Other People: LJ Ellis, Beacon of Hope

by

LJ Ellis is one of the most insightful Spurs commentators around. Many of you may remember that 48 Minutes featured an interview with LJ and his wife, Kori, a few weeks back. This morning LJ framed an argument as to how the Spurs could return to the promised land-this season! Here’s the part that made my tail wag with unusual fervor:

The first order of business is to assess the health of the foundation. Tim Duncan is unquestionably slowed at the moment. At times, the pain in Duncan’s knees is rivaled only by the pain of Spurs fans watching him struggle with movements that were previously effortless. While Duncan’s sore knees are much cause for concern, we must not forget whom we are dealing with. This is Tim Duncan, ladies and gentlemen. A man who has elevated his game like clockwork once the bright lights of the postseason begin to shine.

Since the All-Star break, Duncan’s statistics illustrate his health problems. In 22 contests, he’s averaging 16.4 points and 10.6 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game. Although far from encouraging numbers, this isn’t Duncan’s maiden journey into injury-related struggles following the All-Star break.

Exhibit A is Duncan’s 2005-06 campaign. Following the All-Star break, his numbers were 33.1 minutes, 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Exhibit B is Duncan’s 2004-05 season. That year, he averaged 28.3 minutes, 17.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game following the All-Star break. In 2005-06, he was hampered by a severe case of plantar fasciitis, while 2004-05 saw him slow due to multiple ankle injuries.

What else do those two years have in common? The answer: a dominant Duncan in the playoffs. In 2006 postseason, he averaged 32.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game in the series against the Dallas Mavericks. In 2005, as Spurs fans are well aware, the Spurs were able to win the championship with Duncan averaging 23.6 points and 12.4 rebounds in the postseason.

The message these stats should deliver is one of hope. Yes, Duncan isn’t anywhere near healthy at the moment. Yes, time appears to be running out for Duncan to resurge. However, he has fought his way out of similar injury-laden holes only to re-emerge as his predictably extraordinary self once the bell tolls on the real season.

Thanks, LJ. We all needed that.

The truth is that the circumstances of the last week might tempt some fans (none here, I’m sure) to give up on the season. But these are precisely the moments when we should care the most. When circumstance pushes you into a tough corner, it’s a mistake to drop your hands. No, that is when you need to rise to the dignity of a good fight. That’s when you start punching.

  • SpurredOn

    Many thanks to LJ. I read the full post and it has me feeling much better. Honestly, I’m in a playoff frame of mind and want these last four games over and done (though yes, I want to win all four and let the seeding chips fall where they may). Felt the same way this time last year. There are so many matchup possibilities since we don’t know where we or anyone not named Lakers will be seeded and most “experts” only see doom for the Spurs, also the same as last year. I just want to get it started, finally see what Pop has been planning and what our team can do after a few days off with their complete focus on one opponent and one goal.

    The speculation, particularly negative, is driving me crazy. Thus why the piece by LJ was so refreshing. All teams have question marks and areas that can be exploited. At the end of the day, as Pop himself might say, it’s about who makes their shots and does a better job of making the other guy take tougher shots. Our guys are more than capable and I can’t wait to see them accept the challenge and play Spurs basketball. Tonight would be as great a time as any.