How many minutes should Duncan play?

[Stump]

As Duncan gets older, his aches and injuries will continue to nag him more and more. Do you think it's important for him to still play 35 minutes a game, or should he be treated more like Manu by only playing 25 minutes and possibly take back-to-backs off?

I think the answer to this question weighs a lot on what bigs the Spurs ought to sign. If he only plays 25, it's more important to sign two starting worthy centers rather than just one, especially if one of them is an old guy who also can't play as many minutes as he once could. Also, a guy like Thomas, who was usually played when Duncan wasn't in the game, suddenly becomes more valuable.

Also, how long should the rest of the big four play?

[hater]

30 mpg which means we need a couple solid big men ASAP

[duncan228]

I think Pop will sit Duncan for one game of back-to-backs for most, if not all, of this season. Both knees are chronic, the less wear on him during the season will hopefully keep him as fresh as possible for the Playoffs.

The Spurs need a couple of quality bigs to insure Duncan's health as much as possible.

[Obstructed_View]

I think Duncan should rest until the all-star break.

[HarlemHeat37]

It's impossible to tell until we know the big men on the team..sitting out most back-to-backs should be a legit option though..

[Obstructed_View]

Sitting out back to backs won't help him if his tendonosis isn't fully healed up by the time he starts playing again.

[EricB]

25 mpg

The addition of Jefferson should help alleviate the scoring load, therefore playing minutes, BUT, it couldn't hurt for them to get some bigs in here who could let Duncan sit for a while.

[Spurtacus]

Hopefully not more than 30...but we need to get some bigs who can play to help him.

[45 bank shot]

Around 30 I'd say. However it largely depends on the depth of our frontline

[Spursmania]

We need some real BIG help.
No doubt, bigs must be the focus now.

[xtremesteven33]

Duncan will play his usual MPG...around 35-37 MPG.

[DAF86]

Around 30-32 during the regular season.

[Mugen]

i support the sitting out the weaker of B2B games.

[Texas_Ranger]

30-35 if we don't get a good big.

[Spurs Brazil]

33MPG is fine in the regular season

[Muser]

Duncan should sit or play very limited minutes against weak teams.

[tp2021]

Sitting out back to backs won't help him if his tendonosis isn't fully healed up by the time he starts playing again.

I think Duncan should rest until the all-star break.

+1

He shouldn't start playing until he dropkicks Pop in the head to show him his knees are fine.

[Bukefal]

depends. if his knees are not better, pop should rest him once in a while, and be carefull

[kace]

a lot of people talk about limiting minutes but what about limiting games ?

i would love to see tim, manu and tony play 65 games by RS. don't know if that's realistic though...

[Fabbs]

+1

He shouldn't start playing until he dropkicks Pop in the head to show him his knees are fine.

+2
He should have done that a long time ago if he wanted to show some real true leadership skills.

So what do we now know about this tendonosis? Is sitting out going to do any good or does it require complete rest to heal up? Like much longer then just this summers offseason?

[Fabbs]

Bukefal,

I'm interested in dating this Longhorn gal. Can you get me her contact info? Who is she?

[Bukefal]

Bukefal,

I'm interested in dating this Longhorn gal. Can you get me her contact info? Who is she?

Lol I have no idea who she is. Good luck!

[barbacoataco]

When you consider that if Duncan isn't healthy the Spurs have 0% of winning a championship, regardless of who else is playing well, I think this has to be a top priority. I would even think outside of the box. Maybe give Duncan off the week before and after the Allstar break so he gets a 3 week vacation mid-season. Even if he is fully healthy at season's start, if he plays heavy minutes all season there is a good chance his knees will be shot by the time the playoffs start.