Interesting quote from Pop on Tiago

[Sean Cagney]

so now the spurs have their version of yao/bynum/oden/

yes so far

[Spurologist]

I think all of SpursTalk needs a valium

[SenorSpur]

If Tiago IS, in fact, a bit of a china doll, isn't it likely that the Spurs already know this when they drafted him?

[Hoops Czar]

If Tiago IS, in fact, a bit of a china doll, isn't it likely that the Spurs already know this when they drafted him?

Maybe they see Splitter as a collector's item.

[EricB]

Sounds like Pop is getting a little fed up by Splitter's injury drama already. Splitter has always been a bit of a china doll and that's not a good trait for a role player under Pop.

A knee to the jewels is unfortunate but to declare yourself out the rest of the game is a bit much . . .

nonsense pop clearly has something against him!

[TE]

Splitter needs to adjust to the physicality and athleticism of the NBA. Games that he has played in give an indication that he still has to adjust to all the aforementioned attributes that comes with playing in the NBA.


Give him time pop, play him, throw him into the fire pit and let him crawl out. That's the only way.

[angelbelow]

Wow, Pop actually said that about Tiago? Im surprised but I probably shouldn't be, Pop has a short temper on those types of players. We'll see how everything turns out..

[Bruno]

Tiago has been healthy for a month and a half and Pop hasn't played him. It's a lame excuse from Pop. For whatever reason, he rather gives tons of playing time to a choking one trick pony.

[UnWantedTheory]

Tiago has been healthy for a month and a half and Pop hasn't played him. It's a lame excuse from Pop. For whatever reason, he rather gives tons of playing time to a choking one trick pony.

Have you ever seen a one trick pony in the field so happy and free?
If you've ever seen a one trick pony then you've seen me
Have you ever seen a one-legged dog making its way down the street?
If you've ever seen a one-legged dog then you've seen me

Then you've seen me, I come and stand at every door
Then you've seen me, I always leave with less than I had before
Then you've seen me, bet I can make you smile when the blood, it hits the floor
Tell me, friend, can you ask for anything more?
Tell me can you ask for anything more?

Have you ever seen a scarecrow filled with nothing but dust and wheat?
If you've ever seen that scarecrow then you've seen me
Have you ever seen a one-armed man punching at nothing but the breeze?

If you've ever seen a one-armed man then you've seen me

Then you've seen me, I come and stand at every door
Then you've seen me, I always leave with less than I had before
Then you've seen me, bet I can make you smile when the blood, it hits the floor
Tell me, friend, can you ask for anything more?
Tell me can you ask for anything more?

These things that have comforted me, I drive away
This place that is my home I cannot stay
My only faith's in the broken bones and bruises I display

Have you ever seen a one-legged man trying to dance his way free?
If you've ever seen a one-legged man then you've seen me

[wildbill2u]

Listen to this man people.

Pop always does this, he's ALWAYS making sarcastic comments. Remember when he said how Timmy D was hard to coach and they didn't get along together? Same thing here, Pop just being sarcastic. It's just that we don't have the audio so it sounds a lot worse lol.

CALM DOWN EVERYONE

There might be a problem if Tiago's grasp of English and of Pop's sarcastic character isn't good enough to maintain a good relationship. This guy is used to the same superstar treatment in Europe as a Kobe Bryant or Dwight Howard
Granted he has to prove himself and win his 'spurs' so to speak, but Pop definitely could rile some players with his undiplomatic sarcasm. Some players respond well to it and others don't.

[galvatron3000]

Ian treatment already/

[SA210]

+1

Pop's cashing in his chips and playing this injury excuse as much as possible to make himself sound like that's the only reason Splitter hasn't played. Funny part is, he thinks he's fooling everybody.

[bluebellmaniac]

“Tiago wasn’t playing much, was he?” Popovich said. “I’d like him to be healthy some time so I could play him and see if he’s worth a damn, but I haven’t had a chance.”

When I saw this quote, I knew there was definitely sarcasm in it, as is usually the case with Pop. But I think there's more to it than just sarcasm. Tiago was hurt during training camp / pre-season. Did Pop think Tiago was hurt enough to sit out all pre-season? Or did he get the impression that Tiago was playing up an injury to get out of pre-season workouts? If so, then that would have landed Tiago in Pop's doghouse. Pure speculation, obviously.

Some have speculated that Pop is saving Tiago for late in the season. But it would seem that even if Pop was purposely trying to save Tiago for later in the season, he would still give him more playing time than what he has now, almost none.

If he is in Pop's doghouse, then that explains his playing time this season. We've seen time and again how Pop will sit someone who has rubbed him the wrong way.

Thoughts?

[disciple]

Everyone just settle down!!!!! (unless you are one of the level headed Spurs experienced vet fans that know better-than you already are).

Splitter will be just fine.

Let it go until the end of this year.

If you continue the Splitter tirades your pissing into the wind.

[td4mvp21]

I can understand him not playing Splitter much now (ok not really but I'm willing to let it slide if he ends up playing him a lot by the end of the season), but he's fooling himself if he thinks we can win a le or advance far in the playoffs with Bonner playing the most minutes out of any of the non-Duncan bigs. There is no way with the strength of the frontcourts in the West.

[Lukor]

So how's that best center in Europe thing working out for you guys?

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

It's Pop's fault for not playing him at all. I think Pop was the one who didn't give a damn.

[Harry Callahan]

So how's that best center in Europe thing working out for you guys?

How's the ten million dollar per year backup center working out for you guys?

In San Antonio, you generally have to earn your paycheck, unlike with the Mavericks when Cuban panicks. The Mavies have had an overpaid bum in the 5 spot for the last five years (Erica) and will for the next five years (Brenda).

Splitter will be just fine with time.

FRB

[SpursDynasty85]

There might be a problem if Tiago's grasp of English and of Pop's sarcastic character isn't good enough to maintain a good relationship. This guy is used to the same superstar treatment in Europe as a Kobe Bryant or Dwight Howard
Granted he has to prove himself and win his 'spurs' so to speak, but Pop definitely could rile some players with his undiplomatic sarcasm. Some players respond well to it and others don't.

If Tiago still feels like a superstar, then he's got issues. He's obviously not 100% ready to contribute, but I agree he needs to play and make mistakes before he can get better. Hopefully Pop can give him a few min. He did last game which is sort of encouraging.

[SpursDynasty85]

*meant the Milwaukee game..

[ChumpDumper]

So how's that best center in Europe thing working out for you guys?

Pretty well.

22-3.

[JR21]

Cool im ready to see this guy on the floor

[jag]

He is who we thought he was, and we let him off the hook!

[Whisky Dog]

Neal needs to take him under his wing. Run a few trains, toughen him up.

[jjktkk]

If Tiago IS, in fact, a bit of a china doll, isn't it likely that the Spurs already know this when they drafted him?

Good point, but Splitter was considered a lottery talent, so the Spurs were certainly justified taking him with the 28th pick that year.