Where did you come up with that?Cousey never started....
I think its a good idea. Manu doesn't mind coming off the bench, and anybody who claims he does, does so because of emotion rather than logic. Not only would the Spurs benefit from the added energy off the bench, but as many have already stated, Manu would be the focus of the offense this way.
It amazes me how people still haven't gotten over the whole "bench = demotion" crap after all that has happened between 2004-2005 playoffs and now.
Wrong again. Havilicek didn't start in his first few years in the league and was the 6th man. But after the retirement of some guard (Sam Jones comes to mind for some reason) Havilicek moved into the starting lineup
I hear good arguments from both sides: He should start; He should come off the bench.
How about this: Play that fool all 48 minutes or until he drops. Ride the strong horse.
He would drop in a week.
Manu against another team's bench is a terror. It would put a lot of pressure on their squad. This also alleviates Parker's tendency to dominate the ball, which he can go ahead and do, with Finley more of a spot shooter.
First line (hockey style): establish Duncan and Parker.
Second line: bring in Barry, Udrih, Horry and Ginobili, get ball working around.
It puts a slasher into each unit.
'05 Manu was a starter in the playoffs and ended as a starter. Him coming off the bench worked maybe twice. Two other times it was a disaster.
However, this year I'm all for it.
How about bringing Tony off the bench? He would be a good energizer and we could gave a strong scorer/slasher that can create his own shot. And we would have Manu playing with Beno as some posters suggested.
Tony isn't anything w/out Tim in the lineup.
Whoa. I disagree with that one big time. Remember how Tony stepped up last year when Timmy sprained his ankle in Detroit? Remember those 2 OT b2b wins last season? (edit) Actually 2 seasons ago.
It would be nice if the team still had a Hedo/SJax type of SF. Hedo was a very good rebounder -- that season the Spurs were an elite rebounding team.
I don't really know if it matters much if Manu comes off the bench or not. His confidence is usually pretty high in both situations. Not sure it would make a huge difference, unless they could replace him with a good SF who can rebound. Barry and Finley don't exactly fit the bill.
Speaking of rebounding Manu has been great so far this season in that regard. Could be a little flukish though.
I like Manu off the bench because, as others have said, he would play against the other team's bench to start off, which works in favor of the Spurs. Of course, he would play his 25-35 mins a game as usual, and would definitely be in at the end. The biggest advantage would be that the Spurs wouldn't fall behind in the first half like they have been doing recently. A spark off the bench that the other team has to worry about, and that can help eliminate a deficit or extend a lead.
Borosai, give us a break. Dump either the sig or the avatar.
We've seen Manu at the 05 level for maybe 3 collective quaters since 05. Its safe to say things are different now.
Tony can safely handle playing 40 minute. Manu can not.
Last time he was coming off the bench he said he didn't like it but that he would deal with it and that it wasn't his decision.
So what makes you so sure he doesn't mind.
A week? Try two games.
Here's the thing. An Average 29 year old starter should be playing more like 35-40 minutes on any given night.
To be fair TP or Duncan are not playing close to 40 minutes. Actually neither of them is playing 35 minutes.
True, but likely TP/Duncan/Bowen will end up averaging 34-35 mpg, while Manu averages 27-28. I think that was Manny's point. That Ginobili never averages starter type minutes.
you're exagerating. last year he willed the '05 level through injuries when the spurs absolutely had to have it.
This year is too early, but him coming off the bench will save him come playoff time.
I just don't see what advantages there are to the team to have him starting. He doesn't play a large amount of minutes so its not like we need him in there for the first 5-7 minutes of a game. He changes the game far more when he comes off of the bench, he plays the same amount of minutes against lesser compe ion and lesser defense, and he works with the 2nd unit much more efficiently because they all pass well and he's the center of the offense. He finishes out the games, so he's in there at the most crucial point.
Now, give me the advantages to having him as a starter?
.
he's the leader of the team and as he goes so does the team.
True, it is an exageration, but the fact is that Manu did not play at the same level last year that he did in 05. If anyone thinks that he did, they are either underrating his 05 year or overrating his 06 year. Even this past summer he didn't have his best WC. The man has mentoined that he's trying to change his game and that he's lost a bit of confidence.
I LOVE Manu. I'm not knocking him. I just think he has physical limitations which do not go well with his wreckless abandon and because of that we should try to reserve him as much as possible.
The leader?
Gee, guess Duncan should go to the bench then.
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