Are the Spurs Undersized?

[Dramon]

Tiago Splitter sure would be nice..

[SenorSpur]

Tiago Splitter sure would be nice..

You mean "Tiago Splitter sure would've been nice"

[mrspurs]

I don't think the Spurs are undersized, per se. They are, however, deficient is some areas. As always, it really depends on matchups.

At the start of the offseason, I was admitedly concerned about the lack of another rebounding, shot-blocking, post presence in the frontcourt. KT and Oberto are good complimentary, frontcourt players. However, they each have liabilities that limit their overall effectiveness and render themselves easily exploited. Oberto is too slow to defend quicker bigs, doesn't rebound or block shots well. He's also an offensive liability. On the other hand, KT rebounds well and can provide scoring from 15ft in. Yet like Oberto, is slow, has no lift, and cannot defend the rim.

If Ian rounds into a consistent, off-the-bench contributor quickly and if Watkins makes the team and can provide some occasional minutes as a paint presence, this would be a significant upgrade to frontcourt depth. I see Tolliver as a potentially adequate, possible Horry replacement. Even though he doesn't have Horry's basketball IQ.

On the other side, the Spurs more obvious liability has been the perimeter. As we saw during the playoffs, they routinely got outquicked, outrebounded and outhustled by younger, hungrier, more athletic perimeter players. That's why I do like the movement toward youth at some positions.

However, the unfinished business is the small forward position. The Spurs are into Year 3 of the "supposed" search for the long-awaited "swingman of the future", yet have failed miserably in their search. Sure they've taken a flier on some possibles apprentices (James White, DeMarr, Marcus Williams, and now Malik Hairston), but either none of them have the required skill set or the Spurs simply do not see enough there to invest time and resources in developing them.

If the Spurs are to fill this void, they're going to have to develop this player from within. Therefore, it's really troubling that they don't even have one in the pipeline. After all, Bruce isn't getting any younger and the Spurs don't even have a possible replacement in the D-league! IMO, the lack of quality skill and depth at the SF position is still THE most glaring weakness on this team.

Very well said. Couldnt have said it better myself. It isnt fun either sometimes being right. Show me some light and I will smile. Show me nothing and I get frustrated.

[tav1]

There is a report that Milwaukee and Damon Jones are at an end. Jones is a mediocre player, but this could be a good situation for the Spurs if things break right.

Jones' three attributes are his three point shooting, ability to advance the ball and entry passes. He's paid too much for that, but still.

If Stoudamire persist in injury or doesn't impress...

If Hill is an Austin designee...

If Bonner fails or Tolliver impresses...

Milwaukee might bite on a Vaughn and Bonner for Jones package. Might.

It's very difficult to see many teams having interest in that package of Spurs players, but given the situation in Milwaukee, I can see it.

This could also save the Spurs a little money off of next year's book too.

Pop seems bent on more offense at point, and Jones could provide shooting/spacing and the ability to let Parker play off the ball. He could also get the ball to Duncan.

[Drippin' Fan]

I thought that we proved ourselves well against the Suns bigs, Shaq and Amare. As far as Diaw taking advantage of Finley, I believe that Pop intentionally out coached 'Antoni into running their plays through Diaw, to the detriment of the Suns offense.