As for the 2nd unit, it’s clearly the best in the league. The Magic, Celtics and Blazers the only three teams that you could make anything resembling a credible case for, but the difference is Ginobili. He’s still one of the best players in the world, when healthy, and that’s a luxury no other team has coming off the bench.

It is, however, a strange lineup. A combo-guard as the point guard, then two shooting guards and two power forwards. Strictly from a size standpoint, they’ll be times when the Spurs simply won’t be able to get away with running those five out there at the same time, I’d imagine.

I think the point that everyone is missing is; a healthy Timmy, Tony, and Manu, wins championships. I really think the best part of our super deep bench will be that our All-Stars won’t be worn down come playoff time. They will be used just enough to secure a good (not best) spot in the playoffs. That being said, The Big Three can get it done. Richard Jefferson surprised me, although some of you wont agree. He is a self-less, savvy wingman… ie. light pass to Duncan and Blair versus upping his points on his debut as a spur. His shot percentage will go up (his career proves this), and if he can keep making the decisions he made last night throughout the year… LA is in more trouble than they suspect.

I can’t remember being more excited about any rookie ever. Grizzly Blair fits! Enough said. He finds a niche and fills it very well in every game. I have yet to see a poor performance (which is usual with most rookies), and with 40+ minutes a game, he will shine above the rest of the lottery picks.

With the depth that we have this year, it almost garuntee’s(if you can do such a thing) a healthy Big Three. That being said; Timmy gets his fifth ring this year!

Also, it was really nice to actually see in person what Richard Jefferson brings to the team. He’s such a physical presence driving the ball to the basket. He has the length and strength to score or draw the foul on anyone. I don’t think this game told us much about his defensive abilities though, we’ll have to wait until he matches up with a premier wing player for that, although Deng tonight will be a nice preview.

What do people think about playing Jefferson at the 4 in a small ball lineup? I think he can guard players like David West or even Ty Thomas. Could be something to look for in the future, a “Tim-RJ-Manu-(Mason, Finley, Hill)- Tony” lineup. That’s an explosive five.

Duncan, Parker and Jefferson give the starting 5 all the scoring they need. Bonner and Finley’s responsibilities on offense are to stand at the three point line and fire away. Duncan also makes up for Bonner’s deficiencies on the defensive end, at least as much as he can. Starting Duncan and McDyess at this point would be fantastic both offensively and defensively, but they can’t play the whole game. Do you really want a frontcourt pairing of Bonner/Blair coming off the bench for significant stretches? Duncan (low post) helps Bonner (3-point), and McDyess (mid-range) helps Blair (low post) at this point. I’m fine with that.

Finley is a bit tougher to validate, but according to reports, he’s earned his starting spot. He’s playing well, and there’s enough depth behind him (Mason, Ginobili, Hill, etc.) to keep him fresh.

The “crunch-time 5″ of Duncan, McDyess, Jefferson, Ginobili and Parker will be utilized against stiffer competition at the end of games, but Pop is doing the right thing with the starters and bench.

0:41 DeJuan Blair misses 1-foot two point shot
0:41 DeJuan Blair offensive rebound
0:39 DeJuan Blair misses tip shot
0:39 DeJuan Blair offensive rebound

Sometimes you have to make your own luck.

Blair is tied for the league lead in double doubles and 5th in rebounds/48 minutes among players with any significant playing time… I’d ask if it is too early to start the ROTY hype, but I think I’m too late…

When do we start talking about DB’s place among the greatest rookies of all time in any sport?

As Spurs fans, we’re lucky to have insight like this. Please keep it up.

I’m sorry I missed the live chat. Tim or Graydon, could you put a live chat preview post on here before you actually do one so we know when one is coming up? Something like, “Tonight, Live chat during the game with your favorite Spurs bloggers at 7:00 ET.” Or something like that. It would be appreciated.

Wouldn’t it be great if Pop started Fin and Bonner all year, and then never played them in the playoffs? The old, “I am not left-handed” psych out.

Anyway, I was fortunate enough to be at the game last night and… Wowwzas! I started watching the Spurs in ‘89 and I have never seen this many weapons on a squad. I was pumped to get our bench on the floor.. when was the last time you could say that???

Everyone looks great.

Nice little stat here: 9 players scored 9+ points.

That’s what you call DEPTH.

Bold Prediction: No one on the Spurs averages more than 32 minutes a game.