Manu back to the bench?

[CAPARG]

Really, I´m not happy with the move, but if he BELIEVE, I BELIEVE more than ever we can be the Champions.

[Ginofan]

I thought you bashed me when I suggested the move?

Oh well.

I don't think I really bashed you Timvp...(if I did I apologize) but it was more like I didn't like the logic of the reasons you stated to support your theory. But either way...it worked out in the end, and I couldn't be more happy

[TwoHandJam]

Click here to see Spurs fans bashing timvp for saying that Manu should come off the bench.

Click here to see another thread of Spurs fans bashing timvp.

Tip to people who bash timvp in the future:

He's usually right.

Geez, you've done everything in but award yourself your own kluby in this thread. Watch it timvp or you'll have trouble fitting your head through doors.

You weren't alone in thinking it might be a good idea to have Barry start. I can't remember if I posted thoughts on this but I know I had lengthy discussions with my Canadian compadre Walton about this very early in the season.

Also, the reasons you posted for having Manu come off the bench now (confidence boost for Barry, better spacing for Tim) are not the ones you were touting back then. Back then it was all about how fragile and tired Manu is and how he could never make it through a season playing even a hair more than 30mpg (something I still totally disagree with btw).

So lets not break our arms patting ourselves on the back too much hmm? I think Barry starting is a good thing and something Pop should have tried early in the season when he was still tinkering. Lets hope it all works out and we can hoist another O'Brien this summer.

[Kori Ellis]

Don't think that managing Manu's minutes wasn't a big part of the decision too. It wasn't just about jumpstarting Barry or about providing energy off the bench. Manu's fatigue played a role in it too.

I'm not sure how long Pop plans to use this lineup, but it worked last night. We'll see what happens the rest of the series. I know Manu can perform off the bench; we'll see if Barry can continue to flourish as a starter.

[Sec24Row7]

Manu is our second best player and the #1 Leader on this team as far as I am concerned.

This is his 3rd year, he is much more Vocal and he is THE go to guy in the 4th quarter.

If we make it to the finals and win, I wouldn't be surprised to see Ginobili win Finals MvP...over Dunan.

He is just that kind of player in huge games.

HE is the difference between Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan.

Just call me manu fanboi #37 after how he handled coming off the bench last night.

[Kori Ellis]

BTW, Happy Birthday Ginofan.

[Ginofan]

BTW, Happy Birthday Ginofan.

Thanks Kori!

[TwoHandJam]

Don't think that managing Manu's minutes wasn't a big part of the decision too. It wasn't just about jumpstarting Barry or about providing energy off the bench. Manu's fatigue played a role in it too.

I'm sure it did play a role in the decision Kori but we'll never know how big of a role. In this particular series, we've got good spacing between games so I'm not sure it was the main factor. I think Barry's almost total lack of production in game 1 was.

I'm not sure how long Pop plans to use this lineup, but it worked last night. We'll see what happens the rest of the series. I know Manu can perform off the bench; we'll see if Barry can continue to flourish as a starter.

Yup. I hope we can build on our momentum from the last game.

Oh yeah, I found this http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7539 in the archives by duncan2k5 who advocated Barry should start way back in December so maybe your hubby might want to share the spotlight a little.

[ducks]

"I was disappointed last year, but then I was still a little doubtful about my career," Ginobili said. "I didn't know if I belonged here that much.

"This year, I know who I am. I know the team respects me. I know Pop does, too. And I know it's good for the team, so it's no big deal."

"I said if you feel it's going to help us, I'm ready to do it," Ginobili said. "We all have only one goal. That's winning the championship."

I said earlier before quotes came out
manu got his big contract so he would not have a problem with it

[Ginofan]

I said earlier before quotes came out
manu got his big contract so he would not have a problem with it

You keep acting like he's all about the money, ducks.

[Spurminator]

I think ducks is talking about security more than dollars.

[Kori Ellis]

timvp is just gloating because he gets bashed so badly when he makes a "crazy" take. Last season when he wanted Mercer benched (and then waived) people went off on him in a bad way. Since the season started and Barry wasn't performing that well and Manu was getting so fatigued, he's been saying to me that the Spurs just let Barry start and that would combat both factors. But most people here wouldn't even consider it because of the All-Star level of play of Manu. I didn't think that Pop would choose to do it during the postseason, but it makes too much sense. Manu only played 18 minutes last night, so this move and the rout of Denver obviously let Pop rest him more than normal. Manu is extremely fatigued and Pop knows that the playoffs aren't a sprint. So though Pop's decision was surprising timing-wise, I don't see how it can be viewed as a "demotion" or a bad thing right now.

[2centsworth]

timvp is just gloating because he gets bashed so badly when he makes a "crazy" take. Last season when he wanted Mercer benched (and then waived) people went off on him in a bad way. Since the season started and Barry wasn't performing that well and Manu was getting so fatigued, he's been saying to me that the Spurs just let Barry start and that would combat both factors. But most people here wouldn't even consider it because of the All-Star level of play of Manu. I didn't think that Pop would choose to do it during the postseason, but it makes too much sense. Manu only played 18 minutes last night, so this move and the rout of Denver obviously let Pop rest him more than normal. Manu is extremely fatigued and Pop knows that the playoffs aren't a sprint. So though Pop's decision was surprising timing-wise, I don't see how it can be viewed as a "demotion" or a bad thing right now.

Stand by your man!

[2centsworth]

Still defending the decision making in the 4th of game 1 that probably cost us HCA?

Still refusing to admit the gravity of the situation we will face in Denver because of a lame duck performance in game 1?


I think the Spurs are the better team and the more talented team...but whatever edge they have is going to be lessened playing in the mile high city.

It's not about the Spurs...it's about Pop's stubborness.

If the spurs win the series, will your crazy takes disappear or are you happy just irritating people?

[Kori Ellis]

When he gets in crazy-Whottt mode, you can't stop the madness.

[smeagol]

I said earlier before quotes came out
manu got his big contract so he would not have a problem with it

Ducks, what is your issue with Manu?

You have very subtle ways of bashing him.

[picnroll]

In Pop's postgame comments they mentioned that the coaches reasoning for bringing Manu off the bench was; 1) it allowed for rotations in which at least two of the three of Manu, TP and TD were on the floor together, and 2) it allowed Barry to be on the floor more with Parker and TD the players the coaches feel he's most effective playing with. PJ sited Manu not starting as a problem in getting him all the minutes they'd like. So at least for public consumption they don't see limiting Manu's minutes somewhat by his not starting as a positive. Net effect they see as a positive.

[TwoHandJam]

timvp is just gloating because he gets bashed so badly when he makes a "crazy" take. Last season when he wanted Mercer benched (and then waived) people went off on him in a bad way. Since the season started and Barry wasn't performing that well and Manu was getting so fatigued, he's been saying to me that the Spurs just let Barry start and that would combat both factors. But most people here wouldn't even consider it because of the All-Star level of play of Manu. I didn't think that Pop would choose to do it during the postseason, but it makes too much sense. Manu only played 18 minutes last night, so this move and the rout of Denver obviously let Pop rest him more than normal. Manu is extremely fatigued and Pop knows that the playoffs aren't a sprint. So though Pop's decision was surprising timing-wise, I don't see how it can be viewed as a "demotion" or a bad thing right now.

I totally agree. As I said, I'd been having similar conversations with Walton about Barry starting when he was having trouble adjusting.

I also don't see how you can view this as a demotion just as I couldn't see it as one when Hedo started. It's a total sign of respect for Manu's game that Pop thinks he can flourish in any situation.

Manu himself said he understands the decision just as he did last year. Last year it was harder to swallow because he still didn't feel completely validated yet as a NBA caliber player but it seems this year he has no qualms about it.

This guy is all class.

[2centsworth]

Click here to see Spurs fans bashing timvp for saying that Manu should come off the bench.

Click here to see another thread of Spurs fans bashing timvp.

Tip to people who bash timvp in the future:

He's usually right.

How about your take that B. Berry is a choke artist and would never show up in any meaningful game. You referenced his Chicago experience as an example. I think Timvp has selective memory, but usually has very good takes.

[Kori Ellis]

PJ and Pop often say very different things, which I always find interesting.

I guess that keeps CIA in full-effect.

PJ also had said before the game yesterday that there was no way Devin would play last night.

[Kori Ellis]

How about your take that B. Berry is a choke artist and would never show up in any meaningful game. You referenced his Chicago experience as an example. I think Timvp has selective memory, but usually has very good takes.

timvp has repeatedly said that Barry needed to step up but hadn't yet. He often finishes his Barry-bashing posts with "He needs to step up and I think he will." Apparently you have selective reading as well.

Case in point ...

I've never seen someone be such an apologist for a player. whotttt is treating Barry like taruky treated Turkoglu.

Barry got scared and didn't shoot enough in game one. The Spurs needed him to hit some shots. Barry came up with 0 points in 19 minutes.

Only Whotttt can twist that around to where Pop is wrong and how Barry is the one who should have kept playing becuase eventually he might have scored.

Give it up. You are backing a shook player who sucked in the beginning of preseason and who sucked in the beginning of the regular season due to pressure. I expected him to curl up into the fetal position come playoff time.

Luckily, I think he'll snap out of it. Until then, you are only making yourself look bad by defending him with your life.

Barry will eventually get into the flow and stop being nervous.

Believe.

[nkdlunch]

In Pop's postgame comments they mentioned that the coaches reasoning for bringing Manu off the bench was; 1) it allowed for rotations in which at least two of the three of Manu, TP and TD were on the floor together, and 2) it allowed Barry to be on the floor more with Parker and TD the players the coaches feel he's most effective playing with. PJ sited Manu not starting as a problem in getting him all the minutes they'd like. So at least for public consumption they don't see limiting Manu's minutes somewhat by his not starting as a positive. Net effect they see as a positive.

All seem valid points. Who cares if Manu starts at the bench. Everyone knows he is the second most important piece to this team.
Tim = Queen
Manu = Rook
Parker = Knight
Everyone else = Pawn

[ambchang]

All being said, Manu should get props for handling it like a true professional. Instead of whining and ing, he scored 17 points in 18 minutes, and just blew the Nuggets away when he stepped on the court. Granted, it would not have happened if Duncan wasn't playing great.
The Nuggets looked flat in the first half, and this probably would not happen again in this series. Despite the blowout, it still counts as one win, and the Spurs have to win at least one in Denver, who has a 19-1 record under Karl, and win all their remaining home games.

[2centsworth]

timvp has repeatedly said that Barry needed to step up but hadn't yet. He often finishes his Barry-bashing posts with "He needs to step up and I think he will." Apparently you have selective reading as well.

Case in point ...

I will admit I haven't read all 20k of Timvp's post like you have, but the ones I've read made no mention that berry would step up. So I can find 20 other post that support my argument. Think about it.

[Kori Ellis]

I will admit I haven't read all 20k of Timvp's post like you have, but the ones I've read made no mention that berry would step up. So I can find 20 other post that support my argument. Think about it.

I'm not sure why you are a little obsessed with this and want to make your "argument". But believe me that I know what timvp has been saying, we talk about the Spurs everyday. Sometimes I bash Barry (or others) in the forum relentlessly, but it doesn't mean that I don't think he can eventually sack up.