Manu back to the bench?

[2centsworth]

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.

the obsession comes from you. I kiddingly made a comment about Timvp always being right, and complimented him in the same thread. You're the defensive one, but I can understand that and admire it.

[Kori Ellis]

I'm not defensive, you just repeatedly give people back-handed compliments and I think it sucks.

[2centsworth]

I'm not defensive, you just repeatedly give people back-handed compliments and I think it sucks.

Only when I'm trying to needle them. I expect my friends to do the same for me if I get a little full of myself. I do consider us friends of the forum.

Btw, the back-handedness is a guy thing.

[ducks]

with manu it was about the money some
before he got his contract he did not know hwat he would make
you get paid more for starting
it is also about security and respect from your teamates

[MannyIsGod]

I'm not defensive, you just repeatedly give people back-handed compliments and I think it sucks.

Haha!

[2centsworth]

Apparently Manny still feels the pain I've inflicted on him.lol

[Obvious]

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.

I agree, by now that was just a lucky move because the 67% not a smart move. If you hit 67% you don’t need Manu either in the bench.

[timvp]

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.

Check out my first post in this thread. Then get back to me.

You sure have a lot to talk about for a guy who "retired" from this forum after a loss

[2centsworth]

You sure have a lot to talk about for a guy who "retired" from this forum after a loss

Please tell me where I said that.

All I've ever said on this forum is that the spurs have been on cruise control since the beginning of the season. 1st game of the series finally woke them up.


You're very good a distorting words.

[timvp]

Please tell me where I said that.

All I've ever said on this forum is that the spurs have been on cruise control since the beginning of the season. 1st game of the series finally woke them up.


You're very good a distorting words.

"Farewell Everyone"

Too easy.

[2centsworth]

i said [quote]Until playoff time, so long. /[quote]

I still think it's obvious the spurs are going to win it all.

totally off the mark. Coasting in a good way, but I'm not going to try to explain it to you. Hint: Pop plays Manu limited minutes. See you come playoff time.


btw, the heat are coasting too.

It's too easy proving you're distoring my words trying to be a tough guy. I'm not dusty.

[Kori Ellis]

It's too easy proving you're distoring my words trying to be a tough guy. I'm not dusty.

2centsworth, why are you being suck a prick? Didn't we even give you a free ticket to a Spurs game? Just back up.

[2centsworth]

2centsworth, why are you being suck a prick? Didn't we even give you a free ticket to a Spurs game? Just back up.

Kori,

I'm responding to the following.

You sure have a lot to talk about for a guy who "retired" from this forum after a loss

That was started by Timvp, not me. I'm defending myself and not being a prick.

Pete

[Kori Ellis]

You did "retire". Albeit temporary. You announced your farewell. And you are being a prick, what's with the "dusty" comment? Just .

[CaptainLate]

Exactly.

Pop should have made this switch months ago when I brought it up. It makes way too much sense not to do it. You get fragile-minded Brent Barry into the starting lineup and let him get into a rhythm. Barry can space out the floor and make it easier for Parker and Duncan.

Then when Manu comes off the bench, it's over. No team can match his energy coming off the bench. If the game is close, Manu will blow it open.

This move is genius. The only bad part is Pop should have gone with this lineup when I originally brought it up.

I would ask for apologies, but there were too many people who called me out and who couldn't understand the difference between a move that would help the team and a "demotion".

timvp strikes again.

You were absolutely right, Timvp. However, I wasn't on this Forum back then so I won't apologize. LOL Just like it took the MRose trade to see the value of Horry, it took a Devin Brown injury to make folks realize what Bones could bring to the table. Pop's mistake was automatically giving the starting job to Manu this year. (Heck, the guy was up for Sixth Man of the Year in 2004.) He should have said that SG this year was going to be open to compe ion. Well, better late than never. But the Spurs better win Game 3 or the Nuggets' confidence is back and it could be over.

[2centsworth]

Yeah, I hear people say retire temporarily all the time.

[Kori Ellis]

Pop's mistake was automatically giving the starting job to Manu this year. (Heck, the guy was up for Sixth Man of the Year in 2004.) He should have said that SG this year was going to be open to compe ion.

I wonder how many fans would have been able to accept that in the beginning of the season. Was Manu "owed" the starting job?

Do you think the Spurs would have won more games in the regular season if he came off the bench all year?

I know it's all hindsight now, but it's fun to think about.

[Kori Ellis]

I suggest you back out of this thread and any other snide comments you'd like to make about timvp not talking to you in person, or about dusty or whatever you can do it on IM.

This thread needs to get back on track.

[CaptainLate]

I wonder how many fans would have been able to accept that in the beginning of the season. Was Manu "owed" the starting job?

Do you think the Spurs would have won more games in the regular season if he came off the bench all year?

I know it's all hindsight now, but it's fun to think about.

Interesting question, Kori. They may well have won more. But, if Barry had won the starting SG compe ion, then Manu wouldn't be so worn out. Thanks to the Olympics, we've got a tired Manu and our #1 player with a weak ankle that won't be 100% till an offseason of staying off it. Thank heavens France didn't qualify or we'd be a #5 seed. LOL

[stéphane]

BULL !
Same minutes??? You have to be kidding me, right??????????
Your boy played like crap last POs when it did matter same as last game...Manu got "promoted" to the bench and u have the nerve to say u would be cool w/Tony in the same situation?
Guess what? U will never be in the same situation coz TP is Pop's golden- frankenstein-boy creation. He has divine protection (as well as all the sharp shooter sgs Spurs get in the off season).

first read then think then post thx.
i didn't say it would happen or anything, i just say i would be cool with it. But yeah sorry beno isn't brent barry...

[stéphane]

here's a quote from TP's ITW (postgame)

Brent Barry was starting instead of Manu Ginobili. Why ?

It's simply to give him some confidence. With me taking the ball inside and Tim Duncan pulling two defenders most of the time, Brent has some open 3 pointers. It's easier for him to play with us than with the bench. For Manu, it's not a problem. He needs noone to score. It doesn't affect his PT. As always, he will play 30 minutes a game.

Either you're looking for the best for the spurs or you don't care and let speak some kind of Manu's supporters pride. Choose your side.

[EasilyAmused]

"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."

Awww what a class act!

Like I said, yes I was disappointed as a fan of Manu but I have read enough posts in this forum that I know many would feel the same if it was their favorite player, which there is nothing wrong in being passionate towards your favorites.

All in all it was a good move it worked and above all it helped the whole team!

Did anyone catch the Pop conference after the game? They asked him how Manu responded to being told he was going to come off the bench; Pop said, "He asked to be traded"

Cute!

[diego]

well, if duncan shot 70% instead of 30 like gm

[beirmeistr]

As a bigtime Ginobili fan, I have mixed feelings about his switch from starter to bench player. I understand that a coach has the responsibility to utilize his players the best way he sees fit, but, at the same time, if manu has played his heart out all season and has been outstanding in his play, does he not deserve to be a starter?
Most fans will support this move because of the fantastic results in game 2, but game 2 was special----coming off a loss, Duncan not playing well in 4th qtr, TP not playing well, etc. Who knows how the game would have turned out with Manu as the starter? A plausible soothing explanation for the switch is that Manu gets tired and needs his rest. But this tiredness is only a 2005 occurrence. I don't believe that was the reason for Hedo's promotion to starter last season---that Manu got tired. If manu were handling 40 minutes a game right now, the switch might still have happened, but the explanation would be similar to hedo's case---so barry could get his confidence. If it's a temporary thing for the playoffs, especially considering the battered bench, I understand the move. Anything to try for the championship.
But if Manu rests this summer and comes back in good shape for next season, I think he should get back his starting position next year.
PS--I don't have anything against Barry. I like his play, especially when he and manu are on the floor together.

[Nikos]

Honestly I really do not give a . I want this team to play well enough to win the championship.

I want Duncan to be healthy, cause if he is the team always has a chance. I want Manu to play his best game and bring it in crunch time as well. I want Parker to be a steady force in every game. And I want Barry to play like the shooter and cerebral player he is.

One thing I do not know if I agree with yet is that Manu will play better in crunch time by playing less minutes. I do not think he is excellent at creating a jump shot in the clutch, especially when hes not feeling it from the outside. He can drive, and he actually did drive right a few times in Game 2. But I do not think he will always get the chance or have the comfort zone to always take over in the clutch. Duncan will get his touches, and I fear the team will resort to that shaky clutch offense at times.

That is why I would like the Spurs to put games away earlier, so it does not come down to making shots on a few remaining possesions that almost single handedly decide the game.

I want Manu to make his mark on both ends, and with his passing. I like it when Manu and Barry are teamed together, but it won't happen if the Spurs struggle on O and Pop gets itchy and sticks to his defense mode (even when the other team looks more comfortable on O, and the Spurs can't buy a basket).

Honestly, if Duncan plays close to 100% every game, there is no reason they should lose to this Nugget team. They do not have a goto player near the calibur of Duncan, and actually their best offensive players aren't even any superior to TP or Ginobili.

The Spurs are better on D, and SHOULD be better on offense. Duncan playing rusty and the Spurs choking on offense is the way they may lose this series.

But if Duncan plays to form, they should not lose this series.

I want to see how he looks in Denver.

And I pray that Barry keeps hitting those open jumpers. It can only help the team. I also hope Manu can keep up the efficient offense, and energetic defense. And lastly, Parker NEEDS to make an impact EVERY game. Somehow, some way. He should at least match Miller's intensity and overall play every night. He is certainly just as talented, if not more so.