If you had to choose between Manu and Tim...

[SAGirl]

Honestly neither. The team needs to move on.

[Phenomanul]

TBH both of them should consider taking a break from all things basketball (post Rio in the case of Manu) and just work on strengthening their bodies till next January. Start working them in to the rotation next February and then they likely still have their legs under them for one last playoff run. People forget that both of them started the season really well in October / November (and by well I mean a highly efficient game).

[Phenomanul]

and Duncan needs to go overseas and get some quality stem cell therapy in his knee.

[cjw]

TBH both of them should consider taking a break from all things basketball (post Rio in the case of Manu) and just work on strengthening their bodies till next January. Start working them in to the rotation next February and then they likely still have their legs under them for one last playoff run. People forget that both of them started the season really well in October / November (and by well I mean a highly efficient game).

Essentially a similar route that some older baseball pitchers go down. Think it's a lot harder in basketball to get your legs under you than skipping half the MLB season, though. More likely if they come back and see ~2 games per week. This would also allow younger guys to get early season burn.

Would a January start mean renouncing them with the understanding that they come back on minimum contracts?

[Blue Duck]

Stupid ass question.

Wow, it's strange how differently two people can view the same thing. I was a actually about to compliment the op on bringing up an interesting hypothetical i hadn't yet considered. Anyways, love em both, always will but at this point.....my choice is Manu. Ball will move, open man will be found.

[SD126]

The worse contract is porker tbh...

[cd021]

tough choice I think I would choose Manu. Duncan provides rim protection, rebounding, passing, and interior scoring. Manu provides play making for the second unit, spurs offense has had two primary play makers for years one in the SL and one off the bench. Losing Manu would leave a big hole on the second unit.

[Capster]

The worse contract is porker tbh...

I agree!

[cd021]

As Tim ages, I do not understand why he doesn't rely on his mid-range game a little more to provide some semblance of productivity. His bank shot used to be money. Now everything that he puts up is within 3ft from the basket.

If he would try to modify his game to compensate for his old age shortcomings, I'd easily take a 10pt, 9reb, 1blk Duncan. He still has some value as a defensive big, and I'm always worried about TO's when Manu enters the game.

Duncan's mid range game was money during the 11-12 and 12-13 season it has been poor even since. Duncan has altered his game by cutting out mid range shots and taking shots closer to the basket. He dominated the Clippers averaging 18ppg on 59% shooting in last years first round series.

If Duncan could regain that form then his value on offense would drastically improve, teams can sag off when he catches the ball outside of the paint.