"Young 3"

[Extra Stout]

Yeah but it's not like you can be assured of finding another player who is as good of a perimeter defender as BB.

But it should be the priority to try to find that type of player, and change the scheme only if the search fails.

[Extra Stout]

It failed in 2001 because the team was old and decrepit out on the perimeter after DA was clotheslined. That team was still good enough for the top seed and a conference finals appearance.

Spurs' history 1973-1996 shows that regular season records mean jack if the team isn't built for the playoffs.

[boutons]

"as good of a perimeter defender as BB."

Bruce is a man on a mission. Within his less-the-All-star abilities, he's worked his ass off to win and maintain a starter's role and be a key contributor in 2 les. Bruce is pretty much a very admirable one of a kind.

A Bruce replacement won't share his passion and commitment to shut-down defense, so drop those expectations now. However, his replacement will probably be more productive on offense. I'm sure Pop will make the replacement more than respectable on defense, so that Bruce's exit will not be felt in the overall team performance.

[Marcus Bryant]

Spurs' history 1973-1996 shows that regular season records mean jack if the team isn't built for the playoffs.

It also showed that team athleticism and depth, especially on the perimeter, was somewhat important. That '01 team lost its starting shooting guard before that series.

You cannot expect the next starting 3 in SA to be as great of a defender as Bruce or even a 'defensive stopper' for that matter.