The Rest and Recovery Schedule

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Gregg Popovich recently commented on his plan to manage Tim Duncan’s minutes by giving the forward-center one of the two nights of a back-to-back off. Pop said: “That’s just part of rest and recovery. We’re going to make him sit out more back-to-backs than we ever have before, and see if it pays dividends come playoff time.”

But how will Popovich determine which game of the back-to-back to rest Duncan?

Popovich could decide based on matchups, but the other option is to give Duncan rest in accord with whichever game provides him the longest layoff. For example, the Spurs could rest Duncan tonight (first game of a back-to-back against Charlotte and Memphis) to sneak in another day of rest between the Lakers and Grizzlies. It’s only a day, but an additional 24 hours of healing is huge for Duncan’s legs.

No worries about replacements. DeJuan Bliar has shown a little flash here and there of being up to the increased workload. Bench warmers Marcus Haislip and Ian Mahinmi would benefit from the opportunity to get on the court. With Michael Finley and Matt Bonner waiting in the wings, those opportunities are dwindling.

So, I suppose, I’m lobbying for another Duncan-less evening tonight.

  • DieHardSpur

    See if it pays dividends??? when it comes to post season, have a look at Kobe’s health and Timmy’s health. I would give up home court advantage to have Duncan/ Kobe healthy. That is the difference in Pop’s ego and Phil’s ego… Phil’s is in the way!

  • Bryan

    I’m with you, DieHardSpur. I was surprised that Kobe played against the Mavs the night after he looked so shaky (and eventually leaving) in the 2nd half against the Spurs. Sure, he hit the game winner. But, really, what does that end up buying if he is still ailing come May and June?

  • Austin

    I completely agree that Kobe should not have played. I never like to see anyone get hurt in sports, but it would serve as a stern lesson to the lakers if he were to get hurt. Plus, I do agree that Phil has a huge ego, but Kobe will play no matter what. That’s the difference between Duncan and Kobe, Duncan respects Pop and his decisions, even if he doesnt agree with them.

  • Ivander

    Playing Kobe after not being able to finish the game against SA was a really stupid idea. But Phil Jackson doesn’t seem to care about warning signals. I have no problem with that. If Kobe misses important games later in the season/playoffs, it can only be an advantage for the Spurs. Duncan respects the decisions even if he’d like to play, but he knows very well that it will pay off. Plus I’d like to see Ian getting some more playing time, even if I doubt it. DeJuan as we saw did a pretty good job replcing Timmy, but I don’t think he’ll put up those numbers again so quickly.
    Looking forward to the game against Charlotte.
    Maybe RJ will play PF tonight!? Pop seems to redefine small ball, we should call it smallER ball soon.

  • Jimbo

    I agree, let’s rest him tonight. We definitely need him more against Memphis with its legit bigs in Gasol and Randolph than tonight where Nazr is the big man for the Bobcats.

  • Jon

    I’m desperately hoping Pop doesn’t rest Timmy tonight. I’m going to my first TD game since I was a kid and he was at Wake Forest, taking my dad and granddad. Here’s to resting in Memphis!

  • http://www.twitter.com/jjtyler jt

    I was happy to see Kobe playing the next night. Play that trucker till the wheels come off. Grind him into the ground, Phil–let’s get to the next chapter.

  • adam

    I agree that Kobe was obviously not physically fit to play, but, I must say I think it has less to do with Phil’s ego and more to do with Kobe’s competitive spirit. He cannot stand to see his team out on floor, he serves a dual role as player-coach in a sense and brings more in playing than just his numbers.

  • junierizzle

    Kobe is 3 years younger too.

  • Drom John

    So, how do you all feel about the Colts and rest?

    I want healthier players over practiced players. So, I’m all on board with sitting Tim and Ratliff (and Tony).

  • SpurredOn

    Ideally the presence of TD is more important vs the size of Memphis. Plus, the Grizz are a division opponent. Let’s remember that the Spurs lost the #2 seed and division title to the Hornets in ’08 because their division record was equal, thus NO won on better conference record. The Memphis game has more long-term meaning. If Pop is guranteed to rest Duncan for one of these games, rest him tonight. Or, he could structure it so that TD plays 28 minutes or less, then 30+ against Memphis.

  • Rye

    I’m all for resting Duncan as much as possible in a stretch like this current one that sees the Spurs play 5 games in 6 and 1/2 days in 4 cities, but what about Parker? With his plantar faciitis, the Spurs ought to give him the odd game off as well, despite the team being considerably less deep at the point than they are up front.

  • Hicksy

    Couldn’t we use these games to get both Ian/Marcus some extra burn (I’m with Ivander)
    show the SPURS FO what they might be able to
    give us against a team with some size? Also could we not alternate sitting Tony/Timmy then we could also get George some starters type minutes as well??

    just a thought…..any ideas??