'm not totally sold that the Spurs will keep him but he's doing just about all he can to win a roster spot. You have to respect that, at least.

I never thought they'd keep him, no matter how well he played. I always thought that spot was going to Brown or Powell and it didn't take long to realize it wasn't going to Brown, so that leaves Powell.

This is where Duncan needs to step in and have a talk with them now and basically tell them, don't even think about doing something this stupid. Powell fills no need, while Curry, though still a long shot to make any sort of impact, at least has proven to be a worthwhile project.

[ace3g]

[CGD]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[Bruno]

Whole Nando's highlights of that game:

[timvp]

Got damn, De Colo had some awesome passes in this game. You have to watch 'em a couple times just to really see how great the pass truly was.

One thing I hadn't thought about too much but could be a legit weapon is De Colo on the low block. At 6-foot-5 and reasonably long and athletic, you can post him up against the small point guards in the league. And with his vision, teams would be stupid to double team him.

With as much as passing is valued on this team, Pop is going to have to think long and hard if he can afford NOT to give De Colo a few legit chances to make the rotation.

[CGD]

Whole Nando's highlights of that game:

My first time seeing video of him with the Spurs. Impressive passing, and better stroke than I thought. Looks like yet another great find. It's going to be tough finding minutes for everyone.

[AussieFanKurt]

Who is Witherspoon?

[ace3g]

If De Colo can find a spot, Spurs have 3 guys that can rack up assists. Plus he has shown the ability to get to the basket and finish smoothly.

And like timvp said with his size he can potentially post up small PGs and help with defensive rebounding leading to fast breaks/outlets quicker.

[ace3g]

[ace3g]

Who is Witherspoon?

HOUSTON – When Spurs coach Gregg Popovich first informed Wesley Witherspoon he’d be in the starting lineup for Sunday afternoon’s preseason matinee at Houston, the rookie from Memphis tried to stay stone-faced.

All the while, his stomach was performing a gymnastics routine straight out of the Summer Olympics.

“Somersaults, cartwheels and everything else,” Witherspoon said. “The emotions were definitely flying.”

One day, Witherspoon will be able to tell his grandchildren he not only started next to Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, but he also outscored them.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursna...-past-rockets/

[AussieFanKurt]

^ thanks mate