Corporate Knowledge: February 13, 2012
Since the beginning of the Gregg Popovich era, the San Antonio Spurs have valued experience and system above all else. They refer to this as “Corporate Knowledge.” At 48 Minutes of Hell we too value experience, information, and insight on all things Spurs and look forward to providing you with links and quick-hitting analysis for your daily dose of Corporate Knowledge.
- Manu Ginobili is back!
- Danny Green has been a revelation in Manu Ginobili’s absence. His development into a legitimate rotation player capable of contributing beyond making shots has helped keep the Spurs afloat, and makes the offseason trade of George Hill for Kawhi Leonard look even better—with Green even dabbling a little as a point guard here and there.Now the Ginobili is back, the next step is producing similar results in fewer opportunities. This is no easy task. Of course, Green has proven mentally strong enough for everything the Spurs have thrown at him so far, including being cut. Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News digs a little into Danny Green’s past and tells how his upbringing on New York’s blacktops have steeled Green for whatever he may encounter on the basketball court.
- Fred Silva of Pounding the Rock gives a moment-by-moment account of Manu Ginobili’s return against the New Jersey Nets. Among the important things to note:
Spurs 15, Nets 9; 1st 4:10
Shawne Williams drives down the lane and Manu reaches in. Manu gets a piece of the ball and it ricochets off Williams. The officials miss it and award the ball to the Nets. This is insignificant. Manu just reached. This is essentially the same play that happened 22 games ago. Five games into the season he reached and broke his hand. His first game back he reaches without hesitation. He wants to win. He want the steal. He wants to defend. He lives for basketball. Many players would have played cautiously tonight, if they were in his shoes. But Manu is different and that’s why we love him. He plays to win, always. It’s great to have him back.
And
Spurs 45, Nets 34; 2nd 3;02
Manu recieves the pass from Tim and initiates the fast-break. He drops a no-look dime to DeJuan who connects for the and one. Sean Elliott makes the comment, “You think DeJuan Blair is happy about having Manu Ginobili back?” He’s not the only one, Sean. Manu +7
- Regarding DeJuan Blair, I remember a conversation with Richard Jefferson last season in which he talked about how a player was able to play much more consistently when he knew exactly where his points and opportunities were coming from every night. For Jefferson, he was a more productive all around player alongside Jason Kidd, knowing where his opportunities were coming from every night. Blair has a similar chemistry with Manu Ginobili. At this point there is no question that Tiago Splitter has moved ahead of Blair in terms of importance to the team. But so much of this condensed season still remains and the Spurs will need Blair to be a consistent contributor.
- The Spurs unveiled their retro Chapparals jerseys Saturday night. I must admit, seeing them in action, I liked them better than I thought I would. However, they also somehow made Matt Bonner look even whiter and more red-headed as I watched from my TV. Which I did not think was possible.
- Even Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is caught up in the Linsanity, according to the Express-News’ Mike Monroe.
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