Even though our frontline includes Dejuan Blair and Matt Bonner, our greatest weakness defensively is our perimeter D. The only good defenders are Tony and Leonard (even these twovare inconsistent). Green plays awful positional defense, and can't stay in front of his man. RJ is approaching Michael Finley levels of trash defensively. Neal, though he tries, lacks the speed and length to stay in front of his man and challenge shots well. Manu is not in game shape, so I'll wait to pass judgement until he regains his early season form. Add all of this to the fact that, to a man, our perimeter guys are completely inept at chasing their man around/through screens.
As many have stated, a lineup of Tony, Manu, Leonard, Tiago, and Timmy would be our best option defensively, but the scary part is that these are the only 5 good defensive players we have...
If the Spurs can make it to the 2nd round they should consider this season a success. They just aren't built for playoff basketball. Good points, op
Imo, It has to be tougher for you and the rest of the Laker fans, knowing your team could excel, but knowing that, in in the twilight of his carer, 1 on 5 is gonna sink the Laker's ship come playoff time.If the Spurs can make it to the 2nd round they should consider this season a success. They just aren't built for playoff basketball. Good points, op
His chucking hasn't cost the Lakers a series since 2004 (and even that's arguable, with Malone injured and nobody played well).
So good luck with that
Ironically him not chucking cost them a series in 2006
Just remember, I'll be checking your favorite team status when the Lakers go down in flames this year. I hope I don't see the Heat attached to your name.His chucking hasn't cost the Lakers a series since 2004 (and even that's arguable, with Malone injured and nobody played well).
So good luck with that
I already said the Lakers wouldn't win the championship or the WC with their current rosterJust remember, I'll be checking your favorite team status when the Lakers go down in flames this year. I hope I don't see the Heat attached to your name.
I'm in the clear
Mentioned this in the trading deadline thread. Spurs need to find a good defender for the perimeter to really make noise later. Their frontline is bad but it hasn't been costing them games as of late (seems to be getting better as Blair plays better D).
When the has Tony Parker EVER been good on D????? Are you kidding? Manu is by far the best perimeter player we have, followed by Leonard. Then we have no perimeter D.
The margin for error isn't the same anymore. Even if he doesn't pull that, they're liable to be eliminated early. If he does, it's damn near a guarantee that it'll happen.His chucking hasn't cost the Lakers a series since 2004 (and even that's arguable, with Malone injured and nobody played well).
So good luck with that
As far as the defense, their best chance at being a top ten defensive team -- aside from playing Duncan and Splitter significant minutes next to one another, which they seem opposed to -- is to sign and start Diaw, start Leonard and bench Jefferson.
We are in far better shape this year than last if the playoffs started now. We have as good a chance at this point in time as any other team. Most consider OKC favorites but I would not be the least bit surprised if we took them down. I think we fought very hard against a superior front line with our best player injured last year with Splitter not ready and almost won. Splitter can now help counteract some of the frontline dominance that teams like Memphis and the Lakers can throw at us. We are a better team with the potential to improve (Ginobili back in shape, Leonard more minutes and Green to help us when Jefferson wilts.)If the Spurs can make it to the 2nd round they should consider this season a success. They just aren't built for playoff basketball. Good points, op
Imo it is wide open, including the Lakers, especially if they pick up a point that can actually shoot some and penetrate. If they can keep Bynum healthy and Gasol plays well with a new guard, they have a shot. Kobe is always dangerous of course.
I would think most teams would rather not play this Spurs group. A series against us will be a dog fight. I could see a team like the Clippers imploding. We are much less likely to fall to pieces compared to the Clippers, OKC or the Lakers just due to the fact we dont have head cases.
Parker is the only guy we have that can stay in front of quick guards. Green has shown some ability as well. No he is not a great defender he plays a very specific type of D that attempts to prevent constant penetration. We must have Parker guarding quickness possibly spelled by Green. Ginobili cant do this anymore.
Sounds like a reverse jinx to meI already said the Lakers wouldn't win the championship or the WC with their current roster
I'm in the clear
Witnessing the defensive deficiencies on this team and how poor they are is indeed a sad, sobering fact. It's especially sad for an organization that has built its foundation off of solid defensive principles. Unfortunately, the problem will not be resolved overnight nor will be it resolved in time for the playoffs.
listen dude, doomsday threads are nothing new here. the spurs' defense is just average; they hope to win in the playoffs by finally getting everyone healthy and on the same page, getting the offensive efficiency to top 3 and the defensive efficiency to top 10. it's probably not going to be enough, but if they catch lightning in a bottle - just like dallas last year - they may be fortunate enough to win.
Spurs have a ridiculous hole on the defensive end, but it's not one that can't be fixed before the playoffs. There were times earlier in the season where the Spurs played D towards the top 10 end, and that was without Manu. Not saying they'll suddenly become defensive juggernauts, but the team can play above average defense with the group they have now.
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