THC: The Hairston Coalition

[Blackjack]

THC, how can I explain it

I'll take you frame by frame it

To have y'all jumpin' shall we singin' it

T is for The, H is for Hairston (his lack of playing time)
scratch your temple

The last, C...well...that's pretty simple brah

It's sorta like ah.. .. it's for in' Coalition son

It's nine little letters leave us postin' here

You join it on the occasion coach been y

As game 'n it seems Pop needs some explainin'

Get Lifted . . .

You down with THC?

Yeah, you know me....

Who's down with THC?!?

[Blackjack]

On a serious note, Malik's really getting more comfortable and settled. You see it in his offensive game more than anything.

He's just playing with more purpose on that end; he not only looks like he belongs, he looks like a threat and someone that needs to be accounted for. His shots look natural and reactionary; his drives are decisive and his finishing ability has finally been on display when it comes to laying it in and/or using the glass.

Even in the short and sporadic time he's been given as a Spur, there's an incremental improvement that's steadily taken place in his overall game. He came in and played good D, maybe grabbed some boards, made a block or got a dunk every now and again, and now his offensive repertoire is beginning to come to fruition; he's now finishing those drives, making some of the intelligent plays/passes he's capable of, and his knowledge of the system and comfort level with his teammates has allowed him to find the beginnings of a niche for himself in the offense (which has no doubt helped with his shot).

We've still yet to see him get the opportunity to display any of the 3-point shooting he displayed with the Toros, but it hasn't been because he's turned them down or avoided attempting them. The ball just hasn't really gotten to the corner with the extra pass when he's in the game, which is pretty understandable, since he's a.) a bit of an unknown quan y with some of the vets who consciously or subconsciously go to someone they're more comfortable with; or b.) not likely to see the ball off the extra pass to the corner if a guy like Bonner gets a look on the wing (since Matt's paid to shoot that shot).

So I don't think it's anyone's fault or any big deal that we've yet to see the 3-point shot from Malik (it hasn't been to any detriment when he's been out there), but I think it's probably the next step in that incremental progression that's taken place thus far. Once his teammates come to trust and depend on him in the offense he'll get his opportunities; it'll come . . .

[FeZZy]

genius

[Muser]

Hairston beasted all over the Clippers, nice to see Pop giving him heavy minutes.

[mountainballer]

Potentially Splitter as well, plus whoever they get in the draft, particularly in the first round. It's quite possible that by next season the Spurs will have a good, solid nucleus of young players to go forward with. For now, that would be perfect. Going forward, none of these guys projects as a best or second best player on a team (Blair might be able to be a second best player) and as the big three decline/go elsewhere/retire, this will become more and more glaring.

I agree about the potential best player. well, maybe it will take some years and some lottery picks, till Spurs get the chance to find this player (players).
however, this year might have some potential in this, but likely only if the Spurs take a big. (that's why I'm hoping that Monroe will fall to #20. he has more bust potential than others, but he definitely has some star player upside).
btw. (wrong topic) can anyone see the Spurs to try to either trade up or down?
why up? most of the more intriguing but still intriguing big men (Monroe, Udoh, Motiejunas, Whiteside, Sanders) will be picked from 8/10-15/17.
#12 (Wolves from Bobcats), #13 Heat, #16 Bulls, #17 Hornets might be on the market. (Wolves, Heat and Bulls are FA players and might need the cap space for FA offers. Hornets might still be on the desperation trip to save money. Wolves also have #2 and #25)

why down? Spurs need to rebuild within the next 3 years. they will also need to replace several players this year, but will be limited in their possibilities by exceptions (goes to Tiago) and the tax.
if they are more interested in role players at low cost, they could likely get for example #26 and #29 from the Grizzlies for #20.
good enough for a package like for example Pondexter plus Jerome Jordan.
or Sherron Collins plus Gani Lawal. (something in that mold. you get the idea)

[SenorSpur]

Very interesting scenarios reguarding the roster possibilities next year. But what about upgrading the SF spot? Will the Spurs bring a vet. in, or will they resign Bogans(UGH!) and let Bogans and Hairston battle it out for the starting spot? Or draft a guy this summer? IMO the SF needs to be addressed this off-season as well.

OK. Now we're on the same page. The SF position has been the achilles heel for this team. It's been an issue and continues to be one - as RJ hasn't exactly panned out like Pop and RC had hoped. An upgrade, or let's say a better fit, is in order here.

As for the current crop, I believe Pop is so in love with Bogans at ude and desire to defend, that he will be back next year regardless. I'm ok with that, as long as he's not the starter. To me, Hairston is probably more SG than SF, due to his lack of length. As long as his outside shot is improved, combined with his uncanny aggressiveness and ability to slash and the Spurs have a key contributor at their disposal. I could see him pushing Hill for minutes as the starter.

Unless the Spurs can flip RJ's expiring deal for a player or two in return, I believe that is the only way they'll be able to obtain a young or mid-career SF, with current NBA experience.

SF is a need, but I suspect the Spurs will be stuck with Jefferson until the '11 trade deadline, so he'll likely be the lone true SF on the roster (this is a staple of the Spurs, to have one true SF and have a roster filled with players who's primary position is either SG or PF), with Bogans or someone of that ilk seeing time there, as well as Hairston, occasionally Ginobili (assuming he re-signs) when the Spurs go to a three guard lineup and potentially a draft pick (I assume their preference is a defensive-minded SF or a combo forward, in that order). They'll likely be one more option brought in, but it'll probably be someone who's more of a guard (Temple) or a guard-forward (Almond) than a true SF.

That's where I believe the Spurs have made their mistake - by interchanging smaller, spot-up shooters as SFs and habitually not employing more length at the SF position. However, they will have the opportunity to fill that void via the draft. I fully expect them to nab a young, talented, SF, who can give production at both ends of the court. A player like Paul George, immediately comes to mind. Syracuse's Wesley Johnson would be a dream, but he'll likely be long gone when the Spurs pick. Aside from the draft, there are other options. Much more will be known from Garrett Temple over the course of this 10-day contract. If they like him enough, perhaps the Spurs can sign him to the Summer League roster for a longer look.

Because the FO and ownership will likely move back to their strategy of fiscal economics, the roster will likely be rounded out with young, cheap, hungry players. The draft, D-League and unsigned free agent targets will likely be the way to go, in rounding out the SF position.

[TD 21]

I agree about the potential best player. well, maybe it will take some years and some lottery picks, till Spurs get the chance to find this player (players).
however, this year might have some potential in this, but likely only if the Spurs take a big. (that's why I'm hoping that Monroe will fall to #20. he has more bust potential than others, but he definitely has some star player upside).
btw. (wrong topic) can anyone see the Spurs to try to either trade up or down?
why up? most of the more intriguing but still intriguing big men (Monroe, Udoh, Motiejunas, Whiteside, Sanders) will be picked from 8/10-15/17.
#12 (Wolves from Bobcats), #13 Heat, #16 Bulls, #17 Hornets might be on the market. (Wolves, Heat and Bulls are FA players and might need the cap space for FA offers. Hornets might still be on the desperation trip to save money. Wolves also have #2 and #25)

why down? Spurs need to rebuild within the next 3 years. they will also need to replace several players this year, but will be limited in their possibilities by exceptions (goes to Tiago) and the tax.
if they are more interested in role players at low cost, they could likely get for example #26 and #29 from the Grizzlies for #20.
good enough for a package like for example Pondexter plus Jerome Jordan.
or Sherron Collins plus Gani Lawal. (something in that mold. you get the idea)

Not even best player, I'm not sure any one of the bunch is a true second best player either.

Just having an asset the caliber of Monroe (a lottery caliber talent and a big man) fall to the Spurs would be significant because they could either keep him and shop McDyess or trade him (maybe attempt to package him with Jefferson or McDyess for an SF).

Unless a player like Monroe falls into the Spurs lap, I'd definitely be in favor of trading down and getting two picks from the Grizzlies, if that option were available.

OK. Now we're on the same page. The SF position has been the achilles heel for this team. It's been an issue and continues to be one - as RJ hasn't exactly panned out like Pop and RC had hoped. An upgrade, or let's say a better fit, is in order here.

As for the current crop, I believe Pop is so in love with Bogans at ude and desire to defend, that he will be back next year regardless. I'm ok with that, as long as he's not the starter. To me, Hairston is probably more SG than SF, due to his lack of length. As long as his outside shot is improved, combined with his uncanny aggressiveness and ability to slash and the Spurs have a key contributor at their disposal. I could see him pushing Hill for minutes as the starter.

Unless the Spurs can flip RJ's expiring deal for a player or two in return, I believe that is the only way they'll be able to obtain a young or mid-career SF, with current NBA experience.

That's where I believe the Spurs have made their mistake - by interchanging smaller, spot-up shooters as SFs and habitually not employing more length at the SF position. However, they will have the opportunity to fill that void via the draft. I fully expect them to nab a young, talented, SF, who can give production at both ends of the court. A player like Paul George, immediately comes to mind. Syracuse's Wesley Johnson would be a dream, but he'll likely be long gone when the Spurs pick. Aside from the draft, there are other options. Much more will be known from Garrett Temple over the course of this 10-day contract. If they like him enough, perhaps the Spurs can sign him to the Summer League roster for a longer look.

Because the FO and ownership will likely move back to their strategy of fiscal economics, the roster will likely be rounded out with young, cheap, hungry players. The draft, D-League and unsigned free agent targets will likely be the way to go, in rounding out the SF position.

I'd say it's 50/50 that Bogans will return. I assume the Spurs will attempt to upgrade his role at the draft and early in free agency and if they can't (let's face it, Bogans isn't going to be locked up somewhere fast most likely), then they'll probably bring him back.

I like Hairston, but assuming Jefferson returns, let's say Bogans does as well, you can't have three guys who aren't knockdown three point shooters in the rotation on the wings for a team that values the three point shot greatly. Not only would the Spurs be lacking three point shooting if this were the case, but again, they'd lack a true stopper.

Completely agree with the part I put in bold. Too often the Spurs have disregarded the differences between SG and SF as well as PF and C and what it's lead to is an increasingly undersized, un-athletic team (though this year the athleticism is definitely on the rise). Just because Bogans is built strong and lacks guard like skills, it doesn't mean he's an SF. Just because Blair plays like a center, at least on offense, it doesn't mean he's a C.

From the little I know of George, he seems like someone for down the road. I doubt he would be a rotation player for the Spurs next season.

Johnson definitely won't be available at the Spurs pick, as he's expected to go in the 5-8 range I believe.

Temple is really a guard more so than a wing (he's too thing to be an SF, save for in selective match-ups) and he's a fringe player.

[Blackjack]

Pop ...





THC demands satisfaction, Pop!

[Mel_13]

Pop ...





THC demands satisfaction, Pop!

No worries.

When the Spurs fall behind by 20 tomorrow night, Pop won't make the rookie mistake Spoelstra made tonight and continue to play the first string in a futile effort to get back into the game. He'll pull the plug quick.

Plenty of minutes for Malik tomorrow.

[Chieflion]

The Spurs Nation: We want Hairston

The Spurs go home after a quick road trip in Florida, realising that there was a riot in San Antonio by the Mexicans and Spurs fans, asking for more playing time for Hairston.

When interviewed, San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich, was pressured to give a satisfactory answer to the city of San Antonio. "I didn't give him much playing time in Florida because he was outside gallivanting. You know, there are many temptations out at South Beach and Hairston joined Dwyane Wade in one of his infamous parties."

San Antonio Spur, Tim Duncan, was also interviewed on his opinion about the riot. "I was shocked, really. I never thought Mexicans are Spurs fans. I thought Mexicans only know how to cook and eat."

Tony Parker, who was out with his wife Eva Longoria, was found near Mexican restaurants, looking for their dinner. Tony Parker was very disappointed and said that his mood was spoiled. "I thought it would be a happy homecoming, but the Mexican restaurants were not open, we settled for Charles' 5 dollar box from Taco Bell instead."

Manu Ginobili was not available, but he made his comment on facebook translated to English. "I just want to win, if this means more Hairston or less Hairston, then so be it."

The media searched hard for Keith Bogans, who wasn't readily available, as he needed protection from the police as rioting Mexicans threw cinnamon twists and rotten eggs at Keith Bogans, believing that Keith Bogans was the main beneficiary of Hairston's lack of playing time.

Roger Mason clearly made his disatisfactory reply by stating to the media that he wants more playing time. "I don't really care about Hairston, but I clearly deserve more playing time."

Former Austin Toro, Ian Mahinmi was asked about the riot. He didn't really know what to say, he blurted out, "I thought they were rioting for my playing time."

The hero of the city of San Antonio, Malik Hairston, is at the riverwalk, with the citizens of San Antonio, chanting his name, also known as The Hairston coalition. He is now unavailable as the keys to the city of San Antonio is being awarded to Malik Hairston.

That ends Chieflion's report on the future news on The Hairston Coalition.

[Blackjack]

Yeah, that was my initial thought as well (but I couldn't work Slater or Sir-Smoke-Alot into that take).

In all seriousness though, I'm not looking to see Malik in during garbage time surrounded by the mop-up crew, the guy needs to be in there with the big boys where his game can augment and infuse theirs; Hairston's an asset this team could use going down the stretch ... the Spurs should be past getting him token minutes.

Malik needs to be seeing the court on a consistent basis; there's no reason or rationale that should prevent it at this point.

[Blackjack]

I organized that .

But I'm not Mexican (not that there's anything wrong with that).

[BWS-1994]

The Spurs Nation: We want Hairston

The Spurs go home after a quick road trip in Florida, realising that there was a riot in San Antonio by the Mexicans and Spurs fans, asking for more playing time for Hairston.

When interviewed, San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich, was pressured to give a satisfactory answer to the city of San Antonio. "I didn't give him much playing time in Florida because he was outside gallivanting. You know, there are many temptations out at South Beach and Hairston joined Dwyane Wade in one of his infamous parties."

San Antonio Spur, Tim Duncan, was also interviewed on his opinion about the riot. "I was shocked, really. I never thought Mexicans are Spurs fans. I thought Mexicans only know how to cook and eat."

Tony Parker, who was out with his wife Eva Longoria, was found near Mexican restaurants, looking for their dinner. Tony Parker was very disappointed and said that his mood was spoiled. "I thought it would be a happy homecoming, but the Mexican restaurants were not open, we settled for Charles' 5 dollar box from Taco Bell instead."

Manu Ginobili was not available, but he made his comment on facebook translated to English. "I just want to win, if this means more Hairston or less Hairston, then so be it."

The media searched hard for Keith Bogans, who wasn't readily available, as he needed protection from the police as rioting Mexicans threw cinnamon twists and rotten eggs at Keith Bogans, believing that Keith Bogans was the main beneficiary of Hairston's lack of playing time.

Roger Mason clearly made his disatisfactory reply by stating to the media that he wants more playing time. "I don't really care about Hairston, but I clearly deserve more playing time."

Former Austin Toro, Ian Mahinmi was asked about the riot. He didn't really know what to say, he blurted out, "I thought they were rioting for my playing time."

The hero of the city of San Antonio, Malik Hairston, is at the riverwalk, with the citizens of San Antonio, chanting his name, also known as The Hairston coalition. He is now unavailable as the keys to the city of San Antonio is being awarded to Malik Hairston.

That ends Chieflion's report on the future news on The Hairston Coalition.

And I was about to look for a link for the complete article

[Chieflion]

Gregg Popovich: Hairston got his playing time

After the media harassed Popovich to give Hairston more playing time, Popovich found a way to give Hairston some minutes, 12 of those in garbage time. He got 25 minutes and 1 seconds of playing time.

Hairston played an inefficient game and in the 1st half, got roasted by Vince Carter on two consecutive possessions. The Hairston Coalition, would disagree with me. However, Hairston played aggressively, but didn't get the calls, much to the despair of The Hairston Coalition. He was able to shoot the corner three though.

The refs are now being chased down by Hairston supporters at the moment and are not available to speak to the press at this time.

Meanwhile, Hairston was interviewed about the sudden increase of playing time. The soft spoken Malik Hairston said that it was "a pleasant surprise" to get minutes but felt fear in his coach's eyes when Popovich was speaking to him during timeouts.

Meanwhile, much to the delight of the Coalition, Keith Bogans only played 14 minutes and 33 seconds. When interviewed, Bogans said that he "felt obliged" to give his minutes to Malik Hairston. " Malik Hairston is a really good player, he made me work hard every practice, he deserves some minutes, no question."

The press did not interview Ian Mahinmi about the sudden increase in Malik's playing time, to prevent him from getting crazy or embarassing himself because he doesn't know what playing time is.

This ends Chieflion's report on Malik Hairston and "The Hairston Coalition".

[timtonymanu]

Gregg Popovich: Hairston got his playing time

After the media harassed Popovich to give Hairston more playing time, Popovich found a way to give Hairston some minutes, 12 of those in garbage time. He got 25 minutes and 1 seconds of playing time.

Hairston played an inefficient game and in the 1st half, got roasted by Vince Carter on two consecutive possessions. The Hairston Coalition, would disagree with me. However, Hairston played aggressively, but didn't get the calls, much to the despair of The Hairston Coalition. He was able to shoot the corner three though.

The refs are now being chased down by Hairston supporters at the moment and are not available to speak to the press at this time.

Meanwhile, Hairston was interviewed about the sudden increase of playing time. The soft spoken Malik Hairston said that it was "a pleasant surprise" to get minutes but felt fear in his coach's eyes when Popovich was speaking to him during timeouts.

Meanwhile, much to the delight of the Coalition, Keith Bogans only played 14 minutes and 33 seconds. When interviewed, Bogans said that he "felt obliged" to give his minutes to Malik Hairston. " Malik Hairston is a really good player, he made me work hard every practice, he deserves some minutes, no question."

The press did not interview Ian Mahinmi about the sudden increase in Malik's playing time, to prevent him from getting crazy or embarassing himself because he doesn't know what playing time is.

This ends Chieflion's report on Malik Hairston and "The Hairston Coalition".

this fake article is much more entertaining than E "the gods of spurs news" N news. Can we make your articles an official thread for every game?

[Blackjack]

Hairston played an inefficient game and in the 1st half, got roasted by Vince Carter on two consecutive possessions. The Hairston Coalition, would disagree with me. However, Hairston played aggressively, but didn't get the calls, much to the despair of The Hairston Coalition. He was able to shoot the corner three though.

Yes, yes we would (on the two consecutive possessions where he was rubbed off on a screen and the help was late or weak).

The refs are now being chased down by Hairston supporters at the moment and are not available to speak to the press at this time.

And this explains my iness.

Oh, and Chieflion ...



You're hired.

[Blackjack]

While it never hurts my feelings to see Malik on the court ... it's still frustrating to not see him given legitimate opportunities with first and second team.

What Malik is, at this point, offensively, is a weakside ball-player. He thrives off others play-making and playing against a compromised defense. He'll hit shots off others penetration, he'll exploit the seams with a straight-line drive and he'll finish around the rim via the pass or by cleaning up. So when he's out there with the mop-up crew ... there's just no way to gauge what he's really capable of and how he and the team would benefit if his minutes were to coincide with their best talent.

Pop needs to let the guy find a rhythm defensively, and that means playing through mistakes or poor officiating (which is bound to happen with a young player that hasn't been given the chance to establish himself). And once the guy can get a rhythm and find some consistency in his minutes ... that's when they'll Get Lifted . . .

[ace3g]

One thing I liked last night all though by that time it was too late, I think the Magic were up 12 or so in the 3rd but Pop put in Hairston for Dice to guard Lewis on the Perimeter. It was a great idea but Hairston was on Lewis only like one time after that, the rest he was playing VC I believe. I would have switched RJ to VC and had Hairston on Lewis.

Also why after Bonner seemed to find the range to end the first half Pop decided not to play him in the 3rd? We needed his shooting especially when the Spurs got the game within 9 I believe. We kept hovering around that 11-13 pt deficit where we almost got it to single digit deficit but couldn't make shots and if the Spurs did, the Magic would match it.

Hill wasn't able to do anything tonight, his jumpshot was off and he didn't really go to the basket that much. Dice had another game where his "reliable" jumper did not fall. Timmy couldn't get his "patent" bank shot to fall as well as anything else. Mason still can't find the range (sure he made a few when the game was out of reach) but I prefer for Pop to put in Hairston in games when the Spurs can't hit shots because he will drive to the basket instead of shooting (which he did and on his first attempt almost made a tough basket over Howard but the ball rolled off the rim, just like everything else for the Spurs tonight).

Hairston again played good defense, still isn't getting respect from the refs but you clearly tell he is one the Spurs top 2-3 perimeter defenders. He finally hit a corner 3, hopefully that will gain him some confidence in the NBA level.

It felt weird saying "where would the Spurs have been tonight (early in the game) without RJ" considering the type of year he has had. He really kept the Spurs in the game, his shot was falling early and he aggressive to the basket; plus he was making some good passes to open guys on the perimeter.

All in all, yes the Spurs lost by a lot, but to me it was one of those games where the large deficit wasn't due to the Magic's defense rather the Spurs couldn't buy a basket. It is encouraging that RJ played well against a good team, would have been nice if Hill, Dice, and Duncan would have shown up in the starting lineup.

[Mel_13]

No worries.

When the Spurs fall behind by 20 tomorrow night, Pop won't make the rookie mistake Spoelstra made tonight and continue to play the first string in a futile effort to get back into the game. He'll pull the plug quick.

Plenty of minutes for Malik tomorrow.

Didn't need to be Nostradamus to make that call.

Now let's see Malik in meaningful minutes.

[duncan228]

[Chieflion]

Career night and Malik Hairston's internet influence.

It is Malik Hairston's career moment as he scored 16 points in 29:24 minutes of playing time. The Hairston Coalition has to be extraordinarily happy today despite the opponent being the Golden State Warriors.

Malik Hairston threw down some dunks, got to the line some, and shot a high percentage from the field. Defense, on the other hand, was quite non-existent.

Gregg Popovich was reported to have avoided the media post-game because he was puking at the lack of defense in this game. He left one sentence to the reporter for Hairston. "He is a baller."

Sean Elliott, a former member of the San Antonio Spurs, now broadcasting at the sidelines with Bill Land, had too many good things to say about Hairston during the game. I wouldn't be surprised that Sean Elliott is part of the Spurstalk community and posting as part of The Hairston Coalition.

Since the start of The Hairston Coalition, Malik Hairston's minutes has seen a sudden e. Is the influence of the internet that big? This is also factoring in Gregg Popovich's disdain for the likes of Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and even Yahoo. Popovich also regularly reads Express News. The internet has influenced the likes of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, who have both been quoted to have been awed by Hairston's leaping ability.

"I was shocked when Malik Hairston soared up in the air to grab that rebound one-handed." Tony Parker commented, on his facebook profile.

Manu Ginobili's comments sounded way more jealousy. "It is not fair someone can jump that high and explode for a dunk like that."

On Spurstalk.com, the thread, "THC: The Hairston Coalition", has seen a lot of traffic, posts and some pictures of Malik Hairston's awesomeness. Is it any wonder that Hairston gets any playing time these days? Definitely not with the Coalition.

This ends Chieflion's report on Malik Hairston and his abilities to influence the World Wide Web.

[Borosai]

I just saw three dunks by Malik in this game (video). The guy has deceptive hops: it doesn't look like he's jumping much, but he gets up... quickly... and in traffic. Nice to see.

[silverblackfan]

That is the thing with Malik, he is deceptively quick at getting in the air. It results in blocked shots and dunks on defenders. Throw in a good defensive mind to use these abilities, and you have yourself a true baller.

[OrEmuN]

Ermm.. is it too early to request for a Hairston wallpaper ? I love how he work his way from D-league to the NBA and his crazy hops

[jjktkk]

That is the thing with Malik, he is deceptively quick at getting in the air. It results in blocked shots and dunks on defenders. Throw in a good defensive mind to use these abilities, and you have yourself a true baller.

I agree, Malik is really coming on. The Spurs FO gets ripped alot from some on here, fair, or unfair, but they have done a heckuva job in the past 2 drafts, in selecting Hill, Hairston, and Blair. It makes the future not look so dismal when the big 3 all eventually hang em up.