McDonald: Pivotal Campaign Awaits Spurs' Bonner

[wisnub]

As long as he plays he'll be better than Horry. I don't think Horry even played for the Spurs last season. He just collected a check and went home.

[timvp]

I just don't see Matt bringing the court savvy that Robert Horry brought....ever. Matt's not wired the same. Bonner can hustle and focus on rebounding, loose balls, playing physical, and knocking down open shots from the perimeter. He is what he is.

Horry could pass, slip screens and cut to the rim at the right time, he played the high-low to Tim very well, he rotated instinctively. Anticipation and experience were key factors to Rob's success defensively. Bonner has shown none of those qualities.

You can't replace what Rob did but Bonner can use what skills he has and he can PAY ATTENTION to what is going on out there. That would help.

Extremely well said.

Bonner's lack of basketball IQ and court savvy is stunning. A lot of the time he plays like he has some form of hyper ADD that doesn't allow him to stay focused ... especially defensively. I don't know if he gets too excited or what but he needs to start mastering the mental aspect of the game if he wants to remain a Spur.

[Spurs Brazil]

Bonner must start strong to show Pop he can be a good player in the rotation.

If he start making mistakes, especially on defense, he'll be in the doghouse and trading block soon.

[tp2021]

Who would want him in a trade?

[The Truth #6]

Bonner is a spazz but hopefully he finds a way to relax through yoga, or something. Brent played a lot better when he stopped caring and relaxed. I hope Bonner can find a similar approach but it's probably asking too much from him at this age.

He's a high energy guy. Hopefully we can ride him in the regular season for some production, and hopefully he improves, but unfortunately he's going to have to play really well to overcome Pop's short fuse with him. And yes, Finley will continue to start, screw up royally, and maintain his position in the anti-doghouse.