Thursday, July 22nd, 2010...10:47 am
NBA Playbook on Richard Jefferson
During a recent press conference, R.C. Buford said that Richard Jefferson was more efficient last season than basketball observers realize. You can hear those comments in the video below, as well as R.C.’s thoughts on the Spurs’ front office turnover this offseason.
If Buford’s comments fill you with a little “huh?” and a lotta “say what?”, don’t fear, Sebastian Pruiti is on the case. NBA Playbook has a smart post asking the question, “Can Richard Jefferson bounce back this season?”
The post is helpful in addressing areas of Jefferson’s game that failed the Spurs last year, but Pruiti also points out that Jefferson over-performed in other areas. The post is most helpful, however, in demonstrating Richard Jefferson’s waning athleticism. Good stuff.
42 Comments
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:00 am
Lets just give the Lakers more depth & veteran defense on the perimeter:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AveD9VQPUqOY41Hzi6ShO.u8vLYF?slug=ys-barneslakers072210
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:06 am
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July 22nd, 2010 at 11:10 am
Sweet post. After reading/watching all that, I don’t think RJ bounces back at all. Pop’s not changing the offense to suit him. Moreover, only Manu really has the playmaking skills to consistently hit him on cuts.
Geez, I forgot how much of a spaz he is with the ball. Those turnovers were painful to watch.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:23 am
Very good stuff, indeed.
I think Pop will adjust the offense. RJ is our only SF and Pop knows it’ll never work having him stand in the corner. They put in a few plays for him in the 2nd half, but there’s a limit to how much you can do in-season. And while Tony may not be able to hit him consistently on cuts Tim can and Tiago is supposed to be a very good passer.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:36 am
I think we should have RJ come off the bench with Manu. Creating a more “free-wheeling” offense suits them both better and allows us to change the tempo with a few subs. The only problem will be who starts at SF.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:44 am
I have no idea how sensible this sounds, but if you take Jefferson’s PER and/or other reliable efficiency stats and divide by his earnings to find out how much “efficiency” our dollars bought us, you will be enraged. Compare to his days in NJ, and you will begin to froth at the mouth.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:51 am
Why does everyone say he under performed? He was the 4th or 5th option on offense, and still happened to score about 12 ppg. thats the Most since Sean Elliot at a SF position. I mean, give the man a break. If he was Lebron James and played the way he did, I could understand it. But he’s not. I could really blame it on Pop for not adjusting the offense to suite his players. Or, at least run a little more than they do.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
The most interesting thing I took from the video was when RC said (paraphrasing), “We wouldn’t have been as good a team had we not retained RJ.”
Basically, RC’s saying that a Hairston/Gee/Temple or some similar combo would not have made up for RJ’s production and made the team worse. Either he’s insinuating he expects more out of RJ in season 2 (more than what we otherwise would have gotten), or that the combo of young guys isn’t ready for full time duty just yet, or both. As someone who has argued for trying out the young guys and letting RJ walk, I really hope RC is right.
At this point, let’s just hope we can get some quality minutes in reserve from Hairston, Anderson, Temple, Gee, etc….
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Pretty sound analysis to me on the Cp3 situation:
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/18494/the-hornets-feel-the-pressure
“That’s why league sources with knowledge of the situation say they think the most likely situation is that at some point Paul will be traded. And in that case, the team would be expected to ask for the pieces to fuel a money-saving rebuild: Expiring contracts, draft picks and affordable young players. That way, the team could sell fans on the future, cut expenses all while keeping hope alive for the long-term. ”
“The final analysis, based on conversations with two people close to the situation: Expect Paul to be traded at some point, unless the team is truly on the open market, in which case expect him to stay in New Orleans at least until the team is sold.”
I don’t think we have what they would want for Cp3.
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
James may have started a pathetic trend will ultimately prove negative for the sport:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5401230
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Beggars can’t be choosers. We needed someone to play the wing and RJ was the best available. At least he has a year of the system under his belt and may be able to find a role that works for him. The FO knew that we needed someone and made the moves. Good call on signing Neal as well.
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:09 pm
yeah, it’s a sad trend that likely puts the spurs future as championship contenders at risk.
it looks like the knicks will win out on this one. with eddy curry’s expiring and a few young pieces, i think they have more of what the hornets want than we do.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:16 pm
andy
July 22nd, 2010 at 8:09 pm
“it looks like the knicks will win out on this one. with eddy curry’s expiring and a few young pieces, i think they have more of what the hornets want than we do.”
You’re exactly right, Andy.
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:27 am
There are some small market teams that are poised to compete with the likes of Miami and other superteams. OKC is only some maturity and a good big man away. Sacramento may have hit the jackpot with Cousins and can build around him and Evans. For the good of the NBA, I would rather see Chris Paul go to Portland, or even Dallas, than New York, even if that would make it tougher on the Spurs.
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:15 am
The RJ situation is simple. Pop failed as a coach because he couldnt find a role that maximized RJs talents. The blind pop-lovers on here claim that he is a great coach, however a great coach wouldnt take 90+ games to figure out how to use him.
In addition to Pops ignorance RJ is a cry-baby, like most of these pretend thugs in the NBA and basically quit and pouted on the court when things werent going his way.
With that being said, Im sure that recruiting and selling the Spurs to Richard last year didnt include explaining that we run a shit offense and he would be the 5th option on the team, and that Matt Boner would have more plays run for him than RJ.
Then you have Parker. Who even if pop somehow got a clue and told to pass RJ the ball probably would not.
So we need to hope that Pop gets a brain, RJ gets some balls, and Parker gets some court vision and passing skills. Problem solved.
Serious question: is RC mentally retarded? He looks like Eric Cartman when he pretended to be a retard for the special olympics.
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:54 am
@ TradeTP
I’m disappointed. You roped the anti-Pop, anti-RJ, and anti-TP rants into a seemingly unrelated posts, but you somehow left out the anti-Bonner rant?!? That’s unlike you…..
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:13 am
Though it hurts deeply, “Whats done is now done”!
Bonner has re-signed for, not less, but more money. Congrats to the Rocket on getting paid!
Super congrats to our own Rich Rich Jefferson. What a masterful deal indeed.
Grossly overpaid in this mere fan’s opinion. How could anyone not find this contract, its length, the $, and the final year player option, eerily strange?
However, in Jeff-Jeff’s defense, his having a bad season wasnt actually his fault.
This coach had no idea how to use this player. Didnt know how to cater to his strengths. Fractured his confidence a bit, and got into his head far too often. Used him basically as a spot up shooter and garbage man. But, Hey…he has 4 rings.
Besides, what does this tell us about the Spurs opinion of players like Hairston, Temple, and Gee. Guys that have been with this organization for years. One would think that even two years is more than enough time to evaluate and develope a player.
However, in the Spurs case, we know that holds no water. Mahinmi’s stay in SA was clear proof of that.
Which brings me to our new draftee, Ryan Richards. Is he our new Ian? I see good size, youth, atleticism, and potential. But hey, I saw that in Ian as well. Even Haislip. If he is smart, he is looking for a way out of town, now. Maybe he should call up Ian!
Finally, Why not Shaq? Cant understand the lack of interest here. Are we in Spur Nation gullable enough to believe that we are set with this roster? Especially after witnessing the powerful inside play during this years playoffs and final.
Hopefully not. Hopefully the Spurs try and equip Tim with every weapon they can to help the team win now.
However, I heard Pops comments after Spurs were “skull drug” in the playoffs by Al Gentry and the Suns…
To him, no big deal. “Cant win every year”, “still had good season”, blah, blah, blah!
Hope this guy is not still sitting in his living room, polishing his four rings, and being content with what he did yesterday…Being content with 50 win seasons.
So let me get this out of the way now…Ahead of time…
I made it clear all of last season that it was this coach’s worst year as Spurs coach. He was horrible and brutally out coached. Whn I voiced this opinion, many Pop lovers got fiesty and referred to our 4 rings….
Dear Pop, “THE GREAT”…Thx for the 4 rings. It was awsome. We enjoyed the ride.
Having said that…..
What have you done for us lately?
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:22 am
@ Ballhog: Only thing I’m going to reply to any of that is about Shaq - he wants too much CASH! We only have part of MLE and the LLE available, and he wants at least the full MLE.
It’s a pipe dream. Let it go!
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:34 am
Tyler- Im not anti-Jefferson. I think he’s a big pussy, and Im sure since youve seen him play in person multiple times you would have to agree.? Right? I mean he’s a quitter when he doesnt score for the most part.
In no way am I anti-Jefferson. I think he can contribute a valuable presence, and in addition I think that he is just as “valuable” to our success as any one of the big 3.
I am anti-pop though. And I am anti Bonner. Both are clueless and useless WHEN IT COUNTS. Note the similarities. Pop has to have a perfect squad (all contributors are developed vets or games best) to win rings. He sucks balls when its an even match. Same can be said of Bonner. Wide open in the reg season = $$$$$ any time after 82 games or when a 6’5 G contests him = BROKE.
You cant refute any of those things since they are facts. Pop never has outcoached anyone when hes had an equal or lesser squad. And blows 4th qtr leads like that measures success. Bonner never shows in the playoffs.
Try if you must. RC still looks like he has downs
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:55 am
“RC still looks like he has downs”
lmao!
I thought the same thing when he was biting his bottom lip and shifting his eyes around with that creepy yet juvenile smirk on his face.
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:02 pm
@Trade TP
Well said and absolutely true. We saw it, national TV aired it, we witnessed it, yet everybody wants to ct as if its OK…
Maddness….
As for Buford…I met him in person…Not impressive in the least…
As for Popovich…He wont be able to hide anymore after last season. He has been exposed…One more year of nonsense will hopefully get him outta here.
We can only hope…At least those of us tht truly want to win!
Great Post….
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:06 pm
@ TradeTP
I don’t expect to change your mind, but I’ll try anway.
I guess the thing that irks me about your anti-Pop rants (besides the fact that your posts are always negative and anti-just-about-every-thing) is that you seem to pin every loss on him, and treat every victory as a win in spite of his coaching blunders. As you might expect, I hardly agree with that.
To me, the true test of a coach is very simple: At the end of the year, when it counts the most (i.e. playoffs), does the coach have his team peaking? If so, he’s done his job. If not, he’s failed. And really, isn’t playing your best basketball as a team come playoff time by far the most important responsibility of the coach? At the NBA level, seeds aren’t too important, especially for the true title contenders - the best team is going to win a 7 game series virtually every time, regardless of home court advantage, right?
To answer the question above, I would say “Yes.” The Spurs ended the regular season playing the best basketball of the year; the type of basketball we expected from the start. As a result, we knocked off a #2 seed (who Pop outcoached btw), and lost to a Phoenix team, who quite frankly, was simply better than us. It wouldn’t have mattered if Norman Dale was on the bench, we still would have lost. PHX made plays, we didn’t, end of story.
Look at the Celtics last year. They didn’t exactly set the world on fire in the regular season, but come playoff time, they were fantastic. And for that, you can’t help but give credit to their coaching staff for knowing their players better than anyone, while just about all their fans (including Bill Simmons) left them for dead.
So we didn’t win the championship this year. But us falling short of our ultimate goal doesn’t necessarily mean the coach deserves a failing grade. I’ve never been a believer that only a championship equals success. Again, if the coach has his team playing their best when it counts, what else can you realistically ask for? Let the chips fall where they may at that point.
I also happen think the anti-Pop stance is sort of victim-of-his-own-success scenario. We’ve grown accostomed to a level of success that only a handful of franchises in the history of modern sports have ever achieved. Could it be that we’re somewhat spoiled? Yes. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily (I think that’s actually a good thing), but not to the point we’re set to run every coach off that fails to win a ring - that would be shortsided.
Instead, the measure of a coach should be simple: Get the team playing their best basketball come playoffs, and that’s something Pop has done virtually every year in SA. And if we win a ring? Great. If not? Oh well, it just wasn’t meant to be.
I guess you could call this my pro-Pop rant.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:10 pm
“You cant refute any of those things since they are facts.”
Well, that’s like your opinion, man…..
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Pop is widely considered one of the top coaches in the game by people who know the game (in contrast to Ballhog). The Spurs lost to the Suns because they are starting to show their age on defense, especially guarding the pick and roll. The Suns are or were the best P&R team in basketball. Plus Duncan is no longer dominating on offense night in and night out. A bad matchup and not a whole lot you can do about it unless you have a time machine. Signing Splitter and the growth of Hill gives the Spurs hope though. Sit back, enjoy watching them, and realize that Pop knows more about basketball than you can ever hope to.
Oh, and if you want an example of Pop outcoaching someone, go all the way back to the most recent Mavs-Spurs series.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Nothing at all wrong with supporting coach Pop. Nothing at all wrong with criticizing him either.
Pop has most fans hoodwinked anyway. Im sure that he is loving every minute of it.
Heres a thought for kicks…
Pop brings in Rich Jefferson and takes on his mammoth salary. He then procedes to break him down. Even to the point of benching the All Star Forward. Played him out of position, kept him out of the offense, etc., etc., etc…..
In the process, it significantly damaged Jefferson’s marketability. This put old Jeff into the negotiation game. Then Pop and RC knew they could barter with this guy. Talk him into opting out….Re-sign him at a better yearly number, and leave yourselves enough cap to sign Splitter…Masterful…
However, You now have 15 guys on your roster, and not one is a true center. You have a gang of 6’4 to 6’6 guys clogging your roster, and your willing to go into yet another season this way, even though you just witnessed how ineffective it was this past season.
Pop started the season with a decent roster and by the all star break, had totally dismantled that roster and had Blair trying to play CENTER at 6’6 in boots. Genious….
Now, when the Lakers come to town, they defend you with Artest, Kobe, and Barnes on the perimeter and Bynam, Gasol, Odom, Ratliff, Mbenga down low…Havent even mentioned Fisher and Brown….Oh My….
But Pop knows best. He kept guys like Mahinmi, Gist, Gee, Williams, and Hairston around for years. Paid them to sit and watch Bogans, Mason, and Bonner light up the league…Again, genious!
Enough of yesterdays news. Pop has received his credit for winning 4 championships. It was great and he desrved it…But it was yesterdays news…
Phil Jackson once had 4 rings…I cant recall him saying that it didnt matter, or that a 50 win season would suffice, or any other BS quote dropped by this coach.
If you like Pop, then love him…More power to ya…I wont lash out at you for supporting Pop. He needs love too..
However, dont take a dump on my lawn because I think differently….
While we continue to BS around with experimental players, a manipulative and power hungry coach, a front office that continues to show wierd favoritism toward Opey Taylor type players (Bonner, Bogans, Mason types)
Our rivlas are building legitimate contenders, with real basketball players.
Oh My….
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Go Spurs
July 23rd, 2010 at 10:58 pm
BALLHOG
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:55 pm
“This put old Jeff into the negotiation game. Then Pop and RC knew they could barter with this guy. Talk him into opting out….Re-sign him at a better yearly number, and leave yourselves enough cap to sign Splitter…Masterful…”
Just so you know, RJ opting out had absolutely nothing to do with our ability to sign Splitter. Splitter was always ear-marked for either all or a portion of the MLE.
“However, you now have 15 guys on your roster, and not one is a true center.”
I don’t know how you define “true center”, but Splitter is clearly a “center”. If by true you mean Shaq, well, that’s more like “freak of nature”. Splitter might be on the “light” side, but he’s also nearly 7 feet tall. Pairing him with Duncan provides decent size at the 4/5 spot (better than last year). The only contending teams that are slightly bigger in the West are LA, Portland, and Houston if Yao stays healthy.
“….Bynam, Gasol, Odom, Ratliff, Mbenga down low…”
They are very unlikely to re-sign Mbenga. Ratliff is 37 years old does not have a potent offensive game. Plus he’s smaller than Duncan & Splitter, and probably pretty close to McDyess & Bonners size, maybe an inch taller but slightly lighter. Gasol’s probably an inch taller than Duncan & Splitter, but about 10-15 lbs. lighter. Odom is about an inch taller than McDyess & Bonner, but about 10 lbs. lighter. Bynum is the one guy that gives LA a clear size edge over us still, because he’s about 7 feet tall, but close to 40 lbs. heavier than any of our front court players. If you’re point is that overall, LA’s bigs are better all-around players, and better interior defenders than are our bigs, you’re right on that account.
I won’t bother rehashing our disagreements about Pop as a coach. Those differences have been well-chronicled.
In case you didn’t catch most of my posts in the past couple of weeks, a quick refresh on my thoughts about where the Spurs are at right now:
- still missing a proven sniper from three that can be depended to put the dagger down in the clutch — why not try and trade with Philly for Kapono to back-up RJ for 15-17 mpg.? Send them McDyess & one of our excess wings (the athletic Gee, who has promise)?!
- very unlikely that the team defense will be stiff enough for a Spur team to present a realistic challenge for a WCF appearance — both perimeter and interior “D” needed to be more forcefully addressed, either through trades, or appropriate use of the MLE/LLE — for example, have we even made a run at the high-energy, defender/rebounder/shot-blocker, Lou Amundson, an unrestricted FA that’s still available?!? If we have, I haven’t heard any reports of such interest - he could play an excellent role as our 4th or 5th big for 15 mpg. — instead we went for Bonner, a deal I’ve sharply criticized in some detail.
Those are my major problems with the off-season thus far. There’s still a faint hope that they make another deal/trade. We’ll see. But as currently structured, we’d have to get lucky to get as far/or farther than we did last year. On average, most teams in the West have gotten better to a similar extent as we have.
July 24th, 2010 at 7:44 am
@ Jim
It has been a minute…Hope all is well.
As for your take on the 5
I don’t know how you define “true center”, but Splitter is clearly a “center”. If by true you mean Shaq, well, that’s more like “freak of nature”. Splitter might be on the “light” side, but he’s also nearly 7 feet tall. Pairing him with Duncan provides decent size at the 4/5 spot (better than last year).
Splitter comes in as a rookie. Even if he plays half way decent, the physical play of NBA bigs is gonna whip on him for some time before he adjusts.
Not to mention, he wont get any calls. Just as Bonner wont get calls.
Splitter and Duncan in the low post, backed by Mcdyess and Blair, just wont get it done.
I used the Lakers as my example because they went out and got pieces…Piesces that can help now. As for Ratliff…He is serviceable for what he brings. He was effective during his career, effective and starting in Charlotte, and now signed with Lakers..
Strange thing is….He couldnt play here. Not good enough.
Also, seems we really could have gotten value in Matt Barnes. Though I doubt that he was willing to play for this coach. Sure he has lots of company in that sense around the leauge.
My point is that this team has been trying to win with substandard talent for some time now. The addition of Anderson is nice, if, and only if, Pop doesnt destroy his confidence, limit his minutes, and stunt his growth…Same goes for Neal and Richards.
Too many 6’4-6’6 guys. Roster not well assembled at all.
Houston is better, and bigger..
Dallas is better…Lets just hope they dont sign Kayman…
Lakers are better…Barnes and Blake were huge pick ups…
Then there is Denver, Utah, Memphis, OKC, and Portland….
I just dont see the Spurs adding the proper pieces that will allow them to compete at a high level.
With the August shutdown quickly approaching…Im concerned with the lack of movement…
I certainly hope that the Spurs dont feel that this roster will get it done…
Its about 2 to 3 players short…
July 24th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I wish the NBA would stop looting our FO and Coaching staff.
July 24th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
I’m OK with what has happened this summer. Of course, who wouldn’t want big time names to play for the Spurs.
But for the most part, this off season has been good. The emergence of several D-league and overseas players in Temple, Gee and Neal are positive thus far. In fact, I would say the Spurs have a bevy of role players it probably can count on in these players.
I would like to see a known 3-point shooter such as Kapono on the team. But these young and “developing” players have shown great promise and an ability to play some defense as well.
I think our post players (barring the expectation of Splitter) is one of our weakest elements on the team. WOW…who would have ever thought that with a player like Tim Duncan on the team. But reality is what it is. Duncan might be a shell of who he was just two years ago. And the team’s post players outside of Duncan include….
1)Blair a beast and effective post player IF he doesn’t have to contend with the likes of some of the best over 6′ 10″ post players in the league. The hope is Blair will have developed (develop) a consistant mid range game to his arsenal and learn how to play defense without committing fouls at a rate comperable to his production on the court.
2) McDyess a year older. Perhaps a bit slower and less athletically capable of his production from just a year ago. McDyess should still be good if he were to have a younger athletic partner in the post. Enter Splitter.
3) Splitter…unknown NBA commodity as far as a big man is concerned. Rookie treatment by the officials, a complicated system, nerves, adjustment time, the coaching staff,s trust, ability to mesh with the team….these are all factors the team hope are at least minimal problems to overcome. But the bottom line…a far better option than what the Spurs have had in recent years. Heir apparent might be too much to expect from this talented young man…but it probably will be expected by many of the fans.
4) Bonner. What can we say. At best is a spread the floor big man that if his shot is not falling is probably going to be over paid for his contributions (or lack there of). But intriguing enough, I still like the guy. Bonner is an “everything has to be going right with the rest of the team” in order for him to be beneficial for the team. If there is a way he has improved some of his weaknesses over this summer…he still is a nice player of his caliber to have on the team.
5) Enter Role Player Name. The Spurs still need an effective, athletic, energy type of post player to inject during games when all else might be failing at the time. The mention of Amundson is a good fit. Also Josh Boone would bring that same scenario. Whoevere it might be…the Spurs DO need that type of post player to compliment who they have now.
Now regarding the OP. I think Jefferson, for as much he was disliked by so many….my self included in that crowd…deserves this second chance. I say this because the likes of former Spur players such as Horry, Barry, Jackson, etc. took at least a year to fit into the Spurs system. And the facts of this off season….RJ is still in the top 5 of SF’s who were realistically available for the Spurs. I would take RJ over the Barnes’ and Jones’ of this league. The likes of the Rudy Gay’s and Le Bron James’ were not a fiscal possibility for the Spurs. What the Spurs need is a decent, dependable back up at the SF position. Kapono would be great just because of his percentage ability. But to what extent of the lack of defense would the Spurs be willing to go just to have a Kapono on the team? I mean…don’t they already have that in Bonner? RMJ…if not hitting his shots… was a total liability to this team. Maybe lessons learned from just a year ago may be at the forefront of the coaching staff regarding our wing players.
If…and I know it’s probably a big if…the likes of Temple, Gee and Neal can bring in maybe not so dependable shooting than say a Kapono and/or Roger Mason Jr. but…have the ability to at least defend better…problem could be solved. Or at least better than it was last year.
We’ll see. I am looking forward to the upcoming season even if this is all the Spurs are going to do this off season.
I think Jefferson will be fine. He wasn’t THAT bad considering his first year….being 4th option…and playing a totally different type of game he was used to playing.
All we can do is hope. It’s a very competitive western conference. Many teams have improved with known commodities. Let’s hope the Spurs will have improved with their talented yet unproven players.
July 24th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
rob
July 24th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
“But to what extent of the lack of defense would the Spurs be willing to go just to have a Kapono on the team? I mean…don’t they already have that in Bonner?”
Obviously, I’d prefer a wing that can defend AND nail the three at a solid clip, but the fact is, all those guys are taken right now (barring a trade of a major piece, like TP). So, the point is, if you’re stuck with either getting a very good wing defender, OR getting a very good wing three-point shooter, at least try to get the best of one or the other. Kapono is the #1 active career 3-point shooter in the entire league (44%), and knocked it down at a 54% clip during action in two playoffs. His defense would limit his minutes to 15-17 mpg. Bonner’s defensive liability could be minimized (from lack of playing time) if we got a guy like Amundson to be the 4th or 5th big, at about 15 mpg.
“If…and I know it’s probably a big if…the likes of Temple, Gee and Neal can bring in maybe not so dependable shooting than say a Kapono and/or Roger Mason Jr. but…have the ability to at least defend better…problem could be solved. Or at least better than it was last year.”
That’s a BIG “if” in my view. Hairston hasn’t shown that he can shoot, and Gee & Neal haven’t shown that they can defend. And none of them can be counted on to hit big three’s in the playoffs.
“All we can do is hope.”
Yeah, that is all we can do, but the FO could take more ACTION so that OUR hopes have a more reasonable chance of coming true.
July 24th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Jim
“Kapono is the #1 active career 3-point shooter in the entire league (44%), and knocked it down at a 54% clip during action in two playoffs. His defense would limit his minutes to 15-17 mpg. Bonner’s defensive liability could be minimized (from lack of playing time) if we got a guy like Amundson to be the 4th or 5th big, at about 15 mpg.”
Yep. You got a point there that I agree with. Bonner and Mason had lots of “great” opportunities last year to hit wide open shots. They didn’t connect on as many as their pedigree said they would be able to do.
That being said. Jefferson was a better 3-point shooter prior to coming to the Spurs as well.
What is it that lent itself to these so called marksman from beyond the mark to fall off their career established stats on this team? I mean…it wasn’t as if they were being forced into these shots. They had ample spacing and time to get off these shots yet couldn’t hit them at a rate they were doing in their proven careers. Weird stats.
And I would welcome without hesitation Kapono coming to the Spurs. But IF that doesn’t happen (or somebody like him), I do like what I’ve seen in Temple and Neal as far as outside shooting. And I like what I saw in Gee with the ability to attack the rim. And their defense (Neal in question) would probably be better than Kapono since Kapono has never had good defensive presense during his nba career.
All in all…I don’t think the Spurs are done dealing prior to the upcoming season.
Addressing the points you and myself have eluded to ARE key components to keeping up with what other teams have been able to do this off season. Amundson or Boone would be that type of post player you and I agree upon. While another “proven” 3-point shooter at the wing to back up RJ would definately be a HUGE plus for this team.
The season hasn’t started yet. But the window of opportunity is soon running out to land such players before the season starts. The Spurs are not known for mid-season trades simply because their system is so complicated that even landing a premier player in that situation would probably not result positive contribution until the following year.
And if they don’t do anything else prior to the season starting to land the types of players you and I have discussed…My only hope is that who they have now will rise to expectations beyond what we deem possible.
July 25th, 2010 at 6:43 am
Wow, those are some freakishly bizarre anti-Pop sentiments. Then again, UCLA fans used to bitch about John Wooden, so maybe Pop’s in good company.
I will add a few bits on some of the more thoughtful posts.
Regarding our lack of centers, don’t let Duncan or the Spurs’ front office fool you. He’s a center on defense and on offense and has been since Rasho left. Has he been playing out of position since then? Maybe. But he hasn’t been a forward for several years. He is a bit old-fashioned, though, more reminiscent of a high-post center like Walton (the player whom he has always most resembled). But most of the best centers in NBA history have been of that brand. In fact, the Spurs have had the league’s best center for most of the last 21 years. And Splitter is a legitimate center on both ends as well. Maybe he’ll take a couple of months to adjust to the refs and the size of NBA big men. But look at the record of other top European big men in recent years: P Gasol, M Gasol, and Scola adjusted pretty quickly. I expect Splitter won’t really be at his peak for a couple of years, but (barring injury) he’ll be an important contributor by March at the latest. Most helpful of all is that he has modeled his game, in many ways, after Duncan. You should try complaining to OKC or Denver fans about our lack of a true center. They’ll turn purple with apoplexy. (Actually, that sounds like fun. Maybe I’ll try it myself!)
About some of the players being mentioned: Seriously, Boone? No thanks. Ratliff? Has everyone forgotten that the Spurs gave him away last year-when we were much more in need of a big man-because he was unable to contribute in a significant way? The fact that the Lakers picked him up is a sign that they still don’t have a backup for Bynum (aside from playing Gasol out of position, which they’d rather not do). If Bynum goes down, they remain vulnerable-precisely because Ratliff will be playing for them. (I’ve noticed that a lot of the media have anointed the Lakers as 2011 WC champs already. But this Lakers team is still very vulnerable to teams with quick point guards and multiple skilled big men. They should worry quite a lot about Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.) And Kapono? I’m sorry, but he’s has everything that the Bonner haters hate, only more: he’s smaller, slower, and less athletic than Bonner, has never played defense in his life, is a black hole on offense, and isn’t exactly the best guy in the locker room. Oh and he makes $6.6. million, so we’d have to give up a lot to get him. I’m sorry, but we’re not that desperate for shooting.
Like many of you, I’d love to see us pick up some talented players. Of course. But I only want us to do that if they’re capable and willing defenders who are smart enough to play within a fairly complex system and can sublimate their egos to advance the cause of the team. If we can find a player like that within the constraints of the current financial system, great. If not, I’m happy to stick with the players we have.
Any suggestions?
July 25th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Tim in Surrey
July 25th, 2010 at 6:43 am
“And Kapono? I’m sorry, but he has everything that the Bonner haters hate, only more: he’s smaller, slower, and less athletic than Bonner, has never played defense in his life, is a black hole on offense, and isn’t exactly the best guy in the locker room. Oh and he makes $6.6. million, so we’d have to give up a lot to get him. I’m sorry, but we’re not that desperate for shooting.”
Sorry, but Kapono is a much better, and more consistent shooter than Bonner, and he can actually make threes in the playoffs. Also, he would negate the need of playing Bonner as much, allowing us to acquire and allocate minutes for additional defensive help in the interior. Anyone that doesn’t realize that Amundson would be the perfect fit in that role as an additional “defender” in the interior doesn’t understand what the Spurs need to win, IMHO. As far as Kapono, there’s nothing wrong with him “in the locker room” (other than maybe he’s tired with playing with losing, incompetent franchises ever since he won a title with the Heat), and his defensive weaknesses are more pronounced with match-ups against the “quicker” SF’s around the league, a weakness that can at least be partially mitigated by him playing most of his 15-17 mpg. against the other team’s back-up SF, as well as playing with a front line of Duncan, Splitter, & Amundson, which would be an excellent rotation of “rim protectors”. And actually, he’s only about an inch shorter than Bonner, and offers a better height advantage over SF’s than Bonner does over PF’s, not to mention his better ability to hit shots in the face of a close-out defender, and his generally quicker release. As far as his contract, it’s an expiring deal, and his fire-power off the bench would clearly be worth it. And as I said, it might be reasonable to give Philly McDyess & Gee to get him (AND get Amundson as a FA).
“Like many of you, I’d love to see us pick up some talented players. Of course. But I only want us to do that if they’re capable and willing defenders…..”
As I’ve already stated, we’re not going to be able to get an excellent, clutch shooter AND defender in one guy at this point without making a trade for a major piece, like TP. Absent that, we’re left with trying to get the very best of one or the other, and Kapono is the #1 active career 3-point shooter in the NBA, which includes 54% in the playoffs. The fact is, we need another “real” veteran shooter in order to truly contend in the West. Getting Amundson as well would make us stronger defensively, even with the addition of Kapono, and we’re going to need to ask ALL of our players to pick up their level of commitment on the defensive end to even have a chance this year anyways, regardless of what piece or two we pick up at this point.
July 25th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
While I’m all for getting the best players we can, overhauling the roster with people who may fit “statistically” really isn’t a recipe for success.
Jim, I’ve read a lot of your posts and while I agree with almost all of them, you have to realize that you just can’t randomly insert said player and it’s all of a sudden going to address an issue just because the guy happens to have some sort of awesome-looking stat attached to his name. The Spurs just aren’t that kind of team. I think thats why alot of us got burned with the RJ trade because we set the bar so high going off of his previous year stats. You argue Kapono shoots 54% in crunch time, but whose to say Bonner can’t have a breakout a year this year? Yeah, I know.. you threw up a little bit when you read that, but the same thing that happened with RJ this past year could happen with any one of these guys you’ve suggested. Then what? We ship them out, implode the team again and go with Plan C?
As I said before, I’m all for getting guys we need, but I’d rather stick with something that we have SOME confidence (albiet its shaky at best) in, rather than gamble again on a guy who we know little to nothing about besides his 09-10 stat line.
As for your points though about defense, I do agree its a top priority for us. Frankly, as boring as it sounds, I’d like to go back to the 04-05 team when we’d only get around 90 pts but defensively we were a beast. It’s gonna take a solid team effort this year… and I bet thats a lot of the reason why Pop wants to stick with guys who understand the system already than try to inject new faces.
July 26th, 2010 at 1:42 am
Ryan
July 25th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
The fact is, our team last year was not even close to being championship ready. Thus, without making at least a few relatively significant moves, we are simply not going to challenge this year either.
We know a lot more about other players around the league than you let on, especially those who’ve been in the league for at least a few years. For example, Kapono has been in the league 7 years, and as primarily a spot up 3-point shooter, he has had only one season where he shot under 40% from behind the arc, and for 3 seasons he has shot over 47%. We KNOW he can shoot, and it would not be hard for him to learn how to effectively chip in for our team as a spot-up shooter for 15-17 mpg.
Amundson is a smart, active, defender that can rebound & block shots. He’s done it for three years with the Suns, and has gotten a little better each year. He’s about all he’s going to be right now, at age 27, which is plenty for us as a 4th or 5th big for about 15 mpg. We need to ratchet up our “D” everywhere possible, including in the interior, and get our shot-blocking back to close to where it was in 2004-05. Along with Splitter chipping in, Amundson could get us there.
“You argue Kapono shoots 54% in crunch time, but whose to say Bonner can’t have a breakout a year this year?”
Very unlikely. Bonner’s been in 4 playoffs and has shot just 32% from three. He’s had enough of a chance to prove himself, and he has simply not come through.
“…..but the same thing that happened with RJ this past year could happen with any one of these guys you’ve suggested.”
Again, not likely. We should not be gun-shy to add players in light of the RJ experience. That’d be like never driving a car again after you’ve experienced an accident. Look at Blair, a 20 year old rookie, and he didn’t have some big problem adjusting to his new role with the team. RJ truly is a special case. And the RJ disappointment really had little to do with his stats. It had to do with his struggle to adjust, and the fact that he let his game slip in terms of rebounding & defense, which is mainly because of a lack of mental focus, preparation, and effort. I expect him to have a better year this year, but I never expected him to shoot 39% from three like he did the year before in Milwaukee because he only had 2 of his previous 6 years where he shot the three above 36%.
July 26th, 2010 at 3:20 am
I think this sums up best what I’ve researched regarding Josh Boone and why I wouldn’t mind the Spurs getting him..
http://celticshub.com/2010/07/20/finding-a-rebounder/
As you can see….either Amundson or Boone would be a great complimentary player for the Spurs.
I think Boone is in the wrong system with NJ and would come back to being at least a prominent role player in the Spurs system.
With regards to the Spurs and 3-point shooting…Kapono would be the best bet as far as “proven” shooters in this league. And since the Spurs RELY heavily on the 3-point shot….it would make sense to have one of the best on the team.
With regards to Kapono’s lack of defense….I’m not sure if that could be masked effectively by who the Spurs would have on the court the same time Kapono would be playing. But I would sumise it could be done with the right combination of current players on the roster and only in a case where it would be in a zone type of defense that focusses more on channeling than one on one.
July 26th, 2010 at 10:20 am
Hey guys i got an idea Howbout we…. Trade richard jefferson (ghasp) howcome noone talks about things like this i say we trade Rj Mcdyce and Bonner add up their salaries and thats 18 million dollars we could acutally get someone who can fit our offence and what we need at the wing and defensively i say trade them to the lakers 4 Ron artest Sasha vugagich and adam Morrison
Ron artest is a great fit defensively can shoot the three consintantly and make plays on his own (RJ cant)
They say we need a wing player well who better than Sasha vugagich great shooter and pesky defender
as for adam morrison… well we just need a player to help fit the cap space 4 this trade
July 26th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
rob
July 26th, 2010 at 3:20 am
“I think this sums up best what I’ve researched regarding Josh Boone and why I wouldn’t mind the Spurs getting him..”
I’m okay with Boone, but the link provided focuses on rebounding. Obviously, rebounding is always important for “bigs”, but rebounding is not really a weakness for the Spurs (3rd in the league last year in total rebound rate). Our biggest weakness right now is shot-blocking (21st in the league last year - 4.7 per game). The Spurs were among the league leaders in blocks during their title years. With that in mind, here are the available free agent “bigs” in order of blocks per 48 minutes (minimum of 10 mpg. played last year):
Amundson - 3.00
Shaq - 2.40
Fesenko - 2.24
Boone - 2.20
C. Hunter - 2.15
J. Singleton - 2.11
As you can see, Amundson is by far the best available for filling our most important need. Plus, he’s one of the better rebounders, is HIGH energy, gives maximum effort at all times on the court, and is an active, scrappy defender.
That said, Boone may very well be the second best option available, and if I couldn’t get Amundson, I would be open to taking a closer look at Boone. In my view, Amundson is by far the best fit for us though. We need his shot-blocking, which really stands out from the rest.
July 27th, 2010 at 1:05 am
“Amundson is by far the best available for filling our most important need.”
I’m on board with Amundson. I don’t know about his hair though. Maybe Pop, being a military man and all, just can’t deal with a guy who has hair like that…
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