Monday, July 6th, 2009...8:17 am
Chasing the Ghost of Robert Horry
The Spurs pursuit, or near pursuit, of Rasheed Wallace was granted Golden Calf status by many team followers, such as myself. Wallace was a good fit, especially because of his ability to defend the block and space the floor.
What we wanted in Rasheed Wallace the Spurs once had in Robert Horry. It’s what the Spurs have looked for in Danny Ferry, Matt Bonner, Anthony Tolliver, James Gist, Austin Croshere and, now, Marcus Haislip. As it turns out, even the twilight years version of Robert Horry is more difficult to replace than any of us imagined.
When the Spurs elected to part ways with Horry, the time had come. They made the right move. During his last year of play, he was a shell of the player he’d been during his penultimate season, another season of noticeable decline. Decline gives way to desertion, and Robert Horry’s game was forsaken by the ravages of age. For all its clever difference, it too went by that very common door.
What is lost in the mythology of Big Shot Rob is what the Spurs currently lack. Above everything else, Robert Horry was an intelligent player. He knew the system. He not only made his defensive rotations, he understood them. He displayed the how and the why. His steadfast commitment to defense was a commitment to the team. And when he spaced the floor, he spaced it with purpose.
I seldom think about his big shots. What I remember about Robert Horry is his willingness to bust ass and seal the baseline. I remember the way he swarmed the pivot whenever Tim Duncan needed help on the block. And, yes, I happily remember the bump heard around the world, the one that crashed Steve Nash into the scorer’s table. The fallout was unfortunate-and I mean that sincerely-but that sort of grit helps to win championships. The more Robert Horry lost himself within the system, the better player he became.
I’m optimistic the Spurs will find a player to approximate Robert Horry’s skill set. But what I want more than anything is a player who understands why his skill set is so vital to the team. I want a player who would kill himself to plug that baseline funnel.
If I wrote an open letter to the Marcus Haislips of Spurs universe it would say this: Get Smart. Commit yourself to the system. Commit yourself to defense. Leave the big shots for the other guys. Good luck.
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12 Comments
July 6th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Well said. That is why he won 43 championships with 17 different teams. We look to fill his role, but can it really ever be filled?
July 6th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Agreed.
Horry possessed a knack for spacing, an understanding of the game, and a clutch-ness that cannot be taught.
He was a unique player in the history of basketball, being a small, but important part of so many championship teams.
More specific to the Spurs, Horry was really only a big part of the Spurs run in 2005. By 2007 his role was reduced and his importance (besides the hip-check of Nash) was relatively minor.
Do championship teams always possess a Robert Horry? Who was the Spurs’ Horry in 1999 or 2003? Is it absolutely crucial for our championship hopes that we fill that role in 2009 and if so, who should/can fill it?
These are questions Pop and R.C. need to be thinking about, if they haven’t already answered them.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Great post, and I agree 100%, that’s why I hoped we would get Rasheed Wallace. He has a high basketball IQ, has length and can play defense. Not to mention he has a solid low post game and a dangerous ability to space the floor. If Haislip can bring even half of what Robert Horry during his tenure with the Spurs, we should be alright
July 6th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Ironically, Horry’s singular moment as a Spur, hitting that huge shot against the Pistons in game 5 was made possible because Sheed forgot to cover Horry off the inbounds. Sheed had way more talent than Horry but not the same level of basketball IQ, however, few do.
Yes, let’s hope the new Spurs commit themselves to defense. We’re getting the needed athleticism. If Pop can mold them, and we can secure a legit top 3 defense, our title window will remain open.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Anyone heard these rumors of the Spurs making an offer to Big Baby Davis??
July 6th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Kevin,
Yes, you easily can identify those in the know by looking for folks with their heads buried under a pillow stammering, “M-m-mommy, m-m-make it go away. M-m-make it go away.”
July 6th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Once we retired Avery, who I am not a fan of, it made it necessary to retire Bowen and Horry too is worth considering. His play in the 2005 run was legendary. I wouldn’t have retired Avery or Johnny Moore. I mean The Big 3 are already all going to the roof if they never played another game.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:16 am
JUST SAY NO to Big Baby Davis!
On to more pleasant things: The more I think about it, the more I think the Spurs are doing something behind the scenes that we don’t have any clue about. The Spurs FO could face down any of the Poker Champion guys and come away with all the chips.
Have faith, Spurs Fans! Do not despair that ‘Sheed is going to Boston without even listening to the Spurs proposal. They have a plan! Remember that the Jefferson deal went down without so much as a peep until it was basically finished.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I’m with you SAJK, I have a feeling that the Front Office is working under the radar. At least, that’s what I’m convincing myself of in light of the Big Baby rumors. Here’s to hoping we land a big man that isn’t being discussed, similar to how Camby was mentioned up after the trade deadline had passed.
July 6th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
As to the talk of Big Baby, maybe the Spurs realize they were using the wrong approach with Sheed, and do not want to be left empty handed if McDyss and others commit elsewhere.
July 6th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I don’t think the Spurs need to find another player whose game resembles Horry’s as much as they need to find one whose BBIQ and efficiency resembles his. Too much has been made of the idea of having a big who spreads the floor for Duncan. Robinson was a pretty good running mate for Timmy, and he wasn’t hanging around the three point line, creating “space”… Smart players adapt to their environment, and maximize the situations- Hopefully Blair, Haislip, and Mahinmi can make it work.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:51 am
[...] bigger issue here is that Matt Bonner is not Robert Horry. Horry was unique in his ability to stretch the opposing defense while still providing terrific [...]
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