Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010...6:20 am
On the Departure of Veterans
The weeks immediately following the trade deadline are usually kind to San Antonio. It’s typical for veteran buyouts to angle for a spot on San Antonio’s roster, hoping to hitch a ride to a championship. But the times have changed.
This season will eventually mark a transitional moment for the Spurs franchise, but we’ll need time between now and then to make sense of the history. We’ll need the time, but the players already seem to know it. For the first time in recent memory, Spurs players are happy to catch a plane out of town. They’re asking to go.
Marcus Haislip preferred Europe to San Antonio’s inactive list. Roger Mason Jr. recently requested, but never received, a change of scenery. Theo Ratliff was sent to Charlotte for the opportunity of more playing time. And now Michael Finley, a Spurs locker room and coaching staff favorite, is being bought out to pursue playing time on another playoff roster. It’s unclear whether Theo Ratliff officially requested out, but that’s the story on Haislip, Finley and Mason Jr.
And, of course, the Spurs engaged in trade conversations regarding Antonio McDyess as part of an attempt to acquire the uber-athletic but still green Tyrus Thomas.
You could argue a vote of ‘no confidence’ is being registered both ways. A championship lies elsewhere.
Whatever the case, I’m glad Buford and company obliged their requests, or at least attempted to broker a deal. It’s a sign of respect toward the players-San Antonio understands that Roger Mason Jr. is in a contract year. It’s a business both ways. But more importantly, it provides a window into the front office.
For years the knock against San Antonio is that they’re too old to compete. And sometimes that claim was correct. But the Spurs also rode their “old as dirt” roster to postseason success. The ‘07 roster was littered, by league standards, with graybeards. Popovich’s system, some would argue, requires system-smart, court-savvy vets. Those are the guys he likes to play, even when they’re well past their most productive years.
One wonders if San Antonio’s (over?) reliance on veteran role players has come to end. Opposing teams are too athletic for San Antonio, and Gregg Popovich’s attempts to play small against quick has produced modest to failing returns. Quick and small are not the same thing, as Spurs fans have witnessed this season.
And while everyone knows an eventual rebuild is inevitable, it’s the quiet exodus of San Antonio’s veterans which suggest something more. The rebuild is imminent.
78 Comments
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:47 am
Great article and unfortunately, correct. Rebuild is here. However, lets not simply stop there. Question is why are these players opting to leave town?
Simple…Its Coach Popovich and Buford. Something stinks in San Antonio. I know that I am the only one that smells it, but my gut tells me its there.
Disgruntled players is common, but being justifyably disgruntled is quite unique.
Haislip would have been a great fit this season. He has 4 years in the league, was 29 years old and seasoned, and above all else, could play.
However, he would have ended Bonners minutes so I know it was a matter of time before he was gone. This coach is hell bent on Bonner as an NBA player. Truth is, Bonner is Euro League at best.
Then there was Ratliff. Theo Ratliff knew how old he was and knew what he could offer a team. IM sure that sitting on the bench and watching Bogans and Bonner get minutes was not his idea of fun.
He too could have really helped the team, but again..Coach wasnt having it.
Now Finley…Mike is 92 years old, but clearly a better option than Bogans. Bogans is horrible and Pop is in denial in starting him…Fin was the better player, but its not about that with this coach. Nevertheless, Looks like Fin will land in a Lakers or Celtics uniform. Good for him. He got screwed here.
Finally, there is Mahinmi and Hairston…Im sure that they are packing thier bags in private as well. Bottom line is that they are not in a position to prosper while playing for this coach. This coach is not giving them an opportunity. When you know that you are better than the guy playing in front of you, it stings a lot more to be benched.
This coach and FO apparently feel that “thier way” is clearly more important than winning.
They have been bringing in BS players for years. Handicapped players. Players that have one dimensional games..
Lets compare ourselves to our Texas rivals as examples.
When Dallas felt that they needed pieces, they went out and got those pieces.
And did you guys notice….
When Dallas brought in Haywood and Butler, they didnt haggle about them learning thier system or cry about them being new to the team.
They brought them in, gave them a unifrom, and put them in the mix…Result-8 game winning streak and number 2 in the West.
Dallas has players. Complete players and so does Houston. They play thier best players and the players know thier role. Thier coach is not intent on neutering them and does not over coach.
When I saw the Spurs starting line up last night, I threw my shoe at the screen.
Heres hoping that Peter Holt is growing tired of the BS games going on with this coach. If it was my franchise, He would have followed Finley out of town, today!
Its about Winning, Period!
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:08 am
What is there to be so upset about, Ballhog? The Spurs are in their current position because of the way previous championship teams were built. They were full of veterans who knew the system, as pointed out by Tim. Many of those veterans were traded away last season because they had aged considerably and were no longer able to compete at a championship level.
The FO made what many thought were savvy moves, bringing in RJ and McDyess. Picking up those guys were the only options to the team to try to compete this year. The moves haven’t worked out as hoped. But those really were the only options the Spurs had because of the way previous teams had been built.
Remember, this team won 4 titles in the past 11 years. We are suffering as fans now because of the past success. For me, it was totally worth it.
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:12 am
I trust Pop over “BALLHOG”.
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:13 am
And Finley got screwed here? He escaped the Mavericks, a team that will probably never win it all, and got a championship here.
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:19 am
Are we all afraid to come out and say that this looks bad. Spurs lose one third of thier roster before seasons end? Players asking to be released? Playing sub standard players over better talent? Again, this deservces media coverage. The only reason that there has not been 2 more players leaving town is because Hairston and Mahinmi are not in the position to speak out. If they were, that would be 5 players lost to the mystery. I mean wow, can you blame Finley for not wanting to ride the pine behind Bogans? My request is not unreasonable. Spur Nation wants to know!
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:27 am
@ kevin…Trust Pop? LMAO
Truth will come out my man. This smells a bit. Finley came to Parker over two weeks ago and starting talking to him about asking to be released.
This means that Duncan, Parker, and Ginnobli knew that players were getting sick of this treatment. Sick of sitting and not being a part of a team.
No to mention fellas, this is a business.
Imagine what Pop is doing to these guys careers. Damaging marketability is serious for any player.
Besides, if this caoch is such a basketball mastermind…
Whay have so many players went on to prosper after being released by this man?
I will use Scola as my example because he is the most blatant.
For some reason, this coach didnt see Scola as a keeper. He was clearly jacked up in his thinking.
But, we are supposed to believe that he is giving our current players a fair and honest assessment?
I mean come on guys, I like Pop for what he did yesterday too,
But he is not my daddy….Which means I could never be a Spur!
Cant play for Spurs unless Pop is your daddy!
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:28 am
Before you go holding up the Mavs as the FO standard, just take a look at the hardware comparison. Spurs FO: 4 rings. Mavs: no rings, a choke-job in the finals and an even more spectacular meltdown the next year against the 8th seed.
No matter how many trades you make, it really doesn’t matter for these 2 teams unless those trades deliver a championship. Just like the 49ers in football, the Spurs dynasty will come to an end. Hopefully unlike in SF’s case, the ownership and brain trust that brought the team to such heights will stay intact and work to recreate the success they’ve already achieved.
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:40 am
@Ballhog,
You can’t make a case for the Spurs trading Luis Scola. They were reigning champs and didn’t have the roster spot or cap space to sign him. They had held onto his rights for several years and though they would give him a shot at the NBA. Luis Scola has even commented on how grateful he was to the Spurs for giving him a chance at the NBA.
And good point by mori1040 by pointing out that the Mavs don’t have any hardware. Complaining that the Spurs aren’t winning like the Mavs is an insult. Ballhog also pointed out what the Rockets are doing, yet they are trailing in the standings. I’m pretty sure that Pop and the Front Office know what they are doing.
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:47 am
I seriously believe that Ballhog is no other than Greg Popovich himself. Posting as his own detractor
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:58 am
@ballhog
Um… did you see all the “All-Decade” lists? The Spurs had the second best (Colts were #1) winning percentage in all of professional sports over the last 10 years. We’ve had 4 championships over the last 11 years, with completely different rosters. They’ve rebuilt this team several times on the fly around Tim Duncan.
Mark Cuban is a billionaire who has admitted to losing tens of millions of dollars a year on the Mavericks, despite winning zero championships. You sure you want to emulate that formula?
The Rockets have gone 15 years since their last championship. You sure you want to emulate that?
For all your grumbling about what Pop’s decisions, please remember that you do not have access to anywhere near the same amount of information as he does. The Spurs front office can see what people are doing in practice, and how they are improving (or worsening) personally. They have advanced statistical metrics to help inform their decisions.
They also have a track record that is significantly better than any of their peers, outside of maybe Los Angeles.
You can’t have it both ways. Folks here were grumbling earlier because Pop wasn’t sticking to rotations and nobody was getting enough minutes to get in rhythm. Now that he’s figuring that out, they’re letting the guys who aren’t going to be part of those rotations go look for other opportunities.
If you’re holding up Haislip as an example, look a little harder. He flamed out of Milwaukee, and did okay in Europe. When he got minutes here, he was a supreme chucker (remember those usage graphs that were posted up here a while ago?) while playing zero defense. How was giving him more minutes going to help?
For all you grumble about Bonner, he is a better shooter than Haislip, and since he knows the system and actually tries, is actually a better defender. If you look at Wayne Winston’s numbers from last week, Bonner’s tied for second place on the team for defensive impact.
As for Scola, they gambled there and they lost. They were worried that the cost (it would have probably cost us Oberto and Udoka to have Scola because of salary considerations) and potential negative impact (would someone used to being a star be able to fit in and be a role player) might outweigh the positives.
Obviously, they made a mistake there, but their mistakes have been much fewer and far between than the peers you’d like to see them emulate. Besides, the pattern you’re trying to have us emulate is actually other franchises trying to copy us.
Should we copy the copy, or stick to the philosophy that has made us the most successful franchise in the NBA over the last 20 years? Seems like a no-brainer to me.
There are lots of franchises (at least half the league) who would love to be struggling the way we are right now.
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:02 am
The blame on Pop is absolutely stupid. When the team wins, it’s because of players but when they lose it’s because of the coach. In every single team blog the guys who think know it all follow this exact same formula. The Spurs wouldn’t have their 4 championships if Pop weren’t in San Antonio.
I also follow the nets and the exact same thing is happening over there.
“It’s all because of Kiki!”
“Yi sucks, YiKi is force feeding him to make his trade look good”
“Lee is a bum, he’ll never get pulled because he’s one of Kiki’s guys”
And so on and so forth.
Fact is, a team built on 3 stars and role playing veterans will suffer when the stars suffer. Same thing with Boston. The Spurs have never tried to get any young guys, now they’ll have to pay the price with a more difficult rebuilding process. At least they already have a point guard and power forward that can be contributors in the future. Front office’s shortsightedness is in not trying to find young guys who can contribute instead of relying purely on veterans
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:10 am
For the record, here’s the usage chart I referenced earlier:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4302277074_a35431701a.jpg
Haislip was not the answer here.
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:18 am
I have been saying for a long time what ballhog is saying. I’m glad that theres someone else out there that feels the same way
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:21 am
It’s fun to speculate and Pop admits he’s stubborn when it comes to giving vets preferential treatment, but if these players were that much better than the vets, they’d be playing. Anyone who thinks they know more than the coaching staff is purely arrogant. But again, it’s fun to speculate.
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:38 am
I loved Haislip athleticisim. He could run and jump with the best of them. Unfortunatly he couldnt play basketball at the NBA level. Missed rotations. Poor rebounding. We can all agree he is more athletic than Bonner. But Bonner plays better than Haislip. And Bonner shouldnt be getting heavy minutes, so I dont see where Haislip would help. The spurs have been letting go of the guys that cant contribute. Finley’s minutes were taken up by Hill. Hill has a handle on those minutes and I dont think anyone can justify playing Finley over Hill. Pop never played Ratliff. So spurs let him go for savings. Which I can understand in a small market team. I think that the spurs have a good rotation going forward. We have good guard play. Have Duncan up front. Although our one point of weakness is not having a shot blocker to play next to duncan. Our other bigs would be great off the bench. Mcdyess and Blair off the bench would be ideal.
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:40 am
I think that the only “fault” we can find in what the FO did this year is that they did nothing at the trade deadline. One way or the other, IMHO they had to do something.
What makes me feel bad is that all those expiring will end up in nothing, while at least they could have been moved for second round picks (Memphis has the worst bench in the league, the cap space and they do not want to add long term salary: couldn’t one between Fin and Mason be traded for at least a future second rounder? Or both of them and a second rounder for a project, like Darrel Arthur?).
Collecting second rounders may seem useless, but is a smart way to use your assets. If they fall in the 31-45 range, you can add them in trades as sweeteners, or, if you have multiple second rounders, you can pack them together for a slightly higher pick.
For a rebuilding team as the Spurs, those pick can prove very useful.
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:44 am
How much do you feel the front office is banking on being able to draw Tiago Splitter over next season?
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:57 am
Rick, you just don’t get it. Haislip jumps really high. Bonner doesn’t, so obviously Haislip is the superior basketball player and was key to our hopes for another ring. Forget usage charts and other silly diversions. Cross your legs and chant a mantra of “I hate Pop” for three hours and you will begin to see the light.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:15 am
People really need to stop making Bogans the scapegoat for all the Spurs’ woes. No, he’s not Bruce. No, he can’t seem to score more than two points a game. But his defense is solid. And he compliments the first unit really well. After all, our first unit is full of guys who can put the ball in the hole when it counts (TD, TP, George, and even McDyess).
Having been courtside a few time this season, I got a firsthand view at just how hard Bogans works on D-depsite being undersized. I was impressed.
Now if he can just find some consistency nailing the three ball, we’d be in really good shape.
Pop knows what he’s doing, guys. He’s making the best out of what he has.
Let’s stop complaining about Bogans, and trust Pop’s rotations.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:18 am
Finley was an absolute defensive sieve these last couple of years. Everytime he was out on the court and given significant minutes, teams would immediately go right at him and score.
Although offensively challenged, Bogans gives the team a defensive presence. He fits with what the Spurs need from the 3-spot in the starting lineup - you can’t have guys at every position constantly looking for their shot. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching the Spurs under Pop, it’s that you don’t get minutes if you jack up shots and can’t defend.
After 4 championships and God knows how many wins, I’m inclined to give Pop and RC the benefit of the doubt.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:23 am
@BALLHOG
WHo hurt you dude? YOu threw your shoe at the TV when you saw the starting line-up? DId you throw the other one when they won?
Talk to me about the MAVS when they win a championship. So they are on a winning streak, big deal. They’re the exact same team. Butler just replaces Howard’s points. Haywood isn’t a game changing Big man.
Haislip, yeah he looked decent but the fact is the Spurs have a system. If you can flow witin the system then you’re not gonna play.
BOGANS, as bad as he has been from the 3 point line, he fits the system. As does BONNER, who shot the lights out last night. Why is everyone down on BONNER, because they score over him a couple of times? They can’t shoot 100% over the guy. And they didn’t last night.
FINLEY, (love finn dogg but) HE ASKED FOR A RELEASE. He hasn’t made a shot since I don’t know when? Does anyone really think he’s gonna end up on a contender?Seriously. He fell out of the rotation because he didn’t have it anymore. POP even gave him a chance and played him heavy minutes but he couldn’t hit a shot.
As for IAN and HAIRSTON, I agree it’d be nice to see what they can really do. But IAN just isn’t ready. We forget he’s only 22. Some 22 year olds just take longer. HAIRSTON has shown some athletic ability but he’s not the best shooter. Hence, he doesn’t fit the system. If he were a better shooter than he’d replace Bogans.
So now the Spurs are getting rid of the old dudes, which is what everyone was saying to do. People are still upset?????
RElax People, it aint over til its over.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:24 am
WOW…I see its Pop world in here today. I see that support for him has not waivered. Nevertheless, I speak the truth.
I was listening until you tried to justify Bonner. Your credibility disappeared at that point. Everybody wants to talk about what Pop did yesterday. I dont.
But, the playoffs will tell no lies. When this coach trots out this BS line up in the playoffs, we will be swept. Who can we beat in a seroes with Bonner and Bogans?
Maybe you didnt see David West’s eyes light up when he saw Bonner guarding him. Do you really beleive that Bonner is the answer, or that he is even an NBA talent? LMAO…
Its not personal fellas, just opinion.
In my opinion, Pop has hit a wall. YOu think the rest of the league isnt paying attention? Do you think that players arent paying attention?
As for the comment about Haislip being able to run and jump, those are the kind of players that this coach runs out of town. If you have game, you are gone.
What other NBA team has players lining up to jump ship?
Some will choose to ignore it…We all have a right.
Lets discuss it again during playoffs…..
Cant you see it now…Bogans guarding Carmello, or Bonner guarding Odom…
Denial wont help our chances….
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:29 am
People, people, this is a new decade and soon a new era for this spur’s team. give them a break!!! Pop not to blame, the man is a genius. Players want to play. Ok thats great but finely was on the decline. I just think we are going threw a transition right now and some of you cant except what it is. Everything and everyone changes, right? why are the spurs any different? I say the f.o. is doing great and the team is doing great. I know great is being strong, but come on, look at the changes these last few years and tell me how many teams adjust like we have? The f.o. in S.A. is brilliant so lay off. And i still see a ring in Timmy future, so all you haters stop hating, this is still a great N.B.A. team. GO SPURS, GO!!!!!!!!!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:33 am
I think alot of this has to do with the new CBA agreement if some of these bench players cant get playing time then their is a chance that they might not get resigned. when a team has to cut salary and there looking at either resigning bonner, finley, mason. or resigning manu then three guys are without a home and if your old and havent played not many teams will take a chance on you.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:40 am
And running the wrong players out won’t help either.
Playing Haislip wouldn’t help. Being able to jump doesn’t help when you’re out of position, or better yet, when they make a shot fake, you jump out of the gym, then they lean into you for a shot and a foul.
Bonner’s not great, but he’s competent at what he’s being asked to do. He’s asked to shoot 3’s and play team defense. Yes, he has trouble with Lamar Odom. Guess what! So does everybody else.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:43 am
And Finley guarding Carmelo would be any better? Oh wait, it would be worse!
Marcus Haislip? Really? Just where are these claims of him being able to play coming from? Has he shown some demonstrable skill that is valuable or something? C’mon, there’s a reason this guy has been in Europe before and is back there now. Has anyone else wanted to sign him?
And I do think Theo Ratliff should have been played more, but really, how many minutes do you think he’s still capable of playing now? And with a difficulty scoring, one less guy on the floor who can put it in the basket makes it difficult for us.
On Dallas getting Butler and Haywood, uhh they had Josh Howard who is a semi young player to trade along with his practically expiring (because it’s a team option) contract to dangle. We don’t have anything of significance that other teams want outside our core. Josh Howard was expendable, not the same case for us.
And isn’t bringing in one dimensional players what won the Spurs championships? They bring in players to fit certain roles. A complementary guy in the Spurs system has pretty much one job on offense generally, wait for an open three. That’s why we have the guys we do
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
Has there been any word yet on who’s going to fill the open roster spot?
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:00 am
Ballhog i agree yall need to quit living in the past and is pop really that good or did we get lucky and get Timmy don’t be fooled by our sucess it was mainly b/c of 21 not pop yall better get it straight.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:02 am
Thats all crap. Guys standing around the perimeter watching Parker and Ginnobli dribble is yesterdays news guys.
The league has changed. Teams are talented There is no way this team wins in the playoffs starting Bogans and or Bonner and playing them heavy minutes.
Bogans is improving? Bonner shot the lights out? WTF?
Again, Bogans is horrible. Defender? LMAO…He has no purpose, doesnt bring anything. We are 4 0n 5 when he is in the game.
Also, all this crap about playing within this system and fitting the mold, is crap.
Players play! Coaches Coach…Normally to win. Not to proove a point or to let everyone know you are in charge.
As for Haislip, He was a better athlete than Bonner and had far more upside. He is not the first good player to be blown off by a coach and wont be the last.
But, I just went thru every roster in the league and couldnt find a worse combo than Bonner and Bogans on any team.
Finally, in reference to Mahinmi,
He is young and he is raw. However, couldnt he easily produce 6 rebounds, 6 points, clog the lane a bit, and have two blocked shots in 12 minutes? Even on a bad day?
That would be more production in 12 minutes than we would get out of Bonner and Bogans over 3 games.
Is it me? really?
Lets step out of denial. Averaging 4 points and 1 rebound is horrible for any NBA player. Also, if Bonner is a specialist and his specialty is shooting, apparently he needs a new one. Hes not exactly lighting it up and never has.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
@ballhog: You have some very interesting points that have taken serious flak. The biggest qualm I have with the organization is with the Front Office (Pop included). A number of years back, the Spurs introduced “Pops system” which was built around three rising stars and a number of decent role players. However, the league changed by getting younger, more athletic, or by adding another great player (think Lakers/Celtics/Denver). In the meantime, the Spurs have simply tried to slot into the starting lineup the same average role players while the three rising stars are now aging stars. It seems that the leaders in one movement are the followers in the next.
In the past 5-6 years, the FO and Pop haven’t done a particularly great job in developing young talent. We’ve gone after the veteran players and now that the cubbord is bare we are paying the price. I know Hill and Blair are exceptions, but we just got Hill last year and Blair a few months ago. I am hoping Pop can return to his roots and coach these kids to their potential.
I very much agree with Nick in the above post. I was SUPREMELY disappointed that the Spurs didn’t unload Findog, Ratliff, Mason, etc in an attempt to either get young prospects or draft picks. We have essentially let these cats walk for nothing. I believe it would have been better to take our medicine now as opposed to delaying the inevitable slow decline. With all this said, all is not lost. We could still make a move via a trade this summer. We have some great expiring contracts in Parker and Jefferson that MIGHT be able to net us some young talent. Perhaps this was on the Front Office’s mind when we stood pat at the trade deadline. Either way around it, this will be yet another busy summer for the Spurs since we have only 7 players under contract for next year.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:04 am
@ Ballhog
“about Haislip being able to run and jump, those are the kind of players that this coach runs out of town. If you have game, you are gone.”
-News flash, damn near every player in the league can run and jump, it doesn’t always translate into “game.” These ARE the best athletes in the world. Not all of the best players are the best athletes (Tim Duncan).
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:07 am
Ballhog- It couldn’t be more simple; fire Pop and trade Manu.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:08 am
@ Ballhog: I find it very interesting that Ratliff is now listed as the starting center for the Bobcats. The boobcats are a better defensive team than the Spurs and yet Ratliff couldn’t find the time of day in San Antonio. The Spurs lacked size and shotblocking, Ratliff provided a little of both, but now he’s gone. That to me is very puzzling.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:08 am
@Errin,
Yes, Timmy had much to do with winning those championships, but he can’t win them alone. The Front Office has needed to put the right pieces around him and Pop needed to find the right mix of players to get it done. Timmy has been the central figure, but you can’t credit the success of this franchise solely to the luck of the ping pong balls.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:33 am
Thanks guys,,,,I was getting concerned.
I had guys in here attacking me to defend Bonner and Bogans. It freaked me out a bit.
Just glad that there are people out here who can see.
@ Hobson 13…You are right. Ratliff is now a starter and certainly could have helped this team now. There is no logical reasoning for trading him away.
There is no logical reason to play Bogans, and for God Sakes, there is no logic in thinking that Bonner should even be in uniform.
Even a one trick pony is really good at his one trick. At least Bonner has a trick…Bogans doesnt even have that.
I challenge any fan out here to name any 2 guard in the entire NBA or the D League, or even the neighborhood gym, who would be OK sitting behind Bogans.
Any 4 that would be OK sitting behind Bonner….
ANYBODY!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:58 am
@BALLHOG and others.
Yeah, David West really torched Bonner last night……………..
Can people stop bringing up the MAVS until they win a ring.
And the BOBCATS for playing Ratliff. They’re the ninth seed right now.
I understand all your points but what I don’t understand is the joy you seem to get from wanting the SPURS to fail. All so you can say you were right.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:59 am
@BALLHOG
Theres plenty of people who would gladly get paid to just sit on the bench, ny friend.
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
It’ll be interesting what happens this summer. It seems like our expirings are ready to leave and of course unfortunately we didn’t make any trades before trade deadline. Now Finley’s gone, Mason wants to be gone, and Manu seems like he’s ready to be a Free Agent and look somewhere else and if he continues to play well he will get several teams wanting him. So if all of those guys leave who do we start replacing them with?
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
@Ballhog
I agree with most of the things you’ve said especially about Bogus. I think he shouldn’t start the game and should have lesser playing time. He CAN’T guard! How many times I’ve seen him flat footed and just watching when the other player gets the first step to the basket. How many times he threw a bad pass and never bother to chase the ball and just watched his teammates cleanup his trash. Look at yesterday’s game, only 2 pts but played for 21 mins?! He should go and not Finley or Theo…
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Bryan- yes they have put a few pieces around Timmy but is the front office including pop really that good b/c since we got Manu (besides Hill and Blair) our draft has been a joke we haven’t developed any young talent stop giving this guy all the credit he is a good coach but he has dropped the ball before yall make it seem as if pop and the front office can’t make mistakes wake up people they can…simply put we have let our core get too old without adding any youth to the mix we (the front office) screwed up!!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:23 pm
It should be noted that Ratliff is starting because the Bobcats have 3 C’s out to injuries - Nazr, Diop, and Chandler…
I do agree somewhat with Ballhog; the FO has neglected repeated opportunities to upgrade the roster… Particularly our wing spot. We have 2 serviceable wings - Jefferson & Manu. We really should have made a move for Salmons at the deadline…
That, and coach Pop has been really stubborn about tolerating rookie mistakes.
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:36 pm
We are all disheartened by the departure of Michael Finley. He was always one of my favorite players, but the bottom line is, he wants to play, and since his time on the court has diminished this season, he has chosen to go elsewhere. That being said, I now say it’s time for all of us couch coaches to sit down and shut up. We need to keep the faith and trust Pop and the team to get things done. All we should be saying is: I still believe!!!!! 20 10 The Year of the Spurs!!!!! Go Spurs Go!!!!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Bonner and Bogans are only averaging 16 and 20 minutes, respectively. I would hardly call that “heavy” minutes. They are roles players which their minutes indicate
Once and for all: Scola was traded, not because we didn’t think he couldn’t play, but because he had a huge $13M buyout, we were worried he might not be content as a 4th option, and because we already had a full roster. It’s that simple. The claims that Pop and the FO missed on the fact that he was a quality player are absolutely baseless.
Ballhog - “If you have game, you are gone.”
You don’t really believe this do you? You really think Pop, with the FO’s help, runs off good players that could help us win because…….they’re talented? From your comments, you’d think we have a coach intentionally trying to sabotage the season (cough…Don Nelson…..cough).
It’s funny how all your claims have no basis in actual fact. Haislip - terrible, which all the metrics back up. You say Bonner is horrible, then how come he’s included on 2 of our best units?
I think it would be helpful if you provided some facts in support of your claims. Most of us on this board (I would like to think) are reasonable enough. You’d probably get a much more positive response, rather than just people attacking you. But hey, that’s just me.
Cheers!
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Does any one know if it is possible to sign our overseas draft picks now, in the push for the playoffs. Their season is over. @tim?
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:01 pm
BALLHOG,
Seriously sick of hearing you spill the same crap in every post/If Haislip was so good, why was he playing the last couple of years in Europe. Why is he likely to spend the rest of his career in Europe.
Also you are saying we should play Mahinmi, as well as Haislip when he was here and Ratliff. How many decent teams have a 10 man rotation? Pop is trimming the rotation to 8, like every decent ball club does. Yes, Ian might give you 6 point and 6 rebounds in 10 minutes. But he will also give 6 fouls, meaning we will be sending the other team to the bonus in world record time.
Finally you continue to go on about Pop never playing the kids. Well he has been playing our rookie forward a fair bit this year, also our second year gaurd has been getting more minutes recently than anyone. And lets not forget a 19 year old rookie point gaurd who he helped mould into an All Star. So Pop plays the kids, but only when they are good enough to play. Ian has done nothing in 3 yars to deserve playing time. Hairston is a project player and Haislip, please, he is back where he belogs in Europe.
Pop is tough on players because he wants to know if they can be tough back. If they can’t handle it, he or the spurs don’t want him. He was brutal on Parker and now Hill, and both responded. If they are too mentially week to do this, are they really going to lead us to a Championship. We as a club are all about winning, and if you don’t have the balls to take one of Pops rants an improve as a person or player, then you are weak and should play somewhere else.
Finally, you are saying players don’t want to come here- Well one of the classier veterans this year chose the Spurs over anyone. 2 years ago another classy player in Fin chose us also. If some punk kids can’t handle the heat in Pops kitchen, then they are better off somewhere esle.
Sorry this went so long, just sick of these fans who turn on there own. Have a look at what most clubs went through over the past decade, then look what we went through with Pop and RC. We should be eternally grateful. They have also earned the chance to re-build the next Spurs championship team.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Ratliff starting for the best defensive team in the league is more about the other players on the team (Wallace, Jackson, Chandler are all top shelf, while Diop, and Felton are above average defenders) and the fact that they are the 4th slowest team in the NBA, and less about Theo.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Spurred - As long as they aren’t under contract in any FIBA league, I believe it would be ok (unless I’m foregetting something). For example, we would be unable to sign Splitter right now, as he he under contract with Tau.
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@DB…
BS!
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Well said, DB.
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
DB
Word
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
@DB
Nice work. Thank you for your post.
@ Ballhog
“Maybe you didnt see David West’s eyes light up when he saw Bonner guarding him. Do you really beleive that Bonner is the answer, or that he is even an NBA talent? LMAO…”
The thing was that the announcers kept wondering why West was giving up the ball when guarded by Bonner down on the low block. One of the things about Bonner that I’ve noticed watching the Spurs this year is that he tries his hardest. He deserves his 15-20 minutes a game. Pop knows this and that’s why Blair, ‘Dyess and Duncan get more burn (usually) than Bonner. But Bonner does a good job rotating on D and his energy level helps out a lot.
I can’t tell if you’re trolling or not. But please stop using acronyms. One thing I’ve loved about this blog is the maturity of the comments. Please don’t sully it. I appreciate your opinion, but randomly saying “BS” to someone does not help in terms of constructive discussion.
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@Ballhog
-Ratliff is starting in Charlotte because of injuries to their frontline. Simple as that. Do you think he’d be getting much time at all if Tyson Chandler, Nazr Mohammad or DeSagana Diop were healthy? Of course not. But they’re ALL hurt. Charlotte traded for Ratliff because of that. The Spurs frontline is healthy. Rat got his time when Bonner was hurt, but as far as Pop is concerned (and it’s his call), Bonner fits the system better. If Bonner goes down again, you’ll likely see Mahinmi get more time. Mahinmi has more upside than Ratliff, so if you think about it, Pop made the right call.
-Haislip is not a good player. He’s athletic, yes. But he plays horrible defense, and doesn’t have a good basketball IQ. He was always, always out of position. Bonner is not athletic, but he’s a slight improvement defensively and has a good basketball IQ. He also shoots the 3-pointer well. Bonner > Haislip, and it isn’t close.
-Bogans starts and gets quality minutes over Mason and Hairston for the following reasons in my opinion. First, Hairston is not ready to play 20 mins a night. He just isn’t. He’s more athletic, but he’s not as smart and has far less experience. If he was a much better scorer/defender/distributor/anything than Bogans, you could make the argument that he deserves Bogans’ minutes, but he isn’t so he doesn’t. Second, Roger Mason Jr. is frustrated right now. He isn’t getting the minutes that he wants, and it’s showing every time he’s out on the court. He’s a liability defensively, and he can’t make his shot consistently on offense. Pop has to choose - do I play the defensive liability and wait for him to get his shot back, or do I play the offensive liability who plays better defense? The answer is option 2. That’s why Bogans is playing.
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
first off, our veteran savvy role players are not helpful when our core is as old if not older than these guys, so where does the competent athleticism come from?
i think it is excellent that we are shedding some of the older legs on this team. even though fin was asked to be released, it impedes our ability to contiue to play old players that cannot survive on an nba court any longer.
also, in the case of haislip, he already proved that he was not NBA material so what is the point of investing in a guy that is on the back end of his prime and is not NBA calliber? doesn’t make any sense. he is indeed back where he belongs.
and in the case of ian. he may be indeed foul prone, but unless he is given court time to learn, than you can’t completely fault the guy. dejuan picked up 6 fouls in under 20 min against houston so no young player on our team is without foul trouble. lets not forget the spent one year in the d-league (MVP) and another year with injuries. mahinmi is the most athletic big we have and plays pick and roll defense exceptionally as was pointed out by tim. by this virtue alone, he should play.
hairston was the only player on our team that could stay infront of kevin martin and played with excellent intensity. bogan’s minutes should belong to hairston. he can defend just as well, if not better, than keith bogans. there is a guy who is worth developing.
i would be more upset if these two guys leave this team out of frustration and go on to have productive NBA careers elsewhere. this is where we may have to consider a coaching change in the future.
pop will have to develop young talent eventually, and if he doesn’t want to now, then so-long. it’s been real
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Ratliff is screwed he was beat playing 29 minutes the other night.
If haislip was the answer someone else would have picked him up or asked for him in a trade.
Roger Mason Jr was shopped and no one else wanted him.
Pops doing a great job, nothing we have let go has been worthwhile.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Did the Spurs have to pay Finley for the rest of the season or did the Spurs save some money in buying him out? If Finley did not leave money on the table, the Spurs should not have released him.
Roger Mason Jr. will be out next season. That leaves Manu and Bonner as the free agents. Will the Spurs resign Bonner? I do not think that if they sign Manu they can afford anyone else but one more player using the mid-level exception.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:07 pm
@DB,
You are right. I should not have referred to your response to my post as BS..It was uncalled for. I just couldnt think of another word to describe it at the time.
Again, a post is not personal. If you dont agree with my point of view, debate it without the attacks, or just simply skip past it.
Now, if we are done being wound up in emotion like women,
Back to business…
I still say Bonner is not a good player. He is barely marginal.
I still say Bogans is not a good player, he is worse than marginal.
Last, but certainly not least,
I still say that this coach and FO blew the season and shredded the roster.
I still say that Hairston is our second best 2 guard, and I still say that the line ups and rotations over the past two months have been absolute crap.
Other than that,
I digress…..
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Ballhog,
No problems mate.
You make some points there that I agree with. Bonner should be playing spot up minutes at most. He is great to come in and open the floor, and although his defence and rebounding are below par, his effort on the defensive end great, and he hustles on every play. And I don’t believe we will win a playoff series with him and Bogans playing large minutes. But as we have seen, Bogans isn’t playing a heap of minutes, and I don’t think Bonner would have played what he did last game if McDyss was fit.
Hairston has great potential, but there is a massive difference between being a decent role player and playing in massive games or play offs. That being said I wouldn’t mind him playing a couple of minutes hear and there.
I agree that the front ofice didn’t do all that well this year. Bt lets remember that at the start of the season most ‘experts’ had the spurs upgrades as some of the best of the year. Now jefferson has been dissapointing, and McDyss has started to play better, but certainly not what we would have hoped for. So I think its a little harsh to say they did a poor job when most applauded them at the start of the season. I believed they were the only 2 signings of note. Haislip was and always will be a bust, Ratliff was an insurance policy at best.
Ballhog, what I probably take acception too (and again, sorry if it came accross as a personal attack, it wasn’t the case) is the belief RC and Pop shouldn’t get the chance to fix this mess. I for one can’t wait to see what happens next year when they have the largest expiring contract in the league (think about what Houston did with T-Mac) as well as McDyss contract pretty much being expiring and fingers crossed Splitter coming here.
Its also important to remember that the Spurs havent had a lottery pick in the past 10 years. I can’t recall this being the case with any other club in the league. They have done an incredible job and certainly deserve the chance to rebuild this ship. We haven’t been in the lottery for a decase, which makes re-building very difficult.
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:27 pm
@Everyone.
First of all I don’t think anyone should take these posts personal. Deep down inside we all want the SPurs to win.
Okay, I think Manu said it best during that interview they ran inbetween quarters of the SUNS game. More or less he said it’s up to the Big 3 to lead. Up to this point TD has been the only consisten one. TD is the reason why They are the 7th seed and not the 10th or 11th.
My point is, if the Stars play good then everyone plays good. TP and MANU have been inconsistent, so its no wonder why the team is too.
MANU is the kind of player that makes everyone around him better. Now that he is coming around it picks up everyone elses game. TP looked good last night too.
Just imagine if Kobe,Gasol and Bynum were inconsistent………
I think we forget that the SPurs have 3 superstars.
The rest are just role players. THey can’t all be superstars. Everyteam has role players that for lack of a better phrase, just not that great.
LOOK, I’m realistic. I know the SPurs have a tough road ahead of them. But my motto is, and I know I’ve said this before but
“it aint over til its over”
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Ladies and gents, this is a fun discussion. Thanks for making it so rich.
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Hobson13
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:08 am
“I find it very interesting that Ratliff is now listed as the starting center for the Bobcats. The boobcats are a better defensive team than the Spurs and yet Ratliff couldn’t find the time of day in San Antonio. The Spurs lacked size and shotblocking, Ratliff provided a little of both, but now he’s gone. That to me is very puzzling.”
It’s not too complicated. Larry Brown needed a band-aid at center because his number one (Tyson Chandler) and number two centers (DeSagana Diop) went down with injury just prior to the trading deadline. In six games Ratliff is getting just 4.5 pts. & 2.8 rebounds in 25 minutes per game (not too impressive), and he turns 37 next month. Tyrus Thomas is the one that’s played well for them thus far, averaging 13.3, 7.8, & 3.2 blocks per game in 27 minutes.
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:34 pm
I didn’t even realize they have Mohammed also, and he’s out too!
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:06 pm
I keep hoping that with Finley gone the Pop of 2005 and before can return.
I’m still not sure small didn’t begin as a way to get Finley more minutes.
Tiago Splitter might not be the savior. Then again, he might not even want to come here.
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Fair points, Henderson, but neither the Spurs nor the Bobcats need Ratliff for his offensive capabilities. The Spurs are tied for 22nd in the league for blocks and Ratliff definitely would have been a good rim defender for 10-12 minutes/game. Over the same stretch you reference, he also averages 2.2 blocks/game. If he only averaged 1 block while playing in 10-12 minutes (which would be accurate) the Spurs would be tied for second in the league for blocks.
Not saying he would have been the answer to our problems, but he might have been able to pitch in on the defensive side.
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Ballhog, how can keep a straight face saying things like “Hairston is our second best 2 guard”?
1. Manu
2. George Hill
(gap)
3. Roger Mason Jr.
4. Malik Hairston
I like Malik, but let’s try to keep the conversation serious.
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:55 pm
BALLHOG, you said its about winning period…well i agree and so im pretty sure the Spurs don’t need to take advice from the Mavericks or look to them as an example..the Spurs have four championships, the mavericks have none… i think Pop and co. know what they are doing
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:17 am
Can’ believe alot of you all are still drinking the Pop kool-aid! The front office has in the past made very good decisions as well as very bad decisions.
Bryan you talked about Scola and us not having the cap space for him well here is a news flash- We signed Bonner the same off season for more money then Scola signed for with Houston. Also some of you are raking on Houston trailing us in the standings well another news flash- they are missing their biggest and arguably their best player in Yao Ming. Think about us if we did not have TD. Our record would be far worse then theirs at this point. We could have made that same deal with the Wiz that the Mavs did, but chose not to do anything. If we do we get alot better. We just have not done a good job of keeping drafted players and developing them. If I am not mistaken did we not also draft barbosa, dragic, etc. Those players are not trancendent or anything but they are solid role players. My last point for this comment will be Pops stubborness. Many years ago he would not give Stephen Jackson a 5 year deal so he bolted then when he was done with the Hawks he wanted to come back and Pop said No. Then the fiasco in the Palace. Last summer he again he expressed wanting to come back and play here and to be traded. What did we do? We traded for RJ and paid him double what Captain Jax would have cost us. He knew “THE SYSTEM”, helped us win a championship and yet we made zero effort to get him here, and Pop still says Jax is one of his favorite players. I call BS. I do not think I need to mention the productivity difference between those 2 players.
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:46 am
@ Hoopster…You nailed that post. Seems nobody wants to admit the truth about this coach. After all, he did pay Bonner 11 million dollars, and indeed elected to do it over signing Scola.
He has consistently turned away good players, not just S. Jackson.
My point in reference to Hairston is similar. I know Hairston is a young D League prospect. Same of Mahinmi.
Im not deeming them all pro. However, There is no logical excuse for Hairston sitting in favor of Bogans. None…
Also, we dont have any presence in the middle anymore. Teams are pulling Duncan out of the paint and just enjoying lay up drills against us, not to mention second shot opps.
So why not play Mahinmi? He is the only 5 on our roster. He couldnt possibly give you less production than the guys that are playing. Blair at the 5 is just ridiculous to me.
Spurs will more than likely end up at the 7th spot in the west. This would draw either Denver or Dallas. Regardless of which, the small ball concept will not work.
Going into a series against Dallas with Bonner and Bogans will lead to a sweep.
Going in against the big, brawling Nuggets with no help in the middle is insane.
Yet, though we are playing games against New Orleans without Chris Paul, Pop continues to fail to play the young players. NEw Orleans would have been good for getting them into a flow. Instead, out trots Bogans, again! Bonner wasnt too far behind.
Again, playoffs will expose any team and any FO….If we appraoch the playoffs with these line ups and combos, we will probably be embarrassed.
and no, its not Richard Jefferson’s fault!
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:30 am
I agree sort of agree with Ballhog. For too long the spurs have been sitting players without giving them a chance. I have posted the spurs recent draft history. Hill, Manu, and Blair thats about all you can say were names from a draft that made the court and played.
Pop likes playing older veterans and thats ok, but it isnt working and he needs a change. I am actually extremely happy Fin and Ratliff left town. Fin has very little left and we have a better option on the roster in Mason. Id prefer Mahimi over ratliff just due to age.
Here is my problem, Mason last year had a great season, id say the spurs third best player. Now he cant get on the court?
Bonner has more than proven he is inadequate (idc wat the stats say he doesnt pass the eye test, hes a lousy defender and one demtional offensive player).
The fact the spurs had hailsip, mahimi, harriston they should have been played once. Tried them out, we are an old team when we have games against bad teams early in the year, give duncan 15 min instead of ten and give mahimi those 5 min. There were plenty of opportunities waisted.
This is not the same group that won those 4 championships. There needs to be an infusion of new talent and the spurs need to stop letting young assets rot on the bench or walk out for free.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:40 am
Pop needs to realize that Bogans is not and will not be Bruce Bowen even though he so wants him to fill that role. Also Bonner can hit 3’s all day in warm-ups and practice, but if you throw the stats out against bad teams and look at his shooting percentage we get another picture. The only good game Bonner has had against a top team in the last three seasons was against Boston when they left him completely open all game. Last year in playoffs he was atrocious and when he tried to guard his man Dallas went after him with a vengence. He is a complete liability. I do not care how good a locker room guy he is or if he is Pop’s guy. Bottom line is he and Bogans suck.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:44 am
We needed to make a move at the trade deadline and the FO failed to make it happen. Needed another big to rebound and play solid D (Haywood) and another wing player that can produce(Butler) and we would have been set. instead we stand pat and hope that the light goes on for Jokerson and Bogans. Like that miracle will happen. For those of you that do not think Dallas matches up with Denver or LA u are really dilusional.
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Renato
I agree with a few of your thoughts. However, I do like Mason as a player, but if he isn’t hitting shots then he doesn’t belong on the court. By the way, he isn’t the Spurs 3rd best player this season or last. After Duncan, Ginobili, Parker, and Hill you could make an argument for 4th or 5th, but not the 3rd best player. Mason did have a good regular season last year (he hit some timely shots), but utterly dismal in the playoffs when they absolutely needed him the most. To beat the Mavs, the Spurs needed him to play on par or surpass his regular season totals. We’ll see as he will get the chance to prove himself again the rest of the year and post-season. I hope he succeeds.
March 3rd, 2010 at 4:06 pm
i’m sick of hearing this stuff. you guys are fighting over what again. i think the problem is we don’t play with enough heart anymore. we don’t want it that bad. we say we do, but look when you watch a game, spurs players d sucks this year. they leave wide open shots hoping they miss. what the hell?
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Tristan,
I agree with your assessment of the “D issues.” Lack of fire, passion, and energy has been our detriment during stretches this season. I’ve been waiting for the Spurs to display a sense of urgency with their offensive and defensive execution, something that none other than the players can be accountable for.
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Tristan
Collin
My sentiments exactly. It’s shame. Maybe a few of the leaders/players can pick up the intensity on the defensive end in whatever minutes they’re out there, and then it begins to snowball from there. Let’s hope so, or it’s going to be an early exit this season.
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:44 pm
guys chill…we all are here because we are mostly die-hard spurs fans.
You all seem to forget what pop said before the season started. All he was looking for in the season was to mold players, get them used to the system, and to just make the playoffs. He said that the spurs weren’t gonna try as hard in the season because they didn’t want injuries.
All of you are talking about the future. Well i wanna talk about the present, we aren’t completely out of championship contention. I believe pop has something in mind, and by the way hating on pop is the most BS i’ve heard about the spurs ever.
Just think about it, we can still win the championship, it’s not over. Yea the lakers are more talented then us but injury is creeping up on them. We’ve done a great job with injuries this year. The celtics are for sure not winning a championship they are just falling apart (when you lose to the nets, your not winning in the post season). The Cavs i admit are very talented. They also have great chemistry but ever since the trade deadline they’ve been inconsistent losing most of their games. Dallas has no chance. Orlando doesn’t have a playbook they switch off every game: shoot 3’s like your drunk/feed dwight howard. I think we have a better chance to win the championship then Boston and Orlando. The Lakers, Nuggets, and Cavs are the only teams that can beat us in the post season.
Our spurs have the most experience in the league. Lately the spurs have shown signs of life. They’ve actually played spurs defense. Spurs aren’t done yet and as spurs fans we need to realize this.
Now i’m not sayin that 100% we’re gonna win a championship but we shouldn’t give up. Also peeking in the future, this summer could be a very busy summer with tiago splitter and some moves are gonna be made. Our success is not over yet.
GO SPURS GO!
March 4th, 2010 at 12:13 am
Well, anything’s possible. But at this point I’d put our odds at about 50 to 1. About 20 to 1 to get to the WCF’s. It COULD be 10 to 1 if they’d give Hairston a shot in the rotation.
March 5th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
I have been keeping an eye on this site and I have been astonished at all of you guys who are menstruating and drinking the Pop kool aid while the Spurs slip into total oblivion. Because of this, the Spurs are done.
Not a word from the mainstream media in San Antonio. As the only game in town, I wonder if Buck Harvey is going home everday by 10am, because he sure does not seem to be reporting on the Spurs. I am beginning to think that he is a ghost writer for the Express News.
The season is almost 3/4 complete and Pop has still not managed personnel and set rotations. Mind you, there are about 25 games left in the season — So much court time for Keith Bogus and Matt “Forrest Gump” Bonner - Are you kidding me? If these guys are going to be on your team at all, they should be getting no more then 10 minutes per game. On the names, that Matt Gump decides that he wants to hit some shots, maybe extend him to 15 minutes per games - but no more!
The verdict was already reached last year for all to see and that is; the Spurs could no longer ride Duncan, Parker and Gino to a Championship Cup. As such, it was not that the Spurs would have to get younger and more athletic to compete. So why the half hearted effort to bring in new guys, but never play them? If Pop felt that all of the guys recently released could not play for him, then why did they make the roster taking a valuable roster spot from some of the young kids and/or vets who could help? Hairston, Haislip, Mahimi, and Rat could have helped.
The decision to release Finley was a good one, but why did Pop wait the whole year to do it? Finley should have never really made the opening day roster - his spot and minutes could have been allocated to Hairston!
Lets face it guys, because of Pop, the Spurs will miss the playoffs and be a lottery team this year. If you guys continue to hold your peace, you will be equally responsible for the demise of the Spurs. Currently, the have slipped to the 3rd best team in Texas.
March 7th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Are you a ghost writer for BALLHOG?
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