Random thoughts and stats after 10 games

[ace3g]

Practice: Danny Green
11.18.13 |
4m22s

[Proxy]

Early stages may be treated conservatively using the R.I.C.E methods

1. Rest
2. Ice
3. Compression
4. Elevation

A physical therapist may also recommend specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles and tendons. Should this fail,autologous blood injection, or injection of platelet rich plasma may be performed and is typically successful though not as successful as high volume saline injection (Crisp et al.). Uncommonly it may require surgery to remove myxoid degeneration in the tendon. This is reserved for patients with debilitating pain for 6–12 months despite conservative measures. Novel treatment modalities targeting the abnormal blood vessel growth which occurs in the condition are currently being investigated.

per Wikipedia on patellar tendinitis... so what Pop said makes sense

[ace3g]

Practice: Manu Ginobili
11.18.13 |
5m15s

[mountainballer]

A trade concept that could work would be Spurs trading their expiring contracts at the end of the bench (Bonner, De Colo and Baynes) with, if necessary, their 2014 first round pick for a players whose contract expires in 2015 when Spurs will use their cap space after Tim and Manu likely retirement.

Some players who might be good targets in that scenario: Amir Johnson, Brandon Bass, Mirza Teletovic, Anderson Varejao, Jonas Jerebko, Derrick Williams, Luc Mbah a Moute...

agree that this is the best (and probably only realistic) scenario.
about the mentioned players....I think the good play from Boris might have changed the needs significantely. guys like Johnson and Bass would take the spot of the #4 big (the role of Ayres) and I think Spurs don't want to pay that kind of money (6-7 million per) to a 15 MPG player. same might go for Jerebko, who I thought was a great idea before the season (he isn't that expensove though, 4.5 million), but he kind of also duplicates what Boris provides at a higher level.
my clear favourite scenario at this point would be a guy like Wilson Chandler. he would devinitely cost the Spurs the first round pick 2014, but he is one player who might be worth it. high quality back up for Kawhi and good option for a small ball PF. with a good ability to defend most PFs. can't tell if he could defend for example Blake Griffin, but my guess is he could do well. he would definitely do well against Lebron and Durant.

you mentioned Teletovic. beside the fact that he totally disappointed till now, this might be the deal with the highest upside, because he should flourish in the Spurs system, considering what he did in Europe and in the international compe ions. if a guy like Bonner was able to find his niche with the Spurs, a guy like Teletovich should as well.

[DPG21920]

I don't know if the Nuggets, with a really bad wing depth problem would give up Chandler. They very likely have playoff aspirations and with Danillo out, Chandler is by far their best option.

While a guy like Amir or Bass would be the 4th big, on this team there are plenty of minutes to be had for that player and if they do well, you could easily see the Spurs moving them up in the rotation (it's not a guarantee that Boris keeps up this level). From a financial perspective, it does not change the equation for the Spurs because the salaries would match in a trade and Amir's contract is short (only 5M guaranteed next year too). Boris & Bonner could both be gone next year and the Spurs may very well let Baynes walk too.

[wildchild]

A trade concept that could work would be Spurs trading their expiring contracts at the end of the bench (Bonner, De Colo and Baynes) with, if necessary, their 2014 first round pick for a players whose contract expires in 2015 when Spurs will use their cap space after Tim and Manu likely retirement.

Some players who might be good targets in that scenario: Amir Johnson, Brandon Bass, Mirza Teletovic, Anderson Varejao, Jonas Jerebko, Derrick Williams, Luc Mbah a Moute...

Thanks Bruno. I haven't thought about those players (Bass, Varejao, Jerebko, Williams) for a trade. One of them for Bonner/Baynes and Nando, it might work.

[wildchild]

Manu's third year was 2004-2005. Just food for thought.

It's a misleading/distorted example. Third NBA year of Manu, wasn't his third year of professional player.

I think Manu had several years playing as a pro in his country or Europe, and his third year here was his 9/10 pro year.

Leonard on the other hand, is just starting his third year as a pro. His third year, not ninth or tenth.

[Dex]

It's a misleading/distorted example. Third NBA year of Manu, wasn't his third year of professional player.

I think Manu had several years playing as a pro in his country or Europe, and his third year here was his 9/10 pro year.

Leonard on the other hand, is just starting his third year as a pro. His third year, not ninth or tenth.

Bingo. Compare that to the benchmark of Tony Parker, who essentially came into the Spurs as a freshman or sop re at age 19. He was given the keys to the Spurs offense almost immediately, and he didn't hit his statistical peak until his 8th season (at 22 points and 7 assists).

Tony's stats in his 3rd season? 14 and 5.5.

[PlayNando]

It's a misleading/distorted example. Third NBA year of Manu, wasn't his third year of professional player.

I think Manu had several years playing as a pro in his country or Europe, and his third year here was his 9/10 pro year.

Leonard on the other hand, is just starting his third year as a pro. His third year, not ninth or tenth.

Yes, you're right.

[HI-FI]

for the analysis as well. I agree it would be cool to revisit this stuff every 10 games or so, like a cliff notes for where the team is at.


as for Kawhi, Man in Black has said some encouraging things about his knees, and I haven't heard anything about it, so I'm hoping/thinking it's not the issue. Pop probably just wanting to ease him back into things and let him be at full strength for the playoffs.

[will_spurs]

Bingo. Compare that to the benchmark of Tony Parker, who essentially came into the Spurs as a freshman or sop re at age 19. He was given the keys to the Spurs offense almost immediately, and he didn't hit his statistical peak until his 8th season (at 22 points and 7 assists).

Tony's stats in his 3rd season? 14 and 5.5.

Actually... Tony's career has followed a very peculiar path. But there's a difference between improving and into a statistical peak. Tony had a huge statistical increase between 1st and 2nd season, and then I think in his 4th season settled for fewer 3-pointers, which made his FG% reach the 50%+ level that is quite amazing for a guard. It's not like it happened by magic in his 8th season: it was progressive but with some clear year-to-year improvements at some points.

[Bruno]

agree that this is the best (and probably only realistic) scenario.
about the mentioned players....I think the good play from Boris might have changed the needs significantely. guys like Johnson and Bass would take the spot of the #4 big (the role of Ayres) and I think Spurs don't want to pay that kind of money (6-7 million per) to a 15 MPG player.

The need for a solid PF really depend on the Duncan/Splitter pairing:
- If they can make it work likes last year, Spurs are indeed fine at PF/C a primary rotation of Diaw, Duncan and Splitter with Ayres and Bonner bringing some depth sounds just fine.
- If the Duncan/Splitter pairing continue not to work, Spurs will need another quality PF and go with a true 4 players PF/C rotation. Duncan and Splitter will share the minutes at center while Diaw and the new player will share the minutes at the PF slot.

If I had to guess I would say that the Duncan/Splitter will work again especially when Tim will start hitting his midrange shots.

Regardless of this year need, Spurs could do a trade with 2014-2015 in mind. Duncan will be 1 year older, Diaw might leave as a free agent this summer and Spurs' FO will be reluctant to offer significant multi-years contracts to keep their 2015 cap space intact.

[mountainballer]

I don't know if the Nuggets, with a really bad wing depth problem would give up Chandler. They very likely have playoff aspirations and with Danillo out, Chandler is by far their best option.

While a guy like Amir or Bass would be the 4th big, on this team there are plenty of minutes to be had for that player and if they do well, you could easily see the Spurs moving them up in the rotation (it's not a guarantee that Boris keeps up this level). From a financial perspective, it does not change the equation for the Spurs because the salaries would match in a trade and Amir's contract is short (only 5M guaranteed next year too). Boris & Bonner could both be gone next year and the Spurs may very well let Baynes walk too.

Gallo will be back in two weeks. but even with him out it's not dead-on that they lack wing depth. in fact they might lack the typical 2/3 player (who Wilson isn't either, he is more the typical 3/4), but considering the surprising emergence of Jordan Hamilton even this can be questioned.
what their goals for the season are is another question. I was pretty sure they will tank and they in fact did look like the worst team in the league in the first games. the McGee injury has changed a lot, since he is out they look so much better. but they are still very unlikely to make the PO.
anyway, what I tried to point out was that right now Amir or Bass wouldn't help as much as a player like Chandler would. and of course I would take Johnson in a second, if the price is just Bonner (even plus CJ), I wouldn't scrifice the first rounder 2014. (which would likely be the asking price)
and if it's used as a point, that the Nuggets don't want to get rid of Chandler, why do the Raptors want to get rid of Johnson?

[mountainballer]

If I had to guess I would say that the Duncan/Splitter will work again especially when Tim will start hitting his midrange shots.

Regardless of this year need, Spurs could do a trade with 2014-2015 in mind. Duncan will be 1 year older, Diaw might leave as a free agent this summer and Spurs' FO will be reluctant to offer significant multi-years contracts to keep their 2015 cap space intact.

agree on both points.
Tim/Tiago/Boris is a great big rotation and if this rotation doesn't work for whatever reason (Tim falls of a cliff?), Spurs will go nowhere anyhow. this fact wouldn't be changed by a trade for a player like Johnson or Bass.
the possible 2014/15 perspective is quite interesting, especially if they don't believe Ayres can play a bigger role. this makes the Teletovich idea so intriguing. worst case is, he just replaces Bonner and provides some depth at the end of the big rotation. but the upside is, he flourishes with the Spurs, opens the mentioned stretch 4 option alongside either Tim or Tiago and gives the Spurs another offensive weapon.

[will_spurs]

Diaw might leave as a free agent this summer

That seems extremely unlikely to me.

[objective]

A player who has my interest as a trade target is Marvin Williams. Expiring, and Bonner + De Colo salaries would match money-wise (no doubt Bonner would have to be injured and unavailable, but it could happen). I don't think I'd want the Spurs to give up a first, but maybe a 2nd and some cash could be enough once the full tank is in effect for Utah.

He has transformed into a smallball 4. I know he was one of the guys lit up by Diaw if I remember right, but he's shooting .455 from three this season, and when last in the playoffs in 2012 shot 8-16 on threes. Has nice size for taking on the bigger threes, but rebounds reasonably well enough to handle smallball four.

[Bruno]

That seems extremely unlikely to me.

It's unlikely but I wouldn't go as far as saying "extremely unlikely". Spurs might only offer Diaw an one year contract and even if it's with a high salary, he might sign with a team that will give him a 3 years contract.

[will_spurs]

It's unlikely but I wouldn't go as far as saying "extremely unlikely". Spurs might only offer Diaw an one year contract and even if it's with a high salary, he might sign with a team that will give him a 3 years contract.

Sure. But he likes to play with Parker in this system, and if there's one player for who I'd say this could be worth more than a juicy contract, that's Diaw. He willingly came to the Spurs as a FA and cut his salary in half in the process...

[mountainballer]

Diaw will be 32 this summer. I can't see him land a say 3 years 15 million contract somewhere else. (maybe 3/10 is realistic). I'm pretty sure the Spurs will offer him one more year for the same conditions. maybe for 6M. I think a guy like Boris will rather look for his options in 2015 (what will Tony do then? go back to Europe? 2 more years with a contender?) than look for a contract till 2017. Boris has made some damn nice money (60 million till 2014), he isn't under pressure to follow every Dollar he meets. Spurs will likely start from scratch in 2015, till then I can't see him leave.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Even if the Spurs go rebuilding mode after Duncan and Manu retire in 2015, I don't think they will value Diaw less for his role as a very useful roleplayer. I see Diaw to play as much of an important role in a rebuilding Spurs as much as a contending Spurs, provided he is keen on doing so. And given, the alchemy that the FO generally does for the Spurs (at bad times and not at good times like this offseason), I think they will be in a position to contend even after 2015 when they could recruit a good PF to reboot with Tony, Kawhi, Splitter and that star PF. Diaw will continue to play a good role in that eventuality.

So, if the Spurs offer him a reasonable 3 year 10-13 million or so, it should be a workable deal for both.

[DPG21920]

Gallo will be back in two weeks. but even with him out it's not dead-on that they lack wing depth. in fact they might lack the typical 2/3 player (who Wilson isn't either, he is more the typical 3/4), but considering the surprising emergence of Jordan Hamilton even this can be questioned.
what their goals for the season are is another question. I was pretty sure they will tank and they in fact did look like the worst team in the league in the first games. the McGee injury has changed a lot, since he is out they look so much better. but they are still very unlikely to make the PO.
anyway, what I tried to point out was that right now Amir or Bass wouldn't help as much as a player like Chandler would. and of course I would take Johnson in a second, if the price is just Bonner (even plus CJ), I wouldn't scrifice the first rounder 2014. (which would likely be the asking price)
and if it's used as a point, that the Nuggets don't want to get rid of Chandler, why do the Raptors want to get rid of Johnson?

Gallo could definitely be out longer and who knows how he will be upon his return. I just disagree that the Nuggets are more likely to tank than push for the playoffs. Everything they have done (bring JJ Hickson, new coach, vet/playoff tested guards like Nate Robinson/Foye...) show they are a team trying to win in my opinion. They were a playoff team (3rd seed) last year and I highly doubt they would bring in vets if they planned to tank. They lack 3/4 players IMO as well. Their wings were in terrible shape with Gallo and Chandler out. Hamilton has not been very good and they were even playing Anthony Randolph there in spots. The lack of Gallo/Chandler at the 3 was a large reason they struggled so much this year.

I agree that Chandler would be better than anyone to pick up, no doubt, I just did not see that as anywhere close to as realistic as getting Bass/Amir because of what I mentioned. The Nuggets situation (3rd seed last year, bringing in several vets...) is vastly different than the Raptors who are not only awful this year, but last year as well. They appear to be not only terrible, but it makes a lot more sense for them to tank because of where they were and currently are.

[ace3g]

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nb...time-spurs.nba

GameTime: Spurs' Hot Start

Tracy McGrady and Brent Barry break down the Spurs' hot start this season.

[ace3g]

Practice: Tiago Splitter
11.19.13 |
3m16s


Practice: Kawhi Leonard
11.19.13 |
2m20s


Practice: Patty Mills
11.19.13 |
3m13s

[ace3g]

After the Suns/Kings game, all teams have played at least 10 games (except Bucks and Bulls):

Eastern Conference
EASTERN		W	L	PCT	GB	HOME	ROAD	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	DIFF	STRK	L10
1	Indiana	9	1	.900	-	6-0	3-1	4-1	7-1	95.7	86.3	+9.4	Lost 1	9-1
2	Miami	8	3	.727	1 ½	6-1	2-2	3-0	6-3	105.9	97.6	+8.3	Won 4	7-3
3	Chicago	6	3	.667	2 ½	5-0	1-3	2-1	5-3	94.0	89.0	+5.0	Won 5	6-3
4	Philadelphia	5	7	.417	5	4-3	1-4	0-0	4-3	103.7	109.9	-6.3	Lost 3	3-7
5	Atlanta	6	5	.545	3 ½	3-1	3-4	2-1	5-2	103.2	100.6	+2.5	Lost 1	6-4
6	Charlotte	5	6	.455	4 ½	2-3	3-3	0-2	5-4	88.5	92.9	-4.5	Lost 2	5-5
7	Detroit	4	6	.400	5	3-2	1-4	0-1	3-1	99.5	102.0	-2.5	Won 1	4-6
8	Orlando	4	6	.400	5	4-2	0-4	0-1	2-4	99.9	99.7	+0.2	Lost 1	4-6
	Cleveland	4	7	.364	5 ½	3-1	1-6	0-3	3-6	92.5	99.5	-7.0	Won 1	3-7
	Toronto	4	7	.364	5 ½	2-3	2-4	1-0	2-5	96.9	97.1	-0.2	Lost 2	3-7
	Boston	4	8	.333	6	2-3	2-5	0-1	3-4	93.4	98.7	-5.3	Lost 4	4-6
	Washington	3	7	.300	6	2-2	1-5	0-1	2-4	100.4	104.1	-3.7	Won 1	3-7
	New York	3	7	.300	6	1-5	2-2	0-0	3-4	93.5	98.9	-5.4	Lost 3	3-7
	Brooklyn	3	7	.300	6	2-2	1-5	0-0	1-4	97.1	102.4	-5.3	Lost 2	3-7
	Milwaukee	2	7	.222	6 ½	1-3	1-4	1-1	2-5	90.2	98.7	-8.4	Lost 5	2-7
Western Conference
WESTERN		W	L	PCT	GB	HOME	ROAD	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	DIFF	STRK	L10
1	San Antonio	9	1	.900	-	4-0	5-1	1-0	6-1	98.6	89.3	+9.3	Won 7	9-1
2	Portland	9	2	.818	½	4-1	5-1	1-0	5-2	104.9	99.5	+5.4	Won 7	9-1
3	Golden State	8	3	.727	1 ½	5-0	3-3	2-1	6-3	104.3	96.3	+8.0	Won 4	7-3
4	Oklahoma City	7	3	.700	2	4-0	3-3	2-1	4-3	104.2	102.1	+2.1	Won 2	7-3
5	Houston	8	4	.667	2	5-2	3-2	1-0	4-3	108.8	104.5	+4.3	Won 3	6-4
6	LA Clippers	7	4	.636	2 ½	5-1	2-3	2-1	6-2	109.3	105.7	+3.5	Lost 1	7-3
7	Dallas	7	4	.636	2 ½	5-0	2-4	1-1	2-3	105.7	102.7	+3.0	Won 2	6-4
8	Minnesota	7	5	.583	3	5-1	2-4	1-1	3-3	107.8	100.5	+7.3	Lost 1	5-5
	Memphis	6	5	.545	3 ½	3-2	3-3	0-3	4-3	95.4	97.2	-1.8	Won 3	6-4
	Phoenix	5	5	.500	4	4-1	1-4	0-1	5-4	99.3	96.9	+2.4	Lost 3	5-5
	LA Lakers	5	7	.417	5	4-3	1-4	1-1	3-7	99.4	103.8	-4.4	Won 1	4-6
	Denver	4	6	.400	5	3-2	1-4	2-2	3-6	104.4	105.6	-1.2	Lost 2	4-6
	New Orleans	4	6	.400	5	3-2	1-4	1-0	2-4	100.7	98.8	+1.9	Won 1	4-6
	Sacramento	3	7	.300	6	3-5	0-2	1-2	2-5	94.4	98.5	-4.1	Won 1	3-7
	Utah	1	11	.083	9	1-5	0-6	0-2	1-7	88.6	100.1	-11.5	Lost 3	1-9

[mountainballer]

Tracy McGrady and Brent Barry break down the Spurs' hot start this season.

jezz. did McGrady borrow that suit from Shaq? look at those trousers. ugh.