Random Thoughts Before Game 2 - Spurs vs. Suns 2010

[Capt Bringdown]

How does that get you to think he can all of a sudden produce in this series?

If Jaren Jackson can help us slay the mighty Lakers, I hope Mason can help us win a playoff series. And Bonner to a much lesser extent. At least Mason had a very brief productive spell in a Spurs uniform, hitting some regular-season game winners for us. I can't ever recall Bonner ever doing anything besides having a decent game every 6 months.

It's a long shot to say the least, but we're in "gonna take a miracle" mode anyway, so why not dream big?

[polandprzem]

What I believe is, if you put Hill on the bench and use him in a fashion that has him only really playing when he's got a favorable matchup on the defensive end ... that's a mistake -- he's been their fourth best player and he needs to be on the court, regardless.

But it would also have a detrimental effect to Hill's psyche. Pop raves about him all year and shows the faith in him to allow him to start in Parkers place (not becaue he's better but because it was better for the team -- it's the trust and faith that he was shown, though) and all of a sudden when the games mean the most you're going to tell him to go back to being a lesser role player? That he's only good enough to play when the matchup is favorable?

That's just not an approach that's going to benefit George in any way.

I'm just not in favor of jerking Hill around, reducing his role and responsibility or having him wonder if he's going to start or not. His minutes should be comparable to the Big Three's and not reduced to situational.

I do believe he should be utilized as more of a 2-guard in this series and that he and Tony should be able to get out in the open court to offset or create an advantage with their speed, which could allow for the mismatch on the other end, though. The Spurs need Hill ... they can't risk losing him.

I don't think you can reduce his role much.
You just put him in a situation that suits team better.
All in all George in gonna play 30+ minutes

[024]

parker really should be starting. nash will just get another free pass on defense in the beginning and get in rhythm. unless pop ripped hill into attacking relentlessly, this will be bad. even if hill attacks relentlessly, he can't do it as well as parker.

[timvp]

TP not starting is a mistake.

Hopefully the Spurs can overcome.

Otherwise, the adjustment will be a game late and a dollar short.

[024]

actually on second thought, pop allowing hill to start speaks volumes. pulling hill might just destroy his confidence for the rest of the series. pop knows the spurs need hill to be the reliable fourth option so he's willing to risk nash going off a second time to try to maintain hill's confidence from the mavs series.

[Brazil]

TP not starting...

http://twitter.com/spurs

not surprising actually, Pop said earlier TP started the second half because Hill was in fouls trouble, later TP said he thought Hill would start and gave him advice for how to work Nash.

[AnthonyM]

Parker not starting....wtfffff

[Dex]

Pop flying in the face of convention, once again.

Doesn't surprise me. Pop isn't going to adjust off of one game.

I'm all for sticking with your convictions and all, but come on. If there was a time and place to start Tony, it is now.

[polandprzem]

TP not starting is a mistake.

Hopefully the Spurs can overcome.

Otherwise, the adjustment will be a game late and a dollar short.

Sir Charles is all over it "I don't knpw what Pop is doing ..."

[newacc]

They announced it on pregame and Barkley was shocked. Even if GHill works, this was stupid.