Bonner and Mason era is over!

[SenorSpur]

The problem is too many of you apparently think because a guy hits a couple of shots on the offensive end, he 'brought it'.

For perspective, Bonner had three rebounds in THIRTY minutes tonight. You are a center on the San Antonio Spurs pulling down three freakin' rebounds, an average of one every ten minutes?

You could take any person posting in this thread, put them on the court in an NBA game, and they'd have three rebounds land in their lap in thirty minutes.

His rebounding is anemic, teams aren't afraid of him blocking shots (because he doesn't do it) so they go to the rack strong against us, and when he's in choker mode he also likes to put it on the floor and drive, and turns it over (like his three TOs tonight).

Bonner's +/- looks so good because he's often out there playing side by side with Tim, Manu, and Tony. Not shocking he puts up a decent plus/minus with teammates like that.

Allow me to help pile on.

The other problem I have with Bonner (and there are many) is that he simply doesn't have a big man's mentality. Too many times, especially in this series, I've seen him FAIL to put a body on a man, thereby allowing opponents to sneak in for easy offensive rebounds. In Game 2 in Phoenix, Jared Dudley literally breathed life into his team and the crowd by nabbing about 3-4 offensive rebound putback, plus the "and-1".

A couple of these were over Bonner, who simply stood under the rim, flat-footed, waiting for the ball to drop into his hands, while Dudley came in. Now, not all of those were the fault of Bonner, because Blair was guilty of the same on one play. Still, those key "energy" plays by Dudley changed the momentum and allowed the Suns back into a game that the Spurs had taken control of.

However from then on, as I started watching Bonner's reactions when opponents shots went up. It became clear to me that he lacks the presence of mind to box out consistently and finding and sealing off his opponent so as to secure rebounds. Saw this a lot from Michael Finley, when he was here. Absolutely terrible at keeping himself between the opponent and the rim.

Because reboudnding is more about desire and positioning, it's clear Bonner has little of either. Perhaps that is a reason, along with lack of desire, as to why his rebound numbers are so paltry.

It takes toughness (mental and physical) to succeed in the playoffs. That's why players like Robert Horry did and why Bonner hasn't. As far as I'm concerned the Bonner era can't be over fast enough for me.

[Brox6]

I think Mason is gone for sure..but Bonner? Pop still needs a limo driver..

[NFGIII]

I don't think I'm going out on a limb when I say Bonner will be back..

Thankfully, Mason is gone..

Don't be shocked if you see Bonner again next year...I'm not saying it's a lock or anything, but I definitely wouldn't count him out of the equation.

If he comes back cheap and is ok being behind splitter Blair dyes and Duncan. Then I wouldn't be shocked....

I think he probably will be back next season for the vet min. I really can't see the FO dishing out any real money for him. And with Splitter coming he is destined to be the 5th big anyway which means spot minutes and not much more.

Who the is going to take Bonner?

Nellie ball or any team that believes/knows it wont make the POs. He is a decent regular season role player. And he will come pretty cheap after his last two PO performances. And in these economic times that will probably get him a roster spot somewhere.

Bonner had better hope the Spurs throw him a bone. How the is that guy even in the NBA?

He is a career 40+% 3pt shooter which will make a few teams to at least give him some consideration.

The problem is too many of you apparently think because a guy hits a couple of shots on the offensive end, he 'brought it'.

For perspective, Bonner had three rebounds in THIRTY minutes tonight. You are a center on the San Antonio Spurs pulling down three freakin' rebounds, an average of one every ten minutes?

You could take any person posting in this thread, put them on the court in an NBA game, and they'd have three rebounds land in their lap in thirty minutes.

His rebounding is anemic, teams aren't afraid of him blocking shots (because he doesn't do it) so they go to the rack strong against us, and when he's in choker mode he also likes to put it on the floor and drive, and turns it over (like his three TOs tonight).

Bonner's +/- looks so good because he's often out there playing side by side with Tim, Manu, and Tony. Not shocking he puts up a decent plus/minus with teammates like that.

And don't forget that he turned into a TO machine in game 4. Bad passes and that one which he just chucked it to no one was pretty pathetic.

[slick'81]

no way mason is resigned even if the spurs offered him a deal no way he comes back

bogans no need for him if he couldnt help us this season v phoenix he wont be much help next year

and dont even get me started on bonner....lord help me if hes back just reeks of failure

[timtonymanu]

Thanks Mason for your 4 game winners that really didnt mean anything.

Mason is definitely gone. Udoka's second year >>> Mason's second year. And Udoka wasnt brought back.

Bonner I really dont want back because I know Pop will overplay him but I feel like Pop believes he can contribute. Same with Bogans. These two should be gone but I wouldnt be surprised if they were brought back. If they are, it better be for cheap and these two really need to improve their game.