Spurs vs. Blazers – Notes from shootaround
By now you’ve probably heard that in addition to Tim Duncan (sprained ankle) and Manu Ginobili (left quad contusion) not playing, Coach Pop has also decided to hold out Antonio McDyess (lower back contusion) and Tony Parker (left patella contusion).
Although Coach Pop also said that if it was a playoff game, Antonio McDyess would go. Tonight’s starters will be George Hill, James Anderson, Richard Jefferson, Matt Bonner and Tiago Splitter.
Coach Pop actually took votes from the media as to who should start at the 2 guard. Spurs.com’s Ben Hunt and I both voted for James Anderson. Everybody else voted for Gary Neal. When Pop finished up his press conference, he said Anderson would start. Dap was exchanged between Ben and I.
Other than that, here are some other notes from pre-game shootaround:
- DeJuan Blair’s 15-foot baseline jumper looks like it’s coming along nicely. He’s got a good rhythm in is shot and made a fair amount of them.
- Blair also spent some time in the post working on a face-up bankshot similar to the one Tim Duncan is so famous for. It needs a little more work before Blair will probably be comfortable enough to use it, but it’s a good sign for next season.
- A lot of Tiago Splitter’s pre-game work is focused on finishing. The bulk of his drills involve rebounding the ball and going up strong with it, receiving a pass on the baseline and “closing the gate” for a layup and other drills of the same ilk.
- Spurs pre-game workouts are exhausting to watch, I can only imagine participating in them. Most teams simply go through the motions and get shots up. The Spurs had Tiago Splitter and three assistant coaches playing every man for himself on offensive rebounds. Chad Forcier would put up a shot and the four down by the basket would fight for the rebound. Whoever got it had to then score on three defenders. Needless to say, Splitter works up a good sweat before the game.
- There are a lot of shots made before the game. It’s amazing how consistent NBA players can hit shots when the pressure and fatigue of a professional game isn’t a factor. I know it sounds obvious, but when you really pay attention, it’s hard not to be impressed.
- Manu Ginobili may be out tonight, but apparently he’s feeling pretty good. Manu moved well into the team’s locker room before the game, telling the gathered media, “Much better,” when asked how he felt.
- It was announced earlier on Monday that new signing Da’Sean Butler was assigned to the Austin Toros.
