Ball movement is definitely a lot better with the second unit versus the starting lineup.
Poeltl was interviewed by a German online-outlet:
https://www.spox.com/de/sport/usspor...aelle-itw.html
Harden dunk
...He doesn't believe that it had so much influence on how the game ended. There were several plays you could have checked...
losing-streak
...If some players are out of form and you lose a few games in a row, it's not easy to flip the switch. Although they played good for stretches, they had negative runs that they couldn't overcome. Against Houston it was the first time we could come back and win. They hope to continue to play better more constantly...
Spurs defense
...It's a mentality thing. Perhaps they don't have the personal to be really good on defense. But it's also effort. If you give up, there is no intensity and then you lose by 20. The coaches are searching for a solution...
Midrange-game of LMA & DDR
...It would be better to shoot more threes. But they probably don't have the personal. LMA & DDR are really good in the midrange. It's simply not possible to change their style of play at this stage of their career. The Raptors wanted Demar to shoot more threes, the Spurs not so much. The focus of the Spurs is on passing and let the players do their thing...
His shooting
...He works a lot with Chip on his shot, primarily the basics. He changed his shot completely over the summer and it's not easy during the season to put everything new into practice. There are good runs, but also bad runs. He wants to extend his range in the next years. But he would also be good with it if he won't be a three-point-specialist in 3 years. He knows he has value for a team with his other skills. But it would be a nice addition for sure...
bench vs starting lineup
...He feels more comfortable with the bench, because they play faster, the ball moves more and he's more involved in the pick/roll action. In the starting lineup they have more iso-players and it's harder for him to find his rhythm, but there's also a place for him with the starters, although he has to play more passive...
about his season
...He knows that he had a slow start, but played better and better. Unfortunately he got better when the team as a whole had a breakdown. He wanted to play more aggressive this season and feels like he's on a good way...
Tim Duncan
...Duncan is in good shape and it's a honour to work with him. He plays 1on1 against him before the games and if you make a mistake you're done against Timmy.
Win vs Clippers & Kawhi
...It's nothing special for Poeltl to win against Kawhi because he wasn't the main piece in the trade. But he knew about the importance of the game for the fans and in principle it's easier for them to find the focus against better teams....
Raptors championship
...It was a strange feeling for sure to not be part of it after playing for them the year before. But he's happy for his friends Siakam, Van Fleet, Powell
Pascal Siakam
...Nobody could have foreseen this development - except Pascal ;-) He's in contact with him on a regular basis.
Contract extension
...There were talks in the summer. The Spurs want him to stay, he wants to to stay, but they couldn't agree on the terms so far. That's part of the business.
Spurs future
...It's possible that it's Pops last season and the Spurs change their direction - with a new coach & new players. That's something he has to consider when talking about a new contract. But it's all open at the moment. They're positive and hope to turn things around.
Popovich
...He's grumpy with the media, otherwise he's a funny and friendly guy - except if they play like s***
Social Media
...He doesn't use twitter and doesn't give a about social media posts.
Ball movement is definitely a lot better with the second unit versus the starting lineup.
This was the most important part, to me. Beyond board speculation, isn't this the first time we hear from a player/Spurs member that this might actually be Pop's last year? Every previous piece about Pop I've read indicated he'd signed a 3y deal that he intended on honoring. Maybe better times are on the horizon indeed. Also props to Jak for working on his game, he's been one of the more consistent Spurs as of lately.
Lot of good digs there at Pop. Derozan, and LMA. Jakob easily becoming one of my fav Spurs on this miserable team
Too bad they're going to let him walk this summer.
This is pretty key. Are LMA, DeroZan, and Gay bored or they just suck? A few good games doesn't tell us much. Last year they peaked trying to get into the playoffs. Maybe we get a repeat?Win vs Clippers & Kawhi
...It's nothing special ....e it's easier for them to find the focus against better teams.....
Damn... that's a great interview. Intelligent answers for everything, and not just sound bites.
"Perhaps they don't have the personal to be really good on defense. But it's also effort. If you give up, there is no intensity and then you lose by 20. The coaches are searching for a solution."
They don't have the personnel to be good on defense. But Poeltl is also right that there is a lack of effort a lot of the time. Players giving up. If the coaches can't find a solution, maybe they really have given up on Pop.
"In the starting lineup they have more iso-players and it's harder for him to find his rhythm, but there's also a place for him with the starters, although he has to play more passive."
Loads of truth there. Iso-ball is not fun to watch. I imagine it would not be very much fun to play in, if you're not one of the featured players. And there is the problem with not having a clear PG, and using DDR to facilitate the offense so much.
He's talking about weighing a possible coaching and player shakeup in his decision to stay here. Tell me the reason the Spurs don't seem to be making any moves isn't that they are just let attrition take care of it, and let the new coach build from scratch.
Mediocre players speaking their mediocre player thoughts
Interesting tidbit: Jakob Poeltl is currently the 11th ranked top defensive player in the league according to 538's RAPTOR defensive metric; fourth center on the list. Obviously ratings can change as the season progresses but he's got a lot of potential and if he could add a shot to his game, as he says, he'd be a tremendous asset. Reallt hope the Spurs and him can reach a deal - especially if it means change in the FO/organization to get it done...
Yeah, that mediocore player is just the best defender this team. But why bother with listening, when you can trash too. *smh*
Most don't know it but the word "irony" is Greek in origin. I invented it, just to amuse myself. So I'm a big fan.
The irony of you talking about "mediocre thoughts" is one of my favorites. There's no Spurs game tonight, so I really appreciate the laugh.
Pfft, who needs personnel when you've got Pop's magical "system"?
Poodle speaks the truth
Do you have an alert that tells you to put on your white suit of armor on everytime someone says anything that's not positive about Poeltl?
its personnel ya polish fool
but you are also 100% right
Foreign players don't usually bull too much. Not the usual clichéd sports talk. Always appreciated the way Tony Parker gave honest answers.
Don't forget about Manu, who was just as honest or moreso.
Good deal. Thanks for posting this. Does he give an insight that it’s Pops last season and last season with this particular crew? Bc that is what it seems like to me. What a candid interview. Not since Manu have I read of any of these interviews that’s not just giving a sound bite or something cliche.
who needs high draft picks when u have so great trade specialist
It seems like attrition and letting things sort themselves out
Last edited by SAGirl; 12-12-2019 at 11:56 AM.
It is disconcerting a bit that the players might recognize that others are a liability to the point that playing consistently good defense is a pipedream.
And I have a feeling he's pointing the finger at a starter or two??
Demar and Bryn come to mind.
you don‘t have to be positive, but don‘t be an idiot. It‘s that easy.
I like Poeltl. He’s no nonsense, tough nose who just wants to work and get better. Funny with the reference on the social media. I think the team had an earful, especially DJ, Demar, Mills for distractions and not having focus. I really hoped the team have turned it around.
No, but when ignorant people like you spew nonsense i kind of feel triggered to put you in your place. Maybe less trashing and actually watch the games might help to see the truth.
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