Note to Spurs Fans: Don't get down on your team just yet.

[South Side Spurs Fan]

As much as Pop is fearing the offensive droughts they are still happening. Frankly, I don't find the offense to be that much better this year than last. This team still chokes on wide open shots and their O is still gonna be a question mark come playoff time.

Obviously, if the defense can hold the other team to 40% then we can get away with that, but this team is in a huge need of a trade.

The sad thing is that hardly any servicable big is available although who knows what CIA Pop will come up with.

The starting lineup should be Oberto/Duncan/Bowen/Mason/Parker.

4 out of those 5 guys know the defensive rotations well enough to make up for any O they might've lost with the current starting lineup. Having Bonner come off the bench puts a little less pressure on him to contribute since he is no longer a starter. Finley's minutes drastically need to be cut and Manu is fine coming off the bench.

We're only 25 days away from the trade deadline. And this time, with how much the level of the compe ion has been upped I don't think a "this is the team we have, and we're sticking with it" speech will work this time around.

Yup, thats the starting five I'm hoping for. I never thought I would be glad to see Oberto start, but we nee some guys in here that know what the is going on.

Still, if we start playing some D we're automatically a contender, even with the current roster IMO.

[Lakers_55]

I read a story, in print, probably in 2005 or 2006 about Parker. Essentially it told the story that Red Auerbach had scouted TP and planned for him to be a Celtic, but changed his mind near the end. Not certain if the story is here at Spurs Talk, or what magazine I saw it in, but it wasn't a best seller.

I hate to make a new thread about it if the story can't be found, but I would enjoy reading it again. Thanks.

[Lakers999]

And we are still the team of the last decade!!

decade is not done yet

[duncan228]

I read a story, in print, probably in 2005 or 2006 about Parker. Essentially it told the story that Red Auerbach had scouted TP and planned for him to be a Celtic, but changed his mind near the end. Not certain if the story is here at Spurs Talk, or what magazine I saw it in, but it wasn't a best seller.

I hate to make a new thread about it if the story can't be found, but I would enjoy reading it again. Thanks.

Found this so far, not sure if it's what you're looking for. It says the article was originally published in March 2002.

ESPN, Bill Simmons
Seeing Red after all these years

When Pitino bolted last winter, the Celtics quickly restored Red's presidency and graciously sought his input on trades and draft picks. During last year's draft, the Celtics held three first-rounders, including the No. 21 selection. Red was enamored with Joe Forte, North Carolina's All-American and a Washington product, while the rest of the Celtics hierarchy leaned toward French point guard Tony Parker (now starting for the Spurs). In the end, they passed on the talented Parker and drafted Forte -- another shooting guard on a team filled with them -- simply to throw Red a bone.

[duncan228]

From the Boston Globe, October 2006

Passing of a Celtics legend

Auerbach still had a presence and a voice, although somewhat muted, in personnel matters in the new millennium. It was Auerbach who advocated successfully for the drafting of Joseph Forte in 2001 over the likes of Tony Parker, Jamaal Tinsley and Gilbert Arenas.

[FreeMason]

They simply do not have the pieces to play "Spurs D" anymore.

The Spurs are just a jump shooting team with only one worth a damn big.

That may have worked in the past, but in case some didn't notice...the league is about 10x more compe ive than 05, 07.

[South Side Spurs Fan]

They simply do not have the pieces to play "Spurs D" anymore..

I have not seen anything to indicate this, on the contrary I have seen the team play Spurs D, just not for consistent stretches. But the fact that they can do it at all tells me they will ultimately be able to shore up the D.

As for the league being so much more compe ive, I think it just appears that way because their are no great defensive teams making it hard for the top tier teams at the moment.

[Lakers_55]

Found this so far, not sure if it's what you're looking for. It says the article was originally published in March 2002.

ESPN, Bill Simmons
Seeing Red after all these years

Actually, although I may have seen this before, I am pretty certain the article was mainly about Parker, and ran a few pages. The magazine was in the lunch room at work, it could still be there. Or, at the least, I can find another issue and get the magzine le. Thanks for looking! If anyone can find it, you can.

[Manufan909]

Actually, although I may have seen this before, I am pretty certain the article was mainly about Parker, and ran a few pages. The magazine was in the lunch room at work, it could still be there. Or, at the least, I can find another issue and get the magzine le. Thanks for looking! If anyone can find it, you can.

Not related at all, but I give you props for cancelling out lakuluva AND DrHouse.

[Yorae]

Spurs is the most resourceful team in the league. And we don't know if they're just trying to stay healthy, they will bring mahinmi etc. etc. I'm a fan of this team and I would continue to believe in it. As long as duncan and pop draws breath, there's still a chance.

[Spur-Addict]

We have tons of upside on the defensive end, and I think that is the way we will eventually close the gap with the elite teams. It's the way we have always done it; why should this year be any different?

Everyone keeps referring to, "Spurs D, Spurs D". That is fine because we are known for it. But lets take a little look at the D. Against L.A, the interior is being exposed. Kurt nor Bonner have been doing good jobs. They're trying, they are simply out matched.

Sure we've seen a few missed rotations. But come on, most of the damage is due to the interior mis matches to begin with. Not to mention we have some older perimeter players who are slower at rotating. So, to ease all of this just upgrade the inside.

In my opinion, if we have to move Mason, then just do it. I think we keep Kurt, Bruce, Hill, and Bonner. Fin has to stay by default. Then there are the big three. Everyone else is up for trade aside from Malik, Ian, and Gist(rights).

If a big deal is made about Fab, then whatever, move Kurt. But we'd have trouble with Shaq if they make the playoffs.

[iggypop123]

[mrspurs]

They simply do not have the pieces to play "Spurs D" anymore.

The Spurs are just a jump shooting team with only one worth a damn big.

That may have worked in the past, but in case some didn't notice...the league is about 10x more compe ive than 05, 07.

Yup

[mrspurs]

I have not seen anything to indicate this, on the contrary I have seen the team play Spurs D, just not for consistent stretches. But the fact that they can do it at all tells me they will ultimately be able to shore up the D.

As for the league being so much more compe ive, I think it just appears that way because their are no great defensive teams making it hard for the top tier teams at the moment.

There are alot of good defensive teams out there. There are alot of good offensive teams out there.

[mrspurs]

Our D was only a problem for 5 min on Sun. What Killed us was our O! Thats why Im not too worried about it. Manu Mason and Bonner shot a combined 2-15 from 3pt range on wide open looks! If they even shot a normal % say 33% its a 5pt game, if they shot thier avg % we lead.

Lets not forget they also took 14 more free throws as David Stern stroked his and repeated to himself ....these games arent fix, our refs call fair games......

Spurs need to make some adjustments but not major ones yet. I just wonder if they are gonna make a move or just stand pat and hope we can get hot from behind the arc in the playoffs.

Your a sick person. This is a sports site. And you need help. Say o to my ignore list. By far your the most deserving. Whats wrong with you?