Vaughn fits well as Spurs' mentor

[Spurs Brazil]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...n.36a72ee.html

Vaughn fits well as Spurs' mentor

Web Posted: 03/09/2007 10:43 PM CST

Johnny Ludden
Express-News

Matt Bonner bounced out of his sideline chair and onto the court when Spurs coach Gregg Popovich unexpectedly called on him in the third quarter of Thursday's game in Sacramento. His enthusiasm carried over when, seconds later, he cut the wrong way and nearly ran into Jacque Vaughn.
Popovich shook his head in frustration, spun on his heels, walked down the bench and muttered a few descriptive adjectives about Bonner's sense of direction. But as Popovich turned around to light into the young forward, Vaughn already was clutching Bonner around the hip, calmly explaining what he had done wrong.

The play didn't show up in the box score of the Spurs' 100-93 victory, but credit Vaughn with another assist. If nothing else, he saved Bonner from a potentially embarrassing blistering.

"That's my job," Vaughn said later, laughing.

The Spurs have benefited from Vaughn's steady hand on more than a few occasions during their 11-game winning streak. He more than capably filled in for injured starter Tony Parker for two games, sparking victories over Houston and the Los Angeles Clippers with his energy and hustle. On Tuesday, he helped direct the Spurs' comeback in Portland as Parker watched from the bench.

"He steps on the court and he takes over in the sense that everybody knows where they're supposed to be," Popovich said. "He'll help other people with what defense we are in, with the play call.

"His aggressiveness defensively — all those things just ups the level of compe iveness when he's on the court."

A 10-year veteran who has played for five franchises, Vaughn credits some of his leadership abilities to a point guard he'll see tonight. Before signing with the Spurs, Vaughn spent two seasons playing behind — and sometimes alongside — New Jersey's Jason Kidd.

"I learned a lot from Jason," Vaughn said. "I think the things that stand out were the fact that he could lead a team by example, the simple things like being at practice, being the first guy to do drills."

Vaughn also benefited from having a locker next to Utah's John Stockton for four seasons. As a rookie, Vaughn learned the value of day-to-day preparation from Stockton, who taught him how to be a professional.

The Spurs recognized as much when they went looking last summer for a veteran point guard to help mentor Beno Udrih and Parker. "We signed him like two minutes after the signing (period) opened up," Popovich said. "It was the first thing we did. We locked him up right off the bat."

At the time, the Spurs planned to have Udrih, who played infrequently last season behind Parker and Nick Van Exel, serve as the primary backup. Which is exactly what Popovich told Vaughn.

"I told him Beno sat all last year, so we're going to give him the ball this year ... and see how he does," Popovich said. "Stick with us. Stay in shape. Bide your time and see what happens."


Vaughn used the time to get know his teammates and learn the Spurs' offense and defense. He often sat next to Udrih on the bench and, when necessary, provided advice or encouragement.
"I never shy away from challenge, but at the same time I knew that with my experience and the places I've been that I could help Tony and Beno," Vaughn said. "I wasn't afraid to do that. I'm pretty OK in my skin right now."

Vaughn also has proved to be pretty OK on the court, too. Frustrated by Udrih's inconsistency, Popovich elevated Vaughn into the backup role when the Spurs began the second leg of their rodeo trip on Feb. 7 in Washington. The team has since gone 12-2.

Vaughn has averaged 4.4 points and 3.3 assists during that time, including 9.0 points and 6.0 assists in the two games he started for Parker. His biggest contributions, however, might be his on-the-ball defense and hustle: Against Houston last week, he scooped up a steal near midcourt with a pop-up slide before darting in for a layup.

"He makes all those little plays that win games, diving on the floor, getting loose balls," Parker said. "He's not maybe the most talented, you can say maybe Beno is more talented.

"But Jacque is playing very hard, and that's what Pop wants."

Whether from watching Vaughn or picking up his aggressiveness on his own, Udrih also played well during Parker's absence. He averaged 11.3 points in three games while making 6 of 8 3-pointers, including the go-ahead shot against Portland.

"We all know Beno can score and he's a heck of a passer," Popovich said. "But when it's money time I'm looking for the other stuff more often than the scoring. To Beno's credit, when we have called on him to get in there, he's done a good job."

With Parker assuming his usual workload Thursday against the Kings, Udrih didn't play. Vaughn, meanwhile, was on the floor at the end of the third quarter, directing traffic.

After Mike Bibby's layup cut the Spurs' lead to one, Vaughn found Bonner open from 25 feet. Three points for Bonner, another assist for Vaughn.

[aaronstampler]

not to sound like a smartass or anything, but if the whole theme of this article is that Vaughn was signed to be a mentor to the younger point guards, then wouldn't he have to be considered a failure in that capacity since Beno played like crap the whole year? Actually, now that I think about it, Tony's game has regressed a bit too.

Thank God he's a decent backup PG because it seems to me that Vaughn's pretty ty at this mentoring business. You know who must have been a great mentor? Nick Van Exel. Both Tony and Beno played great when he was here last season.

[exstatic]

Tony's game has regressed this year? Interesting theory. Up until his hip pointer, he had probably never played better ball.

[aaronstampler]

I don't know what numbers y'all are looking at. I see fewer points, fewer assists, and a lower shooting %. He's averaging half a point less on a half more shooting attempt than last year. Basically he's getting to the free throw line less and it's hurting his efficiency.

While his free throw % and his defense have improved this season I'm concerned that his assist rate and his assists per 40 minutes have dropped for the second straight season. I can't understand why every part of his game continues to develop year after year but as a point guard he peaked two seasons ago.

[ArgSpursFan]

So He is playing more like Iverson ans less like himself?

[whottt]

Gotta agree with ex on this one. Tony has been having his best season offensively IMO. Although his D isn't as good as it was the last time we won a le.

I've also become more impressed with Jacque as he's gotten comfortable on this team.

The fact that he already seems to have the d figured out is impressive...very few players have figured out the Spurs D to that degree within months of being on the team.

[ChumpDumper]

Jesus, here comes the "Parker should be averaging 15 assists per game" canard again.

[whottt]

I don't know what numbers y'all are looking at. I see fewer points, fewer assists, and a lower shooting %. He's averaging half a point less on a half more shooting attempt than last year. Basically he's getting to the free throw line less and it's hurting his efficiency.

While his free throw % and his defense have improved this season I'm concerned that his assist rate and his assists per 40 minutes have dropped for the second straight season. I can't understand why every part of his game continues to develop year after year but as a point guard he peaked two seasons ago.

Parker's has a J now, a good one. His FG% last year was among the best in NBA history for a PG. This year he's pretty good too..

Why do you think the coaches elect him to the AS game? And it more impressive they voted him in this season than it was last season.

I mean holding that dip in FG% against him is like holding it against Jordan that he's scoring 35ppg instead of 37.



You can't judge a Spurs passing ability by his assist totals...they run the ball through Duncan, they run it through Manu...as team the Spurs assists totals are great and this is one of the better offensive teams of the Pop era.


And Tony is having his best year from 3 as well...


And most importantly...Parker has carried the team offensively and in the clutch more than he has in any previous years.

[whottt]

Jesus, here comes the "Parker should be averaging 15 assists per game" canard again.

Werd.

[Bruno]

And even if you look only at his stats, Parker is doing his better year.

He averages 0.5 less turnovers per game and it's more meaningfull than his 3% drop in a FG%.

Haters....

[exstatic]

Parker's has a J now, a good one. His FG% last year was among the best in NBA history for a PG. This year he's pretty good too..

Bingo. His jumper is SO much better, and it opens the paint for other players when he can hit it. His increased FT% also benefits the team, and is huge for a primary ballhandler. His assist numbers will never be great in a motion offense. It's the nature of the beast. Too many players touch the ball for you to expect Tony to be THE player that delivers the assist.

[Kori Ellis]

I don't know what numbers y'all are looking at. I see fewer points, fewer assists, and a lower shooting %. He's averaging half a point less on a half more shooting attempt than last year. Basically he's getting to the free throw line less and it's hurting his efficiency.

While his free throw % and his defense have improved this season I'm concerned that his assist rate and his assists per 40 minutes have dropped for the second straight season. I can't understand why every part of his game continues to develop year after year but as a point guard he peaked two seasons ago.

His points and assists are virtually the same as last year because he's playing more than a minute less this year. Divide it and see. Per minute, his assists are very very slightly down and his points are very very slightly up.

His field goal percentage is basically the only thing that is down - and I am not sure anyone expected him to repeat the phenomenol FG% of last season - but no one should be complaining about 52% from the floor from a point guard.

[Kori Ellis]

I'm concerned that his assist rate and his assists per 40 minutes have dropped for the second straight season.

05-06 - 6.8 per 40
06-07 - 6.7 per 40

I wouldn't be so concerned over a 0.1 drop.

[T Park]

Vaughn's leadership is akin in 03 to a Danny Ferry role that he had.

He would pull he newbies aside and tell them their mistakes and what not.

Vaughn might not be this high scoring high assisting point guard that everyone clamors for in a poin guard. Although, since hes gotten the backup primary nod, his play has been phenomenal.

The defense, and the baskets he gets for others with his drives are pretty darn good.

Especially Duncan, Elson, Oberto. He seems to find them right NEAR the basket alot for easy shots...

on the signing of Vaughn so far.

[aaronstampler]

I never said he's not playing good or that he didn't deserve to be an All-Star, I simply said he was a little better last year. I don't know why everyone is so defensive about that. It's possible to be a good player and not have your career year.

It's not like it's Tim's best season either and most people agree that his prime is behind him. Doesn't mean he's still not a fabulous player.

I think Tony was amazing in December. Just incredible that month. Since then though his numbers have sagged noticably for whatever reason. It's like as Manu's gotten better, Tony's gotten worse.

And you're being very silly Chump. 15 assists? Show me anybody who ever said such a dumb thing. But 7, 7.5 should certainly be a reasonable goal. Neither you nor Kori can honestly tell me that Pop has been thrilled with Tony's passing lately.

[1Parker1]

I never said he's not playing good or that he didn't deserve to be an All-Star, I simply said he was a little better last year. I don't know why everyone is so defensive about that. It's possible to be a good player and not have your career year.

I think maybe he "appeared a little better" last year because he had to assume a larger offensive load with Duncan hurt and Ginobili never really finding his groove last season. He was asked to shoot more, score more, pass more, etc. This season with Duncan healthy and recently Ginobili playing out of this world, he's taken a backseat somewhat. But his numbers are still around or better than his "Career" numbers.

[1Parker1]

Either way, I am happy with Vaughn and the leadership he's shown on the court recently. One thing I'm not so excited about: Elson seems have to regressed yet again in that time frame.

[ChumpDumper]

But 7, 7.5 should certainly be a reasonable goal.

Why? Because you said so? I'm fine with the offense running through Tim and Manu. Why do you want to limit it to just Tony?

Neither you nor Kori can honestly tell me that Pop has been thrilled with Tony's passing lately.

Do you have a quote to that effect?

We're on an 11-game win streak while Tony deals with multiple injuries. I understand all his detractors can do is focus like a laser on assist totals, that's their problem.

[T Park]

Either way, I am happy with Vaughn and the leadership he's shown on the court recently. One thing I'm not so excited about: Elson seems have to regressed yet again in that time frame

So a couple bad games and hes regressed.

Funny.

And you're being very silly Chump. 15 assists? Show me anybody who ever said such a dumb thing. But 7, 7.5 should certainly be a reasonable goal. Neither you nor Kori can honestly tell me that Pop has been thrilled with Tony's passing lately

He'll more than likely never average that due to the offense.

That, freakin, simple.

[aaronstampler]

I think maybe he "appeared a little better" last year because he had to assume a larger offensive load with Duncan hurt and Ginobili never really finding his groove last season. He was asked to shoot more, score more, pass more, etc. This season with Duncan healthy and recently Ginobili playing out of this world, he's taken a backseat somewhat. But his numbers are still around or better than his "Career" numbers.

That's a fair point. It is reasonable for him to score less with Tim and Manu doing more. But it's also reasonable for him to be averaging more assists then as well.

[exstatic]

That's a fair point. It is reasonable for him to score less with Tim and Manu doing more. But it's also reasonable for him to be averaging more assists then as well.

Not..in..this...offense.

[aaronstampler]

So a couple bad games and hes regressed.

Funny.




He'll more than likely never average that due to the offense.

That, freakin, simple.

That's BS. The offense isn't the way it is because Pop is necessarily in love with it, it's because Pop has no choice. But by no means does Pop dislike pass first point guards. AJ averaged 7.4 assists in our first le year and that was with TWO post up players.

And don't forget Pop wanted to bring Jason Kidd here as well.

Pop has pretty much given up trying to get Tony to think "pass" but I don't think for a second he's thrilled about it. I don't recall him ever saying he was disappointed that Tony passed too much after a game that Parker wound up with 8 or 10 assists.

And please Kori for the love of God, don't drag out the famous "I want him to shoot 25 times a a game" quote from the Kings' series last year.

ADELMAN HAD MIKE BIBBY ON HIM. He had Artest on Manu. Under those cir stances, yes I'd want Tony shooting as much as possible too. But the match-ups aren't so extreme against most teams and we'll be facing a lot of coaches in May smarter than Rick Adelman.

[1Parker1]

That's a fair point. It is reasonable for him to score less with Tim and Manu doing more. But it's also reasonable for him to be averaging more assists then as well.

How can you expect his assists to go up? For the better part of the season, you had your top 3 bench players Horry, Finley, and Beno shooting around 30% or so. Even Bowen and Barry went through a tough shooting stretch there for a while. You can only rack up assists when the other person makes the basket and if you have teammates in a shooting slump, that's going to be hard to do.

[1Parker1]

So a couple bad games and hes regressed.

Funny.

I wasn't trying to be funny.

[ChumpDumper]

And please Kori for the love of God, don't drag out the famous "I want him to shoot 25 times a a game" quote from the Kings' series last year.

When your point guard shoots better from the floor than Yao Ming, it's ok for him to take 15 shots a game.