Should Manu Come Off The Bench?

[TDMVPDPOY]

i say no

[spurschick]

Whatever gets us a trophy, I'm in

[diego]

I agree that it'd be for the betterment of the team.

When I watch the Spurs bench, I never feel like their is a true floor leader that is running the show. Someone needs to be out there that is agressive. Manu would excell in that role.

Also, I often feel that there just isn't enough ball for TD, TP and Manu when they're all on the floor together. Manu needs the ball in his hands to create. Or if nothing else, he needs Parker to pass him the ball to hit his jumpers. But it seemed last year that Pop told TP to go for his. He wanted him to be agressive and attack. He was succesful in it, but I feel it was harmful to Manu's game.

So many times I saw Manu open looking for the pass, and more often than not, TP tried to drive to the hole himslef, or get it into Duncan. End result was Manu not touching the ball.

Agreed, and mostly because of the second reason you gave. there just isnt enough ball/space in the paint for tim, tony and manu at the same time, and that just turns manu into a 3pt shooter- we have specialists for that. In fact I can think of maybe 5 games out of nearly 300 that both tony and manu scored over 20, its almost always one or the other, Im willing to bet those games were either OT or manu shooting 60+ from 3, otherwise theres only so many opportunities to drive and it is a zero sum game.
i dont know if sending manu to the bench is going to change that, becuase like we've all said he should play the same minutes. I think pop is pretty strict about keeping either duncan or manu in at all times, i think thats the main logic behind pop's thinking. And I also think that either for injuries or the inconsistent minutes manu was getting midseason he just barely "turned on" all his ability when we got down 3-1. Pop needs to find a way to get manu into the offense before the playoffs, and manu obviously manu needs to come through, because we're not going to win another championship with mediocre D and rebounding, and pick and rolls from parker and duncan on the other end. we have loads of shooters on our bench and i think manu is more than capable of creating shots for them (not to mention that duncan guy). we need to play to their strengths.

[beirmeistr]

It doesnt really matter cuz its not gonna happen. Manu is a top 10 SG in the league. He should not be coming off the bench.

I agree with you. Gino has earned his spot as a starter.

[midgetonadonkey]

I think he is better off of the bench. A great spark. What would it matter if he starts or not as long as he gets starter minutes?

[T Park]

Hopefully the Manu homers swallow their whatever disdain for coming off the bench and let em do it.

Do it and this team improves ten fold.


Alot of the reason for Fin's great production in the playoffs as TIMVP said, was due to Fin starting and getting into a groove and being with Duncan, and Parker out there.


Do it

[SenorSpur]

Yeah that part belongs to the mavs. The spurs need 3 players off the bench to be efficient. Right now it is either Finley or Manu and that's not enough to be considered an elite bench.

You bring up a great point. The Spurs have an average to an above average bench, at best. Age and experience are valuable commodiities, but are highly overrated at times. We can only contributing role players (Oberto, Butler, Udrih) play well.

On the other hand, it's no secret the Mavs have one of the better benches in the league and unquestionably are THE deepest team. , Cuban has invested millions to ensure this so. However, the deepest team doesn't always win - (see last year's NBA Finals).

[ALVAREZ6]

Should Manu Come Off The Bench? Part 7

[sa_butta]

All I will say is that at some point this season Im sure it will come to that, but in the begining, and until it stops working I think he starts. If we start a losing streak or someone gets injured, (knocks on wood) then maybe we could use the spark. Otherwise I dont see why Pop would need to do that.

[smeagol]

I say no just because TPark supports the "yes" camp

[Bruno]

Another reason to put Manu on the bench is that it will more easily to have always 2 of the big 3 on the floor (and 3 at the end of the game).

If puring manu on the bench doesn't hurt is confidence, it can be a good idea.

[Spurminator]

I don't think he needs to come off the bench, but the rotation can be set in a way that he is on the floor with the "bench" unit whenever possible. Why not sub him out between the 4-6 minute mark like usual, bring Finley in, then bring Manu back whenever you sub out Duncan?

I like Manu's spark at the beginning of games as much as his spark off the bench. This way, you have both.

[smeagol]

I don't really care as long as the Spurs win.

I also hope Manu plays like int eh 05 season.

[ATX Spur]

How many insane moments have we seen where Manu grabs the opening tip and then careens toward the basket? I love seeing him start.

[v2freak]

I'd consider it

[TMTTRIO]

I don't really care as long as the Spurs win.

I also hope Manu plays like int eh 05 season.

I agree I just hope he can play well because so far this preseason he's played pretty badly (other than the Orlando game). Hopefully he'll start to get into rhythm soon.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I agree I just hope he can play well because so far this preseason he's played pretty badly (other than the Orlando game). Hopefully he'll start to get into rhythm soon.

Has he been taking more jumpshots or something?

[Samr]

Some of you need to get real. If Manu comes off the bench, how does this in any way dishonor him? The dude is clearly one of the three best players on the team. Some nights, he is the best. The Spurs, the city, and the league have all openly acknowledged his contributions.

If he is a starter, he'll get introduced at the beginning of games. If he comes off the bench, potentially, his stats will increase. And the Spurs will do better as a team.

What is a better Thank You: Being a starter, or getting a ring?

[THE SIXTH MAN]

I think he should come off the bench.