Do the Spurs REALLY think they're going somewhere with Matt Bonner as a starting C?

[vander]

[SequSpur]

Matt Bonner is doing okay, but dude is not a starter or a big, he is just there... most teams spurs will dominate just fine, I am only talking about the lakers, the celtics, the cavs, magic and maybe the sixers.

the rest of the nba has no chance.

[Manufan909]

I was hard on Fab to start, but over the past few games he seems to almost be at his old self. If Fab can start and get 5 or so pts a game off easy layups, while playing post defense like he did in 07, and rebounds better than Bonner, than I say put him in the starting lineup again. Outside of the Big 3, he has the best chem with Timmy, imo.

[timaios]

Tim Duncan is the Spurs starting center when he plays with Matt Bonner.
He is the center in defense, and most of the time the center in offense.
He plays a lot at the post because the Spurs spread the floor with Bonner.
Tim Duncan is more a PF with KT and Fab.

[mrspurs]

I don't think the poster is blaming Bonner per se. He's simply asking the relevant question... Can you win a championship with Bonner as your starting center?

I don't think you can with the way league is now. Bonner's contributing, but even if he plays lights out and to his potential, it might not be enough. He's simply not the inside presence the spurs need. Spurs ran into some bad breaks (Tiago and Ian), some misjudgement (Scola), and maybe some financial limitations that cost them.

Yup agreed.

[SenorSpur]

I was hard on Fab to start, but over the past few games he seems to almost be at his old self. If Fab can start and get 5 or so pts a game off easy layups, while playing post defense like he did in 07, and rebounds better than Bonner, than I say put him in the starting lineup again. Outside of the Big 3, he has the best chem with Timmy, imo.

I'm still hard on the Mad Tapper (Fab). While he is a smart, fundamentally-sound, type of player, he just doesn't have enough natural skill and athleticism to give the team the need jolt on the offensive or defensive end. He can't defend the rim, he can't defend longer, taller, bigs and he doesn't rebound well enough. He prefers to simply tap the ball out to halfcourt - which is why I call him the Mad Tapper. I like him in a bench role, but not a starter.

[SpurSupremacist]

I love it, Bonner is leading the league in 3 point shooting for most of the season and he's the problem. Yes, it's a great idea to start washed up Kurt Thomas. Do you people know anything whatsoever about basketball?

[Yuixafun]

We'll be alright If Timmy remembers that he's a beast come playoff time.

For years he's become more passive, and its been ages since I really saw him dominate a frontline.

Like he did against Detriot. If that Timmy shows up, Bynum and Gasol, they sitting on the bench in foul trouble.

I saw a flash yesterday with Timmy Going right at the basket with mean intentions, he drew the foul and at the last split second he flipped it in and drew the and 1.

Bynum, plssss plsssss plssss, Timmy should be abusing him. It makes me so mad.

[mrspurs]

I'm still hard on the Mad Tapper (Fab). While he is a smart, fundamentally-sound, type of player, he just doesn't have enough natural skill and athleticism to give the team the need jolt on the offensive or defensive end. He can't defend the rim, he can't defend longer, taller, bigs and he doesn't rebound well enough. He prefers to simply tap the ball out to halfcourt - which is why I call him the Mad Tapper. I like him in a bench role, but not a starter.

Yup

[SpursPreacher]

I think for bonner I think he just needs to get a big more phyical on defense and he will be fine.He needs to do little things add to his great shooting this year he will be fine.

[DAF86]

If we don't trade for a big our only hope is for Oberto to make of Gasol his as in FIBA games.

[Manufan909]

I'm still hard on the Mad Tapper (Fab). While he is a smart, fundamentally-sound, type of player, he just doesn't have enough natural skill and athleticism to give the team the need jolt on the offensive or defensive end. He can't defend the rim, he can't defend longer, taller, bigs and he doesn't rebound well enough. He prefers to simply tap the ball out to halfcourt - which is why I call him the Mad Tapper. I like him in a bench role, but not a starter.

Idk, but you have to admit he's been playing better lately. I'd have a better arguement if I wasn't eating, but it. I don't decide if he starts, Pop does. And if Fab keeps improving, that'll be a big incentive.

I wonder what timvp thinks.

[Sigz]

I love it, Bonner is leading the league in 3 point shooting for most of the season and he's the problem. Yes, it's a great idea to start washed up Kurt Thomas. Do you people know anything whatsoever about basketball?

I'm sure his 3 pt % will be a major factor as Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol or Shaq or Amare back his ass down for an easy 2.

Do you know anything??

[lefty]

We are the 2009 NBA Champions

[hillscountry]

Robert Horry

[Austin_Toros]

We love (well most of us) LOVE when Bonner hits that 3 ball. But they say you live by the 3, and you die by the 3.

Well of course we do! He's the "Red Rocket"; a fan favourite!!

But he could also be our best option. I mean, who else should we start? The only other guy who should be getting C minutes is Thomas. He's kinda like the opposite of Bonner. At least Thomas supposedly plays decent defence. BUT with Bonner's confidence like this I would not take him out of the starting lineup. Who knows what would happen to him; that would be stupid.

In short: keep Bonner and play Thomas

[Galileo]

I've changed my opinion of Bonner. He is an excellent player who poses matchup problems for other teams.

And Oberto is an above average bench player.

[PDXSpursFan]

I've changed my opinion of Bonner. He is an excellent player who poses matchup problems for other teams.

But the "matchup problem" is 2-way since he can't defend the other's team big. Or even 1-way against the Spurs when he misses his open 3's like he did against the Lakers.

[Galileo]

But the "matchup problem" is 2-way since he can't defend the other's team big. Or even 1-way against the Spurs when he misses his open 3's like he did against the Lakers.

most teams don't have big men who can score. If they do, Duncan, Thomas or Oberto can guard them. Bonner has really improved his big man skills this year, he's not that bad anymore.

On offense, Bonner's value outweighs his defensive negatives. He is tall and deadly from the 3 line, unmatched in that regard by anyone but Nowitzski.

Bonner opens up the offense by forcing the defense to bring a big man away from the basket.

[Manufan909]

most teams don't have big men who can score. If they do, Duncan, Thomas or Oberto can guard them. Bonner has really improved his big man skills this year, he's not that bad anymore.

On offense, Bonner's value outweighs his defensive negatives. He is tall and deadly from the 3 line, unmatched in that regard by anyone but Nowitzski.

Bonner opens up the offense by forcing the defense to bring a big man away from the basket.

Indeed, but it will be interesting if the Spurs meet a healthy Rockets/Jazz/Hornets/Lakers team, will Pop keep Bonner as a starter, even if his negatives outweigh his positives, just to have a bit more spacing?