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Manu needs to start. Finley and Barry need to get their offense going. Period. Yes, Manu provides a spark of the bench, but that's why we have two past All Stars and Robert Horry.
Yes
No
No. If it were any other player this whole discussion would be ridiculous. But because Pop has done this with Manu before it somehow legitimizes it. Manu didn't to anything to warrant losing the spot (quite the opposite). He is playing much better than the player starting ahead of him. Starting has done little if anything to help Finley's game, so what is the debate?
The "spark off the bench" argument is weak. What about the spark starting the game? What about NVE/Finley/Barry/Horry providing a spark off the bench? Why don't we bench Parker and start NVE so Parker can provide a spark off the bench?
I like Finley a lot. I think he'll come around and provide a major contribution this season. But IMO the starting thing hurts him more than it helps. He knows he didn't earn the spot. He knows it's not guaranteed. Let him come off the bench and adjust to that role with some consistency.
Manu needs to start. Finley and Barry need to get their offense going. Period. Yes, Manu provides a spark of the bench, but that's why we have two past All Stars and Robert Horry.
If we assume Manu is completely healed, he should start. He has that indefinable 'something' --some call it the will to win--that makes his play critical to the effectiveness of the team.
Secondly, and I don't think anyone has brought this up, Finley on the bench means he comes in and plays mostly against the bench players of the other team.
While he may not be quite as effective against the first team players of other teams because of his age, in most cases, he should still be able to perform better than the opposing bench players.
It's all about matchups and this would give an advantage in matchups for both Manu and Finley.
ITA with this. We cannot get into a pattern tonight of being behind and playing catch up, or the Pistons will completely take advantage of that. And I know they shut him down in Games 3 and 4 of the Finals last year, but in the first two games, Manu got inside their head and drove them nuts. There's something about Manu--his crazy, unpredictable moves and especially his -bent-for-leather defense--that knocks the Pistons off their game, and we need every weapon in our arsenal to beat them tonight.
As for Finley, he's improving, but he should be coming off the bench until he has proved that he has a strong enough offensive/defensive package to play against the opposing team's first string. The one I think we really need to worry about is Van Exel.
Why? It's January, Spurs have a 2 game lead in the conference - and will most likely own the tie-breaker having already beaten Dallas at home, and having a signifigant lead in conference records (5 games, I think).
Pop can tinker, mix, match and learn; makes the finished product that much better.
Well said, Uncle Donnie.
No dice Donnie......the spark off the bench isnt a weak argument. This is marathon not a sprint, yeah a spark right off the bat is nice but sustaining that spark is the key. We normally get a pretty good spark between Timmy, Tony and Michael at the beginning of games and Manu checks in to sustain it or build on it. I would rather have a guy whos been in the system for a couple years coming off the bench to ignite this team when we're down, instead of a first year free agent still adjusting to his role.
how can he adjust and get used to it when he is not doing his role w/c is supposed to be a backup for manu?...thats what he is there for and thats what he signed up for ... manu should not be the one to sacrifice and give up a starting spot that he so well deserved because the bench could not perform..you dont bench one of the top players in your team...
Ok, so the team's championship chances should be sacrificed for the sake of Manu's fans.
Same difference.
If Finley doesn't play any better as a starter, it doesn't matter.
Why is people acting like Finley as a starter is worth benching Manu? He has played like CRAP as a starter. Take a look at his numbers. He's done terrible, and we need our best guys to be on the court, as simple as that.
If we used the same argument, why don't we bench Timmy so Rasho could get his confidence back? Or we could bench Tony, who is having an All Star season to do the same to NVE, what do you say folks?
I did. They're better as a starter.He has played like CRAP as a starter. Take a look at his numbers.
But they still suck, and when he came off the bench, they were his first games with his new team. It's not like Finley only wasn't doing too well because he wasn't starting, the fact that he is new to the team has to do with it to.
I bet if you benched finley right now he would play better.
I'm not sure it really matters at this point for him. A slump is a slump.I bet if you benched finley right now he would play better.
Pretty big slump if you ask me...
And benching will only help, right?
lol
the argentinian people's arrogance is somethin else....
Well it certainly is vexing that we can't get any consistency off the bench behind Manu after three or four tries. I understand their frustration, but they have to understand 1) it's not the San Antonio Manus and 2) it's a long ass season. If anyone else shows any hint of being consistently good off the bench, Manu will probably start.
'benching will only help"
Playing him isn't ing helping.
45% for his career,
40% as Spur,
way under 40% in past 4 games,
and 304th in Leage in FG%.
He's as much of a scoring bust now as Brent was this time last year.
He just seems more comfortable, and for some reason less attacked, as a bust than Brent was.
He's nothing but a scorer and he ain't scoring.
Let Manu go for 35 minutes tonight, if that's what it takes to win.
I want Mike to succeed as much as I want/ed Brent to succeed.
But Manu deserves to play ing ball and the Spurs need some wins.
I'd be all for that if I thought Manu would last the season.Let Manu go for 35 minutes tonight, if that's what it takes to win.
Simply Manu...
Manu is a Star of the league
Lets generalize, huh TPark?
Moron.
35 minutes tonight, NOT every night.
Mike/Brent, both shooting 40%, can spell Manu, but we aren't gonna win with those two.
This ing "bench depth" thing ain't working out just right now.
Not getting very damn much from the bench at all.
Well, when do you back off the 35 minutes? just break it out for special occasions?Well, I suppose injuring Manu during the regular season for pride is the only option then.This ing "bench depth" thing ain't working out just right now.
"just break it out for special occasions?"
yeah, sure, if the game is out of reach, for us or the opponent, plenty of time to let Manu rest and let the others brick it.
"I suppose injuring Manu during the regular season for pride is the only option then"
You suck as supposer. Keep trying, you heading for suppository status.
Because he's black.....
He's as much of a scoring bust now as Brent was this time last year.
He just seems more comfortable, and for some reason less attacked, as a bust than Brent was.
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