Let’s be clear that I’m not insisting on playing younger guys just for the heck of it. As you mentioned, if they really were *that* good, they’d be getting the playing time over the veterans to begin with.

My point is that, when the team is clearly being not just outplayed but out-hustled, that’s the perfect chance to give the young legs a chance to earn their stripes.

This game can be summed up very simply. The Bulls played very well and the Spurs did not. The Bulls were slept in their own beds and were pumped for their first game while the Spurs were busy flying to Chicago until 2 am. There is no other reason why we lost.

As far as this Finley starting debate, who would start over him? If he and Bonner start, the bench gets much deeper. If either one of those guys hit shots early, it opens up the lane for RJ, TP, and TD. If they don’t hit or get burned defensively, you go to the deepest bench in the league.

Also, I don’t understand everyone’s insistence of playing younger guys over the veterans. If they were truly as good as the fans truly think/hope, then they’d be playing. We have the best coaching in the league, don’t you think they know who their best players are? Obviously Hairston and Mahinmi just aren’t getting it done in the eyes of the coaching staff while the Finley/Ratliff/Bogans trio is doing the right things. There is no substitute for veteran savvy and knowledge of the system.

As Rick said, no worry here. I figured this season would be like Spurs’ seasons of yesteryear. Start slow, people worry, Pop complains about defense and toughness, players find their rhythm and Pop discovers the roations he likes. Team then goes on great run so when they’re 39-12 a the All-Star break, some talking head on TV can proclaim “since starting the season a lackadaisical 5-4, San Antonio has gone 34-8!”

I really could not help wondering last night how Malik Hairston could have helped. By all accounts, he played good defense in summer league and preseason, and has developed a nice shot as well. He also seems to be a better rebounder than Finley. And it’s not like he doesn’t know the system. What’s the point of having him on the roster if he can’t get time in a game like the one last night??

The Spurs were clearly in a funk last night, but the beauty of their depth should be that on such nights, Pop can put in the hungry young talent. Instead, we were treated to 28 minutes of Finley while Bogans was active (instead of Hairston) and yet could only contribute a DNP.

A lackluster showing in the early part of the season on the second part of a back-to-back is the exact thing you would expect to have happen. New guys are still learning the defensive (and offensive) rotations, older guys are a little winded and a little slower rotating over, or getting back to protect the rim.

As guys get more into shape and the new guys get used to the system, expect the team to gradually improve as the games go on.

I’m not worried by any stretch of the imagination. If the same thing happens in March, I may actually lose some sleep over it, but not now.

As for RJ, remember how much Finley struggled when he first game to S.A.? New established star wanting to make a good impression but also wanting to defer to the established teammates. Jefferson will be fine. He needs to get to the point where he’s thinking less while playing.

I agree that Finley’s minutes should be limited against youthful opponents like Bulls and OKC, but an old team needs to share minutes and luckily, there’s a few more games left to be played.

Unlike Manu, I honestly Finley HAS to start to be most effective. But I totally agree that Bonner should not start over McDyess.

(sarcastically) I mean it took Popvich like, what, a year to figure out he should play George Hill instead of JV?

Let the Popovich tinkering begin…

You’re absolutely right. We shouldn’t be taking it so hard. What bothers me is the strong and long Chicago players who kept getting that offensive rebound.

Cleveland doesn’t have those players (except for maybe Varajau). Boston doesn’t have those players. Lakers kind of do (Odom and Bynum) but the team I fear the most is Orlando with Howard.