Monday, August 30th, 2010...3:35 pm
United States 70, Brazil 68: Tiago Splitter’s solid first impression
Fair or not, San Antonio Spurs fans have been awaiting the arrival of Tiago Splitter since the team first drafted Luis Scola. Since 2002 (the year Scola was drafted) each FIBA tournament has served as a tease of sorts for Spurs faithful. And with each passing tournament the concept of foreign big man savior grew in its myth.
Brazil’s narrow 68-70 loss to Team USA offered a bit of nostalgia for Spurs fans tuning in to see their prized big man. There again were the beautiful offensive sets of Brazilian head coach Ruben Magnano (formerly of Argentina) running roughshod at times through the USA defense.
Splitter, however, is not Luis Scola. For one, he is already under contract with the Spurs. And with the will-he-or-won’t-he-come speculation long since over, today’s game finally removed some of the mystery surrounding the Brazilian big man.
At Splitter’s introductory press conference, Spurs general manager R.C. Buford mentioned that Tiago does not have his “NBA body” yet, but offered the following scouting report:
“I don’t think Tiago is going to be somebody we just throw the ball into the post until he gets a better understanding of our system,” Buford said. “But he’s a really good pick-and-roll player, very smart offensively and defensively, so they have to guard him.
After watching him operate against NBA talent, here are some my first thoughts on Tiago Splitter:
He should absolutely thrive in the San Antonio Spurs pick and roll system-For the game Splitter scored 13 points, going 6-12 from the field, getting most of his points through the pick and roll.
Splitter did not really set solid screens so much as he simply ran towards his teammate and slipped a pick before any contact was actually made (it will be interesting to see if this translates into offensive fouls in the NBA). Nor did he display the freakish athleticism (he was blocked twice at the rim) or sweet jumper usually associated with prime pick and roll players.
Where Tiago excelled was reading the defenses and finding seams. Combining good mobility with a high basketball IQ, it’s easy to see the Spurs utilizing Splitter in the same role Fabricio Oberto played. At worst, watching him and Manu Ginobili operate the pick and roll next season should be a joy.
The foundation for a post game is there, even if the foundation isn’t-The scouting report on Splitter is that he is a back to the basket player with excellent footwork. The fear is how it translates to the stronger (though less physical) NBA game.
While Splitter did display solid footwork, creating some space and holding his pivot under duress, there are questions about his lower body strength. He appeared to have trouble holding his position against Lamar Odom, losing his balance on his first few post attempts.
As Buford stated, he needs to work on his “NBA body”, but until then Splitter might be able to utilize his post game by using screens to get position under the basket or working on the move.
The motion factor-Keeping with the Oberto comparison, Splitter might be Duncan’s first partner since the Argentine to catch, pass, and make quick decisions on the move. As mentioned above, Splitter seems adept at reading defenses, something that is very helpful in the motion offense.
Brazil was confident enough in Splitter’s decision making to use him to break Team USA’s full court pressure, running their center down the middle of the floor as the first outlet. With one exception in which he dribbled the ball up court himself, Splitter generally made quick and correct decisions in these scenarios.
In another sequence, Splitter was confronted with a defender just as he caught the ball while rolling to the hoop. Realizing where the help was coming from, Splitter made a quick pass to the corner for an open 3-pointer. This is a concept many big men struggle with and one that is vital in the Spurs system.
Defense, defense, defense-In many ways Team USA was a perfect opponent to gauge how Splitter fits the Spurs defensive needs. Not a shot blocker (though he did have a nice one on Westbrook to end the first quarter), Splitter uses quick feet and length to disrupt pick and rolls.
While he might not be athletic in NBA terms, he is very mobile and he uses it to great effect. While guarding quicker, face up fours, Splitter was able to show on the screens enough to disrupt the ball handler and still recover to the rim. Watching Splitter guard both ball handler and man was, at times, very Duncan-like.
It will be interesting to see how Splitter fits in alongside Tim Duncan. From the little bit I saw, he should be enough to help the Spurs to take a step up this season but probably not enough to make a difference should any of the big three show further decline.
51 Comments
August 30th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Splitter has a great ability for reading the game. He uses space so well when coming off the pick n roll. I think he will fit into the Spurs system like a glove. Go the almighty Spurs.
August 30th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
That’s pretty much what I thought.
I was more impressed with his defense. He was very quick on his feet and recovered nicely.
Obviously he plays better of the pick and roll. Throught the game I just kept imagining all the easy buckets he is going to because of MANU and TP.
I think he’ll work out just fine.
August 30th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I think he is going to be a huge asset. One of those guys that doesn’t demand a lot of usage to be useful.
Solid D and smart efficient off the ball play. Wonderful wonderful stuff.
August 30th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Splitter was active defensively with the block on Westbrook and a charge drawn from Odom.
Splitter made some nice passes for assists to 3 pt shooters and cutters.
Splitter looks like a good role player for the Spurs. Funky looking jump hook, though. Definitely limited athletically for a big man.
I’m still curious and puzzled why Mahinmi never got to play after watching his contributions to the French national team in this tournament.
August 30th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Nice write up Mr. Blanchard
“Where Tiago excelled was reading the defenses and finding seams. Combining good mobility with a high basketball IQ, it’s easy to see the Spurs utilizing Splitter in the same role Fabricio Oberto played.”
That was my thought exactly regarding the Oberto comparison. And being more mobile than Oberto will only make him a better component than Oberto was.
Of course there were some of the “rookie” mistakes that will rise it’s ugly head come playing for the Spurs.
1.) Splitter would have fouled out by the start of the 4th period if this were an NBA game.
2.) At NBA standards, his timing is off when defending the low post or trying to garnish a rebound. Which is strange because his lateral quickness is amazingly fast for a man his size. Fortunately that is something that should be correctable.
3.) Rushing his shot in the post and not taking the short jumper when presented. Again…areas which will probably be corrected. To his defense though…we didn’t get to see his short jumper because team Brasil refused to set him up in those situations opting to shoot ill advised shots or completely dismissing Splitter’s open looks.
“Not a shot blocker (though he did have a nice one on Westbrook to end the first quarter), Splitter uses quick feet and length to disrupt pick and rolls.”
I think this will have a tendacy to change once Splitter gets adapted to the Spurs and NBA play. His quickness should allow him to be very disruptive on the boards and produce more blocked shots. Again…I think his problem is more with timing than with ability. Which probably will be improved upon once playing for the Spurs.
“It will be interesting to see how Splitter fits in alongside Tim Duncan. From the little bit I saw, he should be enough to help the Spurs to take a step up this season but probably not enough to make a difference should any of the big three show further decline.”
That’s the most profound statement of the entire write up. And true. However…I am also looking forward to how Splitter and Blair co-exist in the post.
August 30th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Ian looked exactly as I remember vs. Spain. Foul-prone on defense and out-of-sync on offense. I imagine he dominated Lebanon with his height and athleticism, though. Just like the D League.
August 30th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
What doggydogworld said.
Ian has always been able to blow people up in terms of athletic competition. Never been able to slow down and let it come to him.
Why does he always go for the big arse block? If he’d keep his bloody feet on the ground and go straight up he’d be a 20% better player straight away.
August 30th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
I finally know who Tiago Splitter is.
Contrary to our author, I think he showed himself to be a physical and strong player out there… his body is more thick than long, and he set solid screens and got some tough rebounds. Odom couldn’t handle him down low and forced Coach K to sub in the little-used Tyson Chandler…who promptly fouled Splitter on D.
When he played poorly is when we went away from contact instead of embracing it and using it to his advantage (like Tim does so successfully). In particular, one first half play where he got blocked by Rudy Gay stands out. All he had to do was take one more dribble and then dunk on Gay, instead he tried to lay it up and beat Gay’s leaping block attempt. His floaters didn’t inspire me with confidence either, though he made a couple.
Hopefully he’ll quickly learn to use his big body and embrace contact. I think he should start at center from day one.
August 30th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Watched the game, and I think at the end, Coach K was telling team USA to keep the ball out of Splitter’s hands. Several times, I noticed the pass inside brought a double team, leaving open an outside shooter. What would have happened if one of them could have made a shot? Glad the USA won, but if they dont play better than this, Brasil will kick their butts next time. You cant expect a team to shot 25 % in the 4th quarter on open shots.
Splitter looked good in the game. His shots were easy but is that not what we could use? Easy buckets? Tim will regain a little of his swagger with Splitter and Blair playing beside him. I can see Blair getting 20+ mins with McDyess and Bonner splitting what is left. The schedule for the first 8 games is just right for us to get everybody on the court. Only New Orleans, Houston(with Yao) and Phoenix(maybe) present us a problem. Splitter, Blair and the rest of the young guns should get plenty of time on the court. I see loads of chemistry being formed in the preseason between the veterans and the young guys. I dont count us out of anything including a championship. We have the talent. We have the youth. And most of all we have the veteran leadership. That said who holds the rights to Marcus Vinicius? He looked good on the court, too. Maybe he would consider playing SF for the Spurs. He is 6’9, 230.
August 30th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
We don’t need Splitter to be the team MVP in his first year, and hopefully not for a few after. The way he looks is to provide the help that Duncan needs, a 7-footer (ish) who plays D (check), gets boards (check), and can add 10-15 easy points (check). This takes pressure off of Duncan and we can be sure that when one of these players are on the court, with Dice, Bonner, or Blair, that things won’t go completely awful. The Spurs need to eliminate that 1 bad quarter of basketball every game, then we can see some playoff wins.
August 30th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I’m just happy knowing he will be a SPUR.
August 30th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
While a lot of people look at the Splitter signing as an improvement to the Spurs roster for this season, I see it more as a significant signing beyond that. He will help the team this season no doubt, but it his impact in his 2nd, 3rd and hopefully subsequent seasons that I am looking forward to. He might not be Tim Duncan, but he is the type of big man that will help the Spurs continue their success long term.
August 30th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Sure he will get some great passes from Manu, even Timmy. But don’t expect TP will pass him the ball.
August 30th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Here are my thoughts that I posted on the previous blog:
_____________________________
Splitter had a real nice game. He produced 13pts, 10 rebs, 3assts, 2 steals, and a block in limited playing time due to foul trouble. Most of this production came against Lamar Odom whom Splitter will see this next year. There were several take aways I had:
1. 5 turnovers is too many.
2. He has decent post moves, but will be going up against bigger players than Odom and Tyson Chandler on most nights.
3. He has good lateral quickness and covers a great deal of ground while defending the P&R.
4. His verticle jump seems to be poor. In fact, I was surprised that he had 10 rebs. From watching the game, I would have guessed he only had 5-6. Splitter does a good job of neutralizing his opponents with his size, width, and strength but it appears the guy has a 4 inch verticle.
5. He is a good passer and sees the floor well. There were many of his passes that would have been assists if his man would have hit the shot.
6. He needs to finish stronger or take the 12-14ft jumper. He got his shot blocked while throwing up weak trash on a drive instead of either dunking or shooting the short shot.
Considering he only played 30 minutes in a low scoring, grind-it-out game, I think he played very well. Brazil (especially Barbosa) shot way too many 3′s. They should have done a better job pounding it into the post with Tiago, but that’s just my biased opinion. Bottom line: Splitter should be a very nice addition on the defensive end with his lateral movement and quick hands.
_____________________________
The only other thing I forgot to add was exactly the first point on this blog. Splitter will be a beast in the Spurs pick and roll system. It appears he already has a masters degree in P&R, but will have a PHD by the time Pop is finished him.
August 30th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
disclaimer: Lakers fan here.
But, Tiago really impressed me out there. He seems to have a high bball IQ and was awesome on the pick and roll.
That being said, bear in mind it was against a very small USA team (with Kevin Durant and Rudy Gay occasionally playing power forward). Also, I usually take FIBA game performances with a grain of salt due to the inconsistent referees and rules.
I think he’ll be a solid player; but I don’t see him being a major impact player in the NBA.
August 30th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
I Think he should start right way. Why delay the inevitable. He is a rookie but hes 25. But i know Pop will bring him off the bench. Boo!!
August 30th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Looks like the team is inviting some SF types to workout, and might eventually ask one or two of them to participate in camp for a roster spot. Remember, they didn’t sign Bogans last year until a week before camp. I’m open to Williams because he’s decent at “D”, and has good strength & length for the position. I really don’t know Gardner’s game.
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2010/08/jawad-williams.html
August 30th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
splitter certainly looked nba calliber. he looked a little stronger than in the acb finals. any idea on his ceiling? i could imagine him improving his release on his shots to compensate for the athletic shot blockers in the nba
August 30th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Here was my take that I posted this afternoon on a previous blog
“Splitter had a real nice game. He produced 13pts, 10 rebs, 3assts, 2 steals, and a block in limited playing time due to foul trouble. Most of this production came against Lamar Odom whom Splitter will see this next year. There were several take aways I had:
1. 5 turnovers is too many.
2. He has decent post moves, but will be going up against bigger players than Odom and Tyson Chandler on most nights.
3. He has good lateral quickness and covers a great deal of ground while defending the P&R.
4. His verticle jump seems to be poor. In fact, I was surprised that he had 10 rebs. From watching the game, I would have guessed he only had 5-6. Splitter does a good job of neutralizing his opponents with his size, width, and strength but it appears the guy has a 4 inch verticle.
5. He is a good passer and sees the floor well. There were many of his passes that would have been assists if his man would have hit the shot.
6. He needs to finish stronger or take the 12-14ft jumper. He got his shot blocked while throwing up weak trash on a drive instead of either dunking or shooting the short shot.
Considering he only played 30 minutes in a low scoring, grind-it-out game, I think he played very well. Brazil (especially Barbosa) shot way too many 3′s. They should have done a better job pounding it into the post with Tiago, but that’s just my biased opinion. Bottom line: Splitter should be a very nice addition on the defensive end with his lateral movement and quick hands.”
The only other thing I forgot to add was the their first point about Tiago being a beast in a P&R system. He already has a masters degree in the P&R, but will soon have a PHD when Pop gets ahold of him.
August 30th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
As far as I’m concerned he dominated Lamar Odom. Tyson Chandler gave him some trouble, mostly attributed to the fact that Chandler is more or less quicker and more athletic that Splitter is.
Splitter has great hands and a great IQ, two things that make for an excellent post player.
August 30th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Way to go Sean B you and the rest of the uninformed humans that somehow figure Tony is selfish because he doesn’t average 10 assist per game need to have a look at the actual facts of the matter first.
Tony and Manu have nearly exactly the same assist ratio nearly exactly the same usage %.
Tonys usage is 25.3% with an assist % of 24.6%
Manus usage is 25.2% with an assist % of 23.4%
So Manus unselfish and great, Tony is a hog and dribbles out possessions…..Yeah…that makes sense….
The spurs run a system to get good looks for shooters, they do not run some raggedy arsed offense that requires one guy to do all the heavy lifting and create for everyone else.
I have never understood this desire to get more assists out of Tony because he needs to be more of a “Pure” pg.
This positional fundamentalism is so bloody outdated.
August 30th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Hobson I like the point you made about him being a good passer.
It wasn’t just in creating FG looks either.
He impressed the hell out of me with deft passes in the fullcourt press situation which lead to breakouts for Brazil.
A couple of times he had really quick almost touch passes to guys filling the outside lanes that broke the US D down immediately.
He is literally like a bigger Fab which is great.
August 30th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Nice write-up on Splitter. I agree with the prognosis for what he’ll bring to the Spurs. I have two adds:
1) I was struck by his poise and patience on the court. Had Barbosa shown the same traits Brazil would have won. His match-up with Odom was a great display of these traits — remember that Odom fouled out — and so I am hopeful this will accelerate his learning curve in the Spurs’ system.
2) Fouls will be a problem this first year. He’ll deserve 30+ minutes / game but I’ll be surprised if he manages to stay in there that long.
I would love to hear what Odom has to tell his Lakers’ teammates about Splitter once the season starts….
August 31st, 2010 at 5:32 am
I liked what I saw from Splitter very much. I believe the young core of Hill, Blair and Splitter (perhaps Anderson) will add a great deal to the Big Three and 4th Banana RJ.
They key will be health, especially Manu. Seriously though, TP is playing for a contract and he said he would play this season “like a revenge”. Pay him and get the hell out of the way.
I know that Chris Broussard’s (ESPN) “The Spurs championship window is closed” article is posted somewhere in that locker room.
Splitter is going to be a player that opponents have to account for on the floor making it easier for the others to do their thing. Go Spurs Go!
August 31st, 2010 at 7:36 am
Off topic a bit but…
Perhaps after a year with the Spurs and seeing future positive development from players like Splitter, Blair, Anderson and Hill…Tony might want to stick around after next year.
But in case he really wants to leave…it might be a good thing to get something now.
Cavaliers may want to blow up roster
http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStories.asp?lc=NBA&c=1&TEAM_ID=&PLAYER_ID=&hd=20100831#STORY_27891
Ferry knows that team inside and out.
Trade scenario:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2dlmdql
Spurs get in Williams a bonefide PG for the next 2 years. (Same length as Duncan’s contract) Though not as quick as Tony…his defense and 3-point shooting are on par and better. Assist ratio’s are almost the same with Tony averaging 1 assist more per game.
Jamison is still a top performer. (Stastically better than McDyess) And with less minutes and style of play would compliment Duncan as well as Splitter.
The Spurs pay 3.5 mill more over 2 years (1.769 per year) than if Parker and Mcdyess were to still be on the team.
Cleveland gets to shed 19 mil. off of payroll next season and at least has an opportunity to get something in return for Parker which it didn’t do with LeBron.
This allows the Spurs to force teams to defend the perimeter more than the past couple of years thus allowing Duncan, Splitter and Blair better options in the post as well as Ginobili, Jefferson, Anderson and Hill to have clearer cuts in the lane.
None the less…it will be interesting to see if Ferry’s return to the Spurs combined with his former relationship with the Cavs will have any impact regarding trading with the Cavs if the Cavs are truly looking to blow up the team.
August 31st, 2010 at 8:04 am
What’s the status on Nando de Colo. He is VERY good. Ot at least he has been so far at the Worlds Championship. He is also big for a PG.
August 31st, 2010 at 8:48 am
[...] in the world of San Antonio Spurs fandom, all foreign big men are compared to that elusive lost holy grail, Luis Scola (man, people sure [...]
August 31st, 2010 at 8:51 am
@marcos4303
Mickael Gelabale has been the stud so far for France. He’s 1st in ppg so far at 17 and 3rd in rpg. Gelabale has been playing better than Batum and Diaw.
Nando has not played well so far.
August 31st, 2010 at 9:27 am
But the Spurs own de Colo draft rights, right?
I was watching today’s game, he doesn’t score, but his ball handling and assists are very good.
August 31st, 2010 at 10:43 am
My only concern with Splitter is his shot. His stamina and strength will certainly improve. But Chip Engelland needs to hone his shot so that he is not throwing up those flippers around the basket. He can certainly learn to release that shot up higher and with greater arc as a true hook shot, one that is not easily blocked.
His footwork, though, is great, and so is his hustle. This is why he gets rebounds, despite not having the ability to jump out of the gym. And this is why he gets good looks at the basket on offense.
Yes, the US team is relatively small, without a true center. But on the other hand, Splitter was the only big suited up for Brasil yesterday, so that argument is somewhat moot. The Spurs will face teams with great bigs, but Splitter will play them as part of a tandem.
Splitter reminds me a lot of Oberto. But I think he has a higher ceiling. Oberto got nearly all of his points on put-backs and backdoor cuts. Splitter will give us more than that on offense: he can create his own shot, and, as many have said, can pick and roll effectively. On defense, he will not be outsized the way Oberto was.
He is also, I think, tough. He’s physical, he bangs, he competes. I think our front court of Duncan, Splitter, McDyess, Blair is solid.
Now, can we please get some depth at small forward?
August 31st, 2010 at 11:45 am
@quincyscott
“Now, can we please get some depth at small forward?”
Are there any talented SFs anywhere that would deserve an offer from the Spurs?
August 31st, 2010 at 11:55 am
ITGuy:
Dunno. That’s just the part of our roster that makes me nervous. I like Jefferson, but he can’t play forty-eight minutes.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:50 pm
rob
August 31st, 2010 at 7:36 am
Your trade suggestion is reasonable, but I just don’t see the Cav’s wanting to do that deal until the trade deadline (i.e., if a deal is done primarily for cap relief, as in this case, teams generally prefer to do it with just 2 months left in the season as opposed to over a whole season), and if the Spurs were going to do it they would prefer to do it now (so they have enough time to acclimate). Also, I’m not real high on the deal itself because it doesn’t make us better defensively, or make us appreciably younger. In addition, Jamison is a bit overpaid at this point in his career (it would put us into the luxury tax), and I have my doubts about whether Williams can deliver in big games as the leading PG.
August 31st, 2010 at 6:32 pm
I was just able to catch the USA/Brazil game replayed on NBA TV. I just have a few brief comments to add or give emphasis to what has already been said on this thread about Splitter.
Pro’s:
- fundamentally very sound w/high BB IQ
- very polished as a pick & roll guy - good fit
- stronger upper body than I remember last
- it’s quite obvious that he’s a very good passer
- good ball-handler with his back to the basket
- solid position defender with good instincts
Concerns:
- lateral quickness at both ends is on the slow side
- very poor vertical jumping ability
- did not see evidence of a confident face-up game away from the basket (Brazil did not call/look for that option with Splitter)
Issues in this game, but for the most part correctable:
- made too many unnecessary fouls
- committed too many turnovers
- missed some shots because he’s not used to NBA speed/athleticism
Overall impression: He’ll help the team. A very good fit in the Spurs system, although I need to see him knock down 15 foot open jumper. Great fundamentals in rebounding, which he really needs because of his lack of vertical. Solid position defender, but I’m a bit concerned with his ability to defend the pick & roll off the low block against the more athletic bigs. He won’t be a great shot-blocker, but I loved his instincts when he went up to protect the rim against the slashing Barbosa.
I’m glad we got him, but I still think we’d be even better if we also added a young big that compliments Splitter & the rest of our front-line, by being quicker & a better leaper/shot-blocker. Gee, I guess you’re wondering who I have in mind!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq-zUwozpOc
August 31st, 2010 at 6:47 pm
rob
August 31st, 2010 at 7:36 am
Actually, I’ll modify my comment a bit. The Cavs might do that deal now, but I doubt the Spurs would, for the reasons I gave above.
August 31st, 2010 at 10:04 pm
A lot of people have mentioned his poor vertical jump.
Timmy couldn’t jump over his own feet, but being 7 foot with a good wingspan and having a good strong sense of positioning on D will lower opponents FG% without the blocked shots.
I feel blocks is a very very poor defensive rating, sometimes obviously it points to intimidating defensive anchors. Other times it just gives a false sense.
Josh Smith for instance is one of those guys that gets through a lot of highlight style blocks, but rarely tips the ball to his team mates or himself. His blocks generally result in another possession for the opposition.
Someone like Splitter to me is the guy who has a strong physicality about him that will actually translate into positives for the team D.
I mean you can channel to Splitters help, where as a lot of the athletic guys are big time weak side shot block artists.
The one thing that I do really worry about is the foul issue.
Ian showed how pointless it is having gifts if you can’t stay on the court. He seems smart enough to figure it out though.
September 1st, 2010 at 7:23 am
Jim Henderson
Nice video man, refreshed in my mind what kind of player Lou is. We need that kind of defense, even if he is limited on the offensive end
September 1st, 2010 at 9:33 am
All the negatives people have pointed out above seem to be ones that are correctable.
In regards to the fouls, there will definitely be a learning curve. But based on his BBIQ, I see him being able to adjust accordingly, unlike a guy like Ian. And working with TD, who is the master at not fouling, should really help as well.
And I second the notion that while not a great, athletic shotblocker, Tiago can be a very good positional defender for the Spurs. Last year I thought we really lacked a big body that we could funnel perimeter players to. He should provide that extra rim defender we can insert when TD isn’t on the court. And again, having a high BBIQ is huge in this regard.
All in all, Tiago’s performance bodes well for next season. More than anything though, I expect Pop to let Tiago play through his mistakes early on. Like every season, the focus is on the playoffs for this team. Letting Tiago accelerate his learning curve early should help him get fully acclimated come playoff time when it matters.
September 1st, 2010 at 10:37 am
Bushka
August 31st, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Fair points. Splitter will help us even with his athletic limitations. I don’t contest that. I do believe we still need an additional role-playing big (preferably you know who, though admittedly the chances look bleak at this point) that compliments the weaknesses of our front line (speed/quickness, shot-blocking). Sure, shot-blocking in and of itself can be just flashy or indicate other weaknesses, but that’s not the type of shot-blocking I have in mind. Indeed, if I had to start my team with a front line player that was a very good defender in the low post, but a relatively weal shot-blocker, or a relatively weak defender in the low post and a very good shot-blocker, I would take the former. But that’s not the situation we’re in right now. We have four solid bigs that bring different things to the table. We’ve got about everything covered except a guy or two with speed and shot-blocking (TD is still a decent shot-blocker, but has declined). I think it would help us to fill that gap on the defensive end. I’m not worried about us offensively. I think Blair will take a big step forward in that regard, if given the confidence & the appropriate minutes from the coaching staff. It’s defensively that we still have to get back closer to the Spur basketball that has made us great in the past.
September 1st, 2010 at 10:45 am
Here’s a guy that has had a ton of problems in his young & disjointed career. Hey, at least he brings some athleticism!
http://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/22650814316
September 1st, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Well, unfortunately for Darius, the microfracture surgery robbed him of his athleticism. And without a reliable jumper, he’s a fringe NBA player. Too bad really, because from what I’ve read, he’s really matured from his Jailblazer days.
September 1st, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Darius Miles is exactly the type of player that Pop and RC would give a shot to.
Let’s hope he’s more 1998-9 Jaren Jackson rather than 2007-8 Damon Stoudamire.
September 1st, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Just an update, Brazil lost it’s latest game against Slovenia with Splitter scoring 19 points. http://projectspurs.com/2010-articles/september/splitter-scores-big-in-losing-effort.html
Also, it would be nice to hear your take on this…
http://projectspurs.com/2010-articles/september/did-the-spurs-bench-get-better-hh.html
Thanks Guys!
September 1st, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Splitter won’t be the next Robinson, but I expect him to be enough of a presence in the paint and good enough at altering shots that the wing players (i.e. Richard Jefferson) start playing much more aggressive defense on the wings.
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:18 am
Agree with jaceman, more size and pressure in the paint equals less pressure on our perimeter. I am likening splitter’s impact to a hybrid player composing a little oberto, a little kirilenko, a little verajao and a little nene - and likely that is the equivalent level impact that he will impart individually. In a team aspect however, I see his contributions as somewhat a multiplied effect with the small intangiable and tangiable improvements across the board. I agree with Jim that we could really use another big that intimidates, that would really help the depth. Maybe Tony will be the sleeping giant this year though….
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:36 am
Tyler
September 1st, 2010 at 5:25 pm
“Well, unfortunately for Darius, the microfracture surgery robbed him of his athleticism.”
Well, he’s certainly not where he was several years ago, but I’m not sure he doesn’t have something left athletically. I’m not concerned with whether he’s more limited offensively now. I’d be more interested in what he might be able to offer us on the defensive end, with his length, if he still has some lateral quickness left. I don’t know if he has enough left because I didn’t have the opportunity to see him play this past year. Did you?
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:52 am
Jim -
I saw him play a couple times with Memphis and he looked ok. The one thing I would say is that off the court, he has certainly matured since Portland. He doesn’t scare me in that regard. But on the court, he still tries to be the playmaker, alpha-dog he once was. But without his athleticism, he’s not the same. In essence, his mind wants to do one thing, but his body won’t let him.
Would he fit with SA? If he was willing to take a backseat as a situational role player and buy in on the defensive end, I’d give him a shot. But judging from what I saw, I don’t know if he can change from the type of player he once was (and thinks he still is). And without a perimeter jump shot, I can’t see him breaking into the rotation.
One disclaimer though - he might be able to match up with some of the stretch 4′s. At 6’9″ 240, there’s a reasonable chance he can stay with the mobile, perimeter PF’s. But again, what do you do with him offensively? Doesn’t look like a great fit with SA.
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:57 am
well for me i was really happy to see Splitter and Ian playing so i know what kind of player spurs got and lost…
For Tiago, you guys and Jesse said it all.. in general he’s a good add, high BB IQ, even i expect him to struggle when facing NBA centers at the beginning but with playing time and training it’ll be fine.. i expect him to be better than Oberto.. i just wish he stops his weird shot when he’s in front of the basket…
As for Ian, well i was not that impressed by him. even i’m lebanese and he teared us apart (along with Gelabale) but i was expecting this due to the size of our players (biggest guy is 2.08m)..
Anw, i think adding Tiago to the team is a big plus and as we saw he’s a very good passer and his P&R is good , he can form a great duo with Manu or a 3pt shooter the spurs have or may have..
September 2nd, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Tyler
September 2nd, 2010 at 6:52 am
“Would he fit with SA? If he was willing to take a backseat as a situational role player and buy in on the defensive end, I’d give him a shot. But judging from what I saw, I don’t know if he can change from the type of player he once was (and thinks he still is).”
Sure, that is a valid question, and I’m sure Pop and the FO would have to feel comfortable that he’d be willing to accept a back-up role. I’m assuming that based on the fact that he hasn’t done much for a few years now since his injury that he would recognize that he’ll have to earn his minutes at this point, particularly if he wants to play on a good team. I’m thinking talent-wise that he could help back-up RJ and fill in at the four in certain situations and match-ups if he’s up for taking his defense seriously. And from an offensive standpoint, he’s actually a fairly versatile player (pretty good handle, passer, and slasher), but just a mediocre shooter with limited range. Yet that could work for us, particular if he can do a good job guarding the bigger/better SF’s, and maybe cause some mismatch problems at the four spot with a mobility advantage. It’s feasible that he could earn 15-20 mpg. on this team, IF he’s still got “enough” of his athleticism to help in some of the areas just mentioned.
September 3rd, 2010 at 4:07 am
Regarding Darius Miles
http://www.rufusonfire.com/2010/7/1/1546863/an-optimistic-view-of-darius-miles
Dunno…in the quest for a servicable back up to Jefferson….Miles certainly could play a role being that the team has no viable back up at the SF.
If it came down to it…if nobody else could fill that void…Miles seems like an ok solution.
He could be a great fit if all the past concerns (health and mentality) could be overcome. I would think that if anybody could still get the best out of his once promising career it would be Pop.
September 3rd, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Video: Theophilus London – Interview for Back2Black Festival 2010 ……
We’ve linked to you on BlogInterviewer.com . Could you put a link back to us?…
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