Injury Update: Duncan's Knee

[ceperez]

You'd have to be mentally re ed, if after 48 games, you're still trying to figure out the system. Maybe you meant so Spurs fans could figure out what they have in Aldridge. In 9 years, he's guided Portland passed the 1st round of the playoffs one (1) time. At best, he's a stat padding third option. It doesn't mean the Spurs can't win with him but, if they're relying on him to be a difference maker as the everyday one or two option, fans are going to be sorely disappointed.

Let's hope he can change his stripes.

Spurs have absolutely zero chance of winning the champions if he plays like he's been playing.

[Robz4000]

You'd have to be mentally re ed, if after 48 games, you're still trying to figure out the system. Maybe you meant so Spurs fans could figure out what they have in Aldridge. In 9 years, he's guided Portland passed the 1st round of the playoffs one (1) time. At best, he's a stat padding third option. It doesn't mean the Spurs can't win with him but, if they're relying on him to be a difference maker as the everyday one or two option, fans are going to be sorely disappointed.

If all LMA can do is be a third option then the Spurs are out in the first round. The reason Portland failed to go anywhere in the playoffs during LMA's tenure is due to the general lack of talent/depth/coaching those teams had outside their core. While he isn't good enough to carry a team by himself LMA is mire than capable enough of being a 1A/1B option on a stacked roster like this season's Spurs (provided he isn't declining, of course).

[GSH]

Do you honestly think they can sit all three of those guys and not lose the 2nd seed? I know health is #1 and key here for the playoffs but sitting all three until then would be a high risk IMO, but would it pay off later? That one is tricky and I doubt they do it but I would not doubt they sit here or there.

One thing was certain after the first meeting with the Dubs - the Spurs aren't going to beat them unless something changes. So what's going to change? The only thing the Spurs have control over is the roster. They can bring in another player, and/or make sure they are rested come playoff time. Maybe if GS keeps chasing history, they will be worn out by then. I'm pretty sure the difference between the 2 and 3 seed will be where they play the first game against OKC. So resting the old Big 3 shouldn't be totally out of the question.

[Hoops Czar]

If all LMA can do is be a third option then the Spurs are out in the first round. The reason Portland failed to go anywhere in the playoffs during LMA's tenure is due to the general lack of talent/depth/coaching those teams had outside their core. While he isn't good enough to carry a team by himself LMA is mire than capable enough of being a 1A/1B option on a stacked roster like this season's Spurs (provided he isn't declining, of course).

I think the Spurs have solidified themselves as a top 2 seed in the west. They should make quick work of whomever they face in the 1st round. A 2nd round match up vs OKC could get interesting but the Spurs should still prevail with HCA as long as the Spurs don't play down to the level of their compe ion (circa 2015). This really comes down to beating GS in the WCFs. If the ball movement doesn't improve and if they can't find a way to incorporate more three's into the offense, they don't stand much of a chance. LMA's #'s are actually very similar to his career #'s with the exception of USG% and shot attempts. I don't what more he can do to improve his game. The Spurs aren't going to beat elite teams by hitting a bunch of mid range jumpers.

Depth and defense has always been the root of the problem in Portland but, you can't complain too much about their starting lineup.... Batum, Matthews, Aldridge and Liliard. That lineup alone should have been good enough to get to the second round more than once. And I always thought Spurstalk loved Terry Stotts ads a head coach?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Pelicans don't have Ish Smith anymore who kills us as well.

Spurs could still be a 2nd round exit but should be able to hang onto the second seed.

[hater]

LMAloha or bust tbqh

[hater]

Seriously if this team is depending on a 40 year old mummy to be considered a true contender. Then we might as well tank the season

[baseline bum]

All the games before the allstar break are pretty winnable, so no reason to rush Tim back when he can get another 2 1/2 weeks rest.

[Robz4000]

I think the Spurs have solidified themselves as a top 2 seed in the west. They should make quick work of whomever they face in the 1st round. A 2nd round match up vs OKC could get interesting but the Spurs should still prevail with HCA as long as the Spurs don't play down to the level of their compe ion (circa 2015). This really comes down to beating GS in the WCFs. If the ball movement doesn't improve and if they can't find a way to incorporate more three's into the offense, they don't stand much of a chance. LMA's #'s are actually very similar to his career #'s with the exception of USG% and shot attempts. I don't what more he can do to improve his game. The Spurs aren't going to beat elite teams by hitting a bunch of mid range jumpers.

Depth and defense has always been the root of the problem in Portland but, you can't complain too much about their starting lineup.... Batum, Matthews, Aldridge and Liliard. That lineup alone should have been good enough to get to the second round more than once. And I always thought Spurstalk loved Terry Stotts ads a head coach?

Exactly, LMA has been fine so far as a 1A/1B option (though not against most elite teams yet). We'll see how many threes they take once their shooters start hitting more consistently, but it's looking like the midrange game will be their bread and butter this year. As for Portland, a good SL wasn't gonna be enough to get to the second round in the West the past four or five years (unless you're OKC), and Stotts is considered overrated and gimmicky here on ST.

[skulls138]

I think the Spurs have solidified themselves as a top 2 seed in the west. They should make quick work of whomever they face in the 1st round. A 2nd round match up vs OKC could get interesting but the Spurs should still prevail with HCA as long as the Spurs don't play down to the level of their compe ion (circa 2015). This really comes down to beating GS in the WCFs. If the ball movement doesn't improve and if they can't find a way to incorporate more three's into the offense, they don't stand much of a chance. LMA's #'s are actually very similar to his career #'s with the exception of USG% and shot attempts. I don't what more he can do to improve his game. The Spurs aren't going to beat elite teams by hitting a bunch of mid range jumpers.

Its a conundrum for sure. The SL, unlike the bench, isnt a well oiled machine with parts that compliment each other yet. Both Parker and LMA require the ball to feel like they are of use to the team, but that makes KL as third option, and he is our MVP so far. Id like to have the SL be an an hesis to GS and pound it inside and slow the game down but that doesnt suit TP's game and we need him. I think we have to count on Duncan being the one to right the ship. Hes the calm center and inspirational leader. With him back we could be like the 1999 version of ourselves with twin towers. With that strategy we dont have to stop people on D, just funnel them into our bigs.

[Sean Cagney]

One thing was certain after the first meeting with the Dubs - the Spurs aren't going to beat them unless something changes. So what's going to change? The only thing the Spurs have control over is the roster. They can bring in another player, and/or make sure they are rested come playoff time. Maybe if GS keeps chasing history, they will be worn out by then. I'm pretty sure the difference between the 2 and 3 seed will be where they play the first game against OKC. So resting the old Big 3 shouldn't be totally out of the question.

Pop will rest them periodically or one at a time IMO, Tim is first and then the other two probably here or there or even a week or so later in the year. I trust he knows what he is doing here. I doubt he rests all three at once for a few games but here or there he will.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

You'd have to be mentally re ed, if after 48 games, you're still trying to figure out the system. Maybe you meant so Spurs fans could figure out what they have in Aldridge. In 9 years, he's guided Portland passed the 1st round of the playoffs one (1) time. At best, he's a stat padding third option. It doesn't mean the Spurs can't win with him but, if they're relying on him to be a difference maker as the everyday one or two option, fans are going to be sorely disappointed.

Much like against the Magic and also against the Rockets. I hardly want to take advice from a in idiot that doesn't even watch Spurs games. It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system.

LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone. His D has already approved this year. Now it's just his offense that needs to get on par. LMA isn't leading any team to a championship a the leader of said team, but he sure can put up 20-25 points a night while shooting 55%-60% from the field. And that is why I mean by getting his together.

[ceperez]

Much like against the Magic and also against the Rockets. I hardly want to take advice from a in idiot that doesn't even watch Spurs games. It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system.

LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone. His D has already approved this year. Now it's just his offense that needs to get on par. LMA isn't leading any team to a championship a the leader of said team, but he sure can put up 20-25 points a night while shooting 55%-60% from the field. And that is why I mean by getting his together.

I'm hoping that LMA steps up his game, however, never in his entire career has he shot 55%-60% from the field.

To make matters worse, he has shot at a lower percentage in the playoffs (44%) than in the regular season (48%).

To put everything in perspective only 10 teams in this regular season have shot below 44%.

In short, it isn't enough for LMA to play like he used to play. He has to step up his game. If he shoots 44% in the playoffs and even scores 30+ points a game, the Spurs will absolutely lose!

An 11 %points improvements is just not within reality.

[Texas_Ranger]

well we have 5 games ahead on loss column over Thunder, +3... schedule till ASG

Tomorrow	vs	Pelicans		[COLOR=#878787 !important]11:30 PM[/COLOR]
Sat, Feb 6	@	Mavericks		[COLOR=#878787 !important]12:30 AM[/COLOR]
Sat, Feb 6	vs	Lakers		[COLOR=#878787 !important]11:30 PM[/COLOR]
Tue, Feb 9	@	Heat		[COLOR=#878787 !important]11:00 PM[/COLOR]
Wed, Feb 10	@	Magic		[COLOR=#878787 !important]10:00 PM[/COLOR]

Play everybody less Tim against Pelicans, get the W, Lakers is a win even without those 3, then we have 3 games away... you can probably snitch 1 without them... still ahead of Thunder

Damn, we play the Mavs and the Lakers on the same day. YOU NBA!!

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

I'm hoping that LMA steps up his game, however, never in his entire career has he shot 55%-60% from the field.

To make matters worse, he has shot at a lower percentage in the playoffs (44%) than in the regular season (48%).

To put everything in perspective only 10 teams in this regular season have shot below 44%.

In short, it isn't enough for LMA to play like he used to play. He has to step up his game. If he shoots 44% in the playoffs and even scores 30+ points a game, the Spurs will absolutely lose!

An 11 %points improvements is just not within reality.

He can in the Spurs system because of the spacing it provides him. He shot 9-13 in both the Rockets and Magic games. That is 70%. , he even shot 7-11, 63%, against the Cavs. But in the Spurs system he should be shooting around 55% most nights. Look at my earlier post, I thought LMA should be shooting 55% back then after he was fully acclimated to the Spurs system.

This is what I project and suspect LMA should be shooting now that he has stepped up his offensive game. It might be overly optimistic but the motion offense and Spurs ball movement should get LMA the ball in his sweet spots and also with no double teams. Since Duncan has been out, LMA shooting % has drastically increased. He is becoming more aggressive and demanding the ball more.

It's a small sample size, but LMA is finally showing how effective he can be when being properly utilized in the Spurs system.

[Brazil]

Damn, we play the Mavs and the Lakers on the same day. YOU NBA!!

wtf

[MultiTroll]

I was having coffee at Barrio Barista on Culebra Road and the electrician for Patty Mills said Tim will be out vs the Mavericks.

[BillMc]

Damn, we play the Mavs and the Lakers on the same day. YOU NBA!!

Yeah, no way we should have to play 1 and a half NBA teams on the same night.

[ceperez]

He can in the Spurs system because of the spacing it provides him. He shot 9-13 in both the Rockets and Magic games. That is 70%. , he even shot 7-11, 63%, against the Cavs. But in the Spurs system he should be shooting around 55% most nights. Look at my earlier post, I thought LMA should be shooting 55% back then after he was fully acclimated to the Spurs system.

This is what I project and suspect LMA should be shooting now that he has stepped up his offensive game. It might be overly optimistic but the motion offense and Spurs ball movement should get LMA the ball in his sweet spots and also with no double teams. Since Duncan has been out, LMA shooting % has drastically increased. He is becoming more aggressive and demanding the ball more.

It's a small sample size, but LMA is finally showing how effective he can be when being properly utilized in the Spurs system.

West has a career season in terms of fg%, 57%. You are right about the last 3 games, let's see if he can keep it up.

[Hoops Czar]

Much like against the Magic and also against the Rockets. I hardly want to take advice from a in idiot that doesn't even watch Spurs games. It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system.

LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone. His D has already approved this year. Now it's just his offense that needs to get on par. LMA isn't leading any team to a championship a the leader of said team, but he sure can put up 20-25 points a night while shooting 55%-60% from the field. And that is why I mean by getting his together.

The sad part here is you really have no idea what you're watching. LMA isn't adjusting to the Spurs system, the Spurs system is adjusting to LMA. I would like to think you of all people should know that the so called Spurs system isn't about fitting square pegs in round holes. It's made up of players and those said players make up the system. The Spurs have essentially gone from an uptempo, passing offense to a halfcourt ISO offense. They used to eat ISO teams for breakfast and now, they've essentially become one.

"It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system..... LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone." What an odd couple of sentences. So, every time LMA has a big game against weak compe ion, he's finding his comfort zone? And every time he s the bed against elite compe ion, he needs to adjust and get comfortable in the system? So which is it? Do you know how many times it's been said he's finding his comfort zone only to see reality come crashing down around him in the next game? Lma isn't the high usage player he was in Portland so there's no chance of him averaging 20-25 points a night in a Spurs uniform. However, it would be nice if he actually showed up in big games every once in a while. What I mean by this is, it isn't important that he goes on scoring spree against teams the Spurs are going to pound anyway. If the Spurs want a puncher's chance at reclaiming the NBA championship, LMA is going to have to show up in games that actually matter.

[T_L_P]

Starting to sound serious. Wish they'd just announce if Duncan is done for the season so we can adjust to lower expectations sooner.

Done for the season? Come on man.

[Spur|n|Austin]

Done for the season? Come on man.

[ceperez]

The sad part here is you really have no idea what you're watching. LMA isn't adjusting to the Spurs system, the Spurs system is adjusting to LMA. I would like to think you of all people should know that the so called Spurs system isn't about fitting square pegs in round holes. It's made up of players and those said players make up the system. The Spurs have essentially gone from an uptempo, passing offense to a halfcourt ISO offense. They used to eat ISO teams for breakfast and now, they've essentially become one.

"It takes most Vets a year to figure out how to function in the Spurs system..... LMA was brought to SA for his offensive prowess in the low/high post. After the Magic game, he really looks like he has found his comfort zone." What an odd couple of sentences. So, every time LMA has a big game against weak compe ion, he's finding his comfort zone? And every time he s the bed against elite compe ion, he needs to adjust and get comfortable in the system? So which is it? Do you know how many times it's been said he's finding his comfort zone only to see reality come crashing down around him in the next game? Lma isn't the high usage player he was in Portland so there's no chance of him averaging 20-25 points a night in a Spurs uniform. However, it would be nice if he actually showed up in big games every once in a while. What I mean by this is, it isn't important that he goes on scoring spree against teams the Spurs are going to pound anyway. If the Spurs want a puncher's chance at reclaiming the NBA championship, LMA is going to have to show up in games that actually matter.

I agree entirely here that he can't just show up against lightweight opponents. He has to show up against the "real pros".

Honestly, he started out the season out off shape, he's looks in better shape now, but nowhere near the kind of shape you see in Leonard or even Duncan. I would even venture to say that Diaw is in better shape than Aldridge. You can see it in how the two run and how how the two get up above the ground. Aldridge definitely has lost a lot of lift since his early days.

[WeNeedLength]

Michael C. WrightESPN Staff Writer


As usual, David West will start Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans in place of Tim Duncan, per San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich said he wasn't sure whether Duncan would travel with the team to Dallas for Friday's game against the Mavericks.

[spursistan]

Michael C. WrightESPN Staff Writer


As usual, David West will start Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans in place of Tim Duncan, per San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich said he wasn't sure whether Duncan would travel with the team to Dallas for Friday's game against the Mavericks.

Looks like there is slim chance Timmy might play before ASG break..it is basically day-to-day thing..