Spurs Preseason Report Card
http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx...9-2AFF33DDBA5A
By LJ Ellis
FullSportPress.com
STARTERS
Tim Duncan
Duncan has had an amazing preseason so far. Usually he doesn’t find his rhythm for a couple of months, but this season he’s come out of the gates on fire. If you’d extrapolate his per minute averages in the preseason to the usual 38 minutes per game he sees during the regular season, he’d be averaging 32.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.67 blocks and 2.45 steals. His shooting percentages are just as astronomical: 72.1% from the field, 77.3% from the line and a perfect 1-for-1 from beyond the three-point line. Could it be possible that Duncan has gotten even better? Let’s hope so. GRADE: A+
Bruce Bowen
So far in the preseason, Bowen hasn’t really stood out on the court. That is mainly due to the fact that Pop hasn’t put him on the other team’s best player yet, so his defense hasn’t been put on display. His offense, on the other hand, has been below average. It seems as if he’s forcing his penetrations too much, when he should settle for the perimeter shot. His best asset in the preseason has been his obvious leadership role on the court. GRADE: C
Rasho Nesterovic
After working out feverishly during the summer to get stronger to be better equipped to hold his space in the lane, Nesterovic has made notable strides during preseason play. His added strength, along with a newfound offensive confidence, has allowed him to be more effective around the basket. He’s hitting 56.7% of his shots that include a handful of dunks. His defensive rotations have been good but the Spurs will need him to rebound more. Hopefully his preseason play translates into regular season and postseason success. GRADE: B+
Manu Ginobili
You can sense the confidence that Ginobili brings to the court now that he’s in his third year in the league. His Olympic gold medal and his starting spot in the rotation have made him a notably more self-assured player. Ginobili’s aggressiveness on both ends of the court will be big for the Spurs this season. He’s attacking both offensively and defensively, which is when he’s at his best. Although he’s struggling some with his perimeter shooting (36.4%), Ginobili has otherwise been on top of his game. GRADE: B+
Tony Parker
Working on his shot over the summer has apparently paid off. During preseason play, Parker is shooting 61.1% from the field and 50.0% from three-point range. He’s been assertive offensively and has ran the offense well. As the Spurs and his agent work to finalize a contract extension, his preseason play should illustrate how important Parker is to the future of the franchise. As the season rolls around, it would be great to see Parker raise his assist numbers to become a well-rounded point guard. GRADE: B+
BENCH
Devin Brown
Brown has been the Spurs’ second leading scorer in the preseason, averaging 10.5 points per game. He’s been a real spark and his play could earn him big minutes in the regular season. Though it is improbable that he would be able to unseat Bowen in the starting rotation, he’s been able to keep the pressure on for additional playing time. His defense has been solid and his rebounding (5.3 in 23.3 minutes per game) has been spectacular. If the minutes are there, this could be a breakout season for Brown. GRADE: A
Malik Rose
After a frustrating campaign where he spent more time on the pine than on the court, Rose has been the first player off the bench for the Spurs in preseason. He’s responded with great energy and a relentlessness that only he brings to the floor. He is also noticeably trimmer than last season, which has allowed him to be more explosive around the basket. The downside to his preseason play has been his shooting. He’ll need to drastically improve upon his current 27.8% clip to stay out of Pop’s doghouse. GRADE: B-
Brent Barry
Barry has had a rough go of it from the perimeter so far in preseason. He’s hitting only 25.8% from the field and 18.8% from beyond the arc. His defense has also been atrocious at times as he adjusts to the Spurs’ philosophy. Aside from his shooting and defense, it has been obvious how Barry is going to help the Spurs. He can help lead the fast break and he provides an additional ballhandler on the court. Being the keen passer and smart player that he is, he’ll make everyone around him better. GRADE: C+
Beno Udrih
In the first four preseason games, Udrih has been impressive. His composure and knowledge of how to run an NBA offense has been off the charts for a rookie point guard. He understands where to be on the court and how to attack the opposition’s defense. While his shooting hasn't been as great as he’d hope, it’s nice to see that he has NBA range on his shot. Hopefully he can stay healthy and continue to be a solid backup for Parker. GRADE: B+
Robert Horry
Big Shot Rob has been shooting well so far since last May’s disaster. He has hit 50.0% from the field and 2-for-3 from downtown. His rebounding numbers could be a little better but other than that, it’s the same ol’ Robert Horry. GRADE: B
Tony Massenburg
Hardnosed and tough are two words that describe Massenburg. He utilizes his brute strength to pummel opponents. The same ruggedness that Kevin Willis brought to the court the last couple seasons can be duplicated by Massenburg. GRADE: B
Romain Sato
The Spurs’ second round draft pick has been a workhorse in the exhibition games. With his amazing wingspan, he can rebound and defend at a high level. To make the Spurs, he’ll have to prove to the coaches that he has enough offense to survive. His shot has been off so far in preseason but he’s getting to the line. He’s the type of player the Spurs could stash on the injured list and hope that he develops during practice. GRADE: B-
Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje
Though it is unlikely that he’ll make the final roster, Boumtje-Boumtje has played well in spots. His rebounding is very good and his defensive rotations have been respectable. Where he struggles is offensively. He’s not a player that you can have on the court in a tight regular season game due to his total lack of offensive skill. GRADE: C+
Marque Perry
Played for both of the Spurs’ summer league teams and has played well in spurts in preseason. His game isn’t NBA ready at the moment, but he could develop into a backup. If he’s kept this season, it will be to serve as the emergency third point guard. GRADE: C+
James Thomas
Looks lost on the court and doesn’t seem to possess the athletic ability to play the power forward position in the NBA. He’s supposed to be a great rebounder but hasn’t really shown much on the boards. He dives on the court for loose balls and is trying hard, but don’t look for him to make the final cut. Word is he’ll be cut on Monday. GRADE: D
Nice report, Thanks.
I'm particularly happy with what I hear ('cuase I only saw the first game against NY) about Beno and Malik's game.
Beno, because I did not know what to expect.
Malik, because his game seems to be on its way up (probably the only way to go given the way he played last year).
Pretty high grades for a team that is 1 and 3 in the pre-season.
Spoken like a man completely ignorant of the Spurs' preseason rotations.
Written like a man who gets off on offending "homer" Spurs fans and generating huffy responses from them. Looks like he succeeded.
Last edited by Marcus Bryant; 10-25-2004 at 11:46 AM.
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Last edited by Marcus Bryant; 10-25-2004 at 11:46 AM.
Keep trying, cupcake. You'll get it right....
'tis better to hit the wrong button, than to take tlong seriously. Sooner or later, butch, you'll figure it out.
Never have taken him seriously.Still haven't figured that one out, have you? Talk about ignorance....butch
Apparently you missed the memo in regards to tlong.
As for that "one", I think it's rather clear.
True.
Probably the best news regarding him is that Pop is playing him as the 6th man.
Now if Malik can start hitting for a higher percentage, all will be right in Spursdom.
Not looking to cohesive for the Spurs at the moment. I have faith they'll put a good season together. They alwasy seem to start this way. My Lakers are starting off really good, considering they're make shift line-ups there putting out. Still, it's early.....
Way too early to say it's early..shouldn't even say anything about it.
Yeah, it's shocking we're not looking too hot considering the minutes for our bench players have outnumbered the starters 2 to 1... it's called seeing what you got, we already know about our starting five.Not looking to cohesive for the Spurs at the moment.
I'd imagine any team would look good if they played their franchise player 40 minutes a game in preseason.. My Lakers are starting off really good, considering they're make shift line-ups there putting out.
That is supposed to be a PRE-SEASON report card, yet the Spurs are 1 and 3 in the pre-season! How can they get an average grade of B+ with a 1 and 3 record??? They should be at C- or D+. What a HORRIBLE article!
Tell that to LJ's face.
I give this an F.
You must be grading on a curve...
And you know this because you saw the games . . .
STFU!
I know this because I can read the paper.And you know this because you saw the games . . .
STFU!
tbong,
Only a would get his panties in a wad over a fan site for some other team and how they graded the preseason.
With the season opener only a week away it is time to get into regular season form. My in-depth analysis and quick-witted insight clearly show that I am ready.
Yeah..kobe's playing 40mintues a game...please look at the box stats before you make such a useless arguement. I never once said the Lakers will do better than the Spurs....did I. I am just stating the obvious....the spurs have sucked so far this preseason, even with Duncan playing great, granted limited minutues. Last night Lakers won with Bgrant dropping 22 and 11 while kobe barely cracked 10 points.
I want a report thong about the blazers similiar's to timvp's report.
Excellent post....except for the Lakers stuff. The Lakers will suck this year. Lamar Odom at power forward? Give me a friggin' break!
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