Tuesday, December 8th, 2009...7:56 am
Tim Duncan is Still Looking for Help
Back on November 30, I wrote the following:
So far as winning streaks go, the current run is nothing to brag about. The Spurs have played 4 of 5 at home, beating Washington, Milwaukee, Golden State, Houston and Philadelphia. Prior to those five victories, San Antonio lost three in a row, and against playoff caliber competition. One could argue that that streak was more telling, that losses to Oklahoma, Dallas and Utah were more indicative of where the Spurs currently stand in Western conference pecking order.
The Spurs just capped another three game losing streak, and, again, losing all three games against playoff caliber competition. Peter Holt broke the Spurs’ bank this summer, and the early returns are mired in mediocrity. By my count, the Spurs have turned the ball over an astoundingly sloppy 53 times in three games. They’re the basketball equivalent of living paycheck to paycheck, with big bills on the horizon.
There is a deep irony in their daily living, one that is too delicious to ignore.
When the Spurs inaugurated their summer of spending, a popular justification was the need to provide Tim Duncan with more help. His window-which is the Spurs’ window- of opportunity to win another championship was closing. The team needed fresh horses.
But through 18 games, those horses have come up lame. Rather than getting a lift from the supporting cast, Tim Duncan is playing with MVP-efficiency and barely keeping the Spurs at a half-respectable .500. If the Spurs recover from their start of sputter and stall, Tim Duncan ought to be placed at the center of the MVP conversation. He’s threatening a career season, at least in terms of efficiency. And it’s all lost on a 9-9 start.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that no one else is playing well. Matt Bonner is a having a career year; DeJuan Blair is occasionally sensational. Tony Parker is not dominating, but playing competent basketball. I get all that, and I could further qualify. It’s just that the supporting cast taken as a whole is providing more drag than momentum-gathering boost. Tim Duncan is all dragster, and the team is mostly parachute.
It’s a difficult thing to put one’s finger on. Why are the Spurs playing such uninspiring basketball?
In Kobe Doin’ Work, there is a scene where Bryant talks about the Spurs’ sometimes unstoppable predictability. Everyone knows what they’re going to do, he says. But San Antonio’s textbook predictability is of little detriment because, well, they execute so well.
A player is at the height of his offensive powers when he can get any shot he wants, at any moment. And he’s even higher when he has the gall to tell his opponent what he’s going to shoot, before casually dribbling to his spot and sticking the shot. This is Larry Bird. This is Michael Jordan. This was the San Antonio Spurs.
Tim Duncan is the lone Spur calling his shots. And he continues to call glass.
68 Comments
December 8th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Turnovers are the bane of the season so far. If that one statistic could be cut in half they would have 5-6 more wins.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:31 am
I must say that with all the talk about Duncan falling off, I was disappointed that this would be the first year I could afford NBA League pass. Now I get to watch him but my Spurs are struggling.
We have time to right the ship, but we need to do better. Also, in the three game losing streak, we’ve had only one quarter where we lose. Unfortunately we lose BIG.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:49 am
At what point are we justified in being really frustrated with Richard Jefferson? The team is paying him a whole lot of money, and I’m pretty sure Jacques Vaughn would be more productive at this point.
I know its a new team, new sets, etc, but a) he’s a smart, experienced player, and b) how complicated is it to be aggressive and attack the rim?
It is frustrating when our “big acquisition” has contributed so little this far.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Richard Jefferson had 7 pts, 3/6 fg, 0/2 ft and 4 rb in 35 min. He is making $14.2m this season. I think he is over paid. His starts are like Bruce Bowen’s at age 36 and for $10m less. We are 18 games into the season, about 22% done with the season and I’m starting to get worried about his contributions.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:00 am
I believe that everyone is upset with Jefferson thus far. he has shown what he can do, but not brought in day in adn day out. Timmeh, on the other hand is playing perfect. You cant ask more. I agree with Tom, in that our turnovers are the reason for ‘most’ of our losses. I am tired of hearing it as well, but this is simply because our guys need less rotations; ie. more time on the floor together. I am really surprised with George Hill’s lack of contribution these last three games. Look at our 5 game win streak… George was playing beautifully. McDyess has also falled off the horse after a few good games. We have to get him going for us to be a contender this year. Manu needs to man-up. he has had time to get back into shape… he doubts himself too much.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:05 am
I don’t understand what I saw in the last play of the game last night. We give it to Bonner so he can attack the rim and create something? Bonner? I don’t care if he had the hot hand earlier or that the idea was that he’d taken an open shot, not a forced whatever-the-hell-that-was. Duncan or Parker should have taken that last shot. I’m mad at you, Pops.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Ryan, in the post game interview with Pop, he stated that the play was not intended for Bonner, however, Jefferson couldnt get it to Parker or Duncan…
December 8th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Just seems like nobody on this team, other than Duncan or Parker, know what their role is. Is RJ just a “defensive stopper” or is he supposed to score a lot too? Is Manu supposed to lead the 2nd team or are we going to let Hill run it? Is McDyess starting or coming off the bench? What is our crunch time lineup? What is our best lineup? Seems to me like all of those questions keep changing from game to game and you can’t have that. The reason the Spurs have been so good and consistent is because everyone had a defined role and we could out execute anyone. I know this confusion comes from adding new players, but Pop has to start making things work. It’s a long season, but we can’t keep floating around .500 and playing this poorly.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Sanantonio spurs if you say that name everybody remember that the best closing games team in nba history, best last minute excution team, best nba coach in closing games….but now its not???? why??? its easy to say they are not quite confident team now. i totally disspointed the last 3 games they played? they are in a position to win all the 3 games but they lost. who is responisible? coach or players ? i would say its neither but a team effort. i would say don’t expect more than this from RJ. he is not a capable of doing more than this in this team.you know why ,he is a 20ppg player in other teams where he took 20 or 25 shots but here he can’t do in this team so don’t expect any thing from RJ? he is what he is in this team. the only improvement you can expect from Manu and mason and hope we will be in champion ship contenders in coming games??????????
December 8th, 2009 at 10:25 am
does anyone know why Ratliff isn’t playing? The Jazz had their way in the paint last game. And we have no shot blocker. I’m no coach but I’m definitely confused as to how this team is being coached. I’m not worried about making the playoffs, but I’m worried that when we make the playoffs we will be on the road as this season can tell so far… we can’t win on the road… then again we are not doing so great at home either. If we don’t win at least 8 games in the rest of December, I suggest lets go for the Draft pick…
December 8th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I think its time to consider a trade.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Until they’re legitimately threatened with missing the playoffs, I don’t see them making any major trades. Pop doesn’t care about seeding or homecourt advantage, and it’s way too early to tell how we really match up with the elite teams. Those games were lost on mental errors, not a lack of firepower. As far as finding a solid defensive center that matches up well against the likes of Gasol or Bynum, or KG? Or a perimeter defender that can stop Kobe and Melo? Good luck.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:10 am
its too early to trades??but rj can’t fit in this team thats sure??
December 8th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Tim is more efficient on offense because teams no longer double him. That’s also why our 3 point shooting has lagged and partially why guard turnovers are way up. Good defensive teams have learned you can beat the Spurs by pressing the action on the perimeter. Tim might go 8-15 or even 10-12, but you get it back in turnovers and missed 3 pointers.
Only Tony can really attack pressure right now. A healthy and confident Manu will improve matters but Jefferson has been a bust in this regard. Hill, Mason, Finley and (especially) Bogans lack the tools to consistently beat their men. Hill’s improvement in this area offers some hope.
Some teams attack perimeter pressure with backdoor lobs, but as we know Pop frowns on showy displays of athleticism.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:25 am
If the Spurs keep this up, it will be another 1st round exit from the playoffs. They’ll come in at a #7-8 seed and face either Lakers or Nuggets. Both teams will rip the Spurs apart.
Not a Lakers fan, but those guys are scary good. They have no weakness to attack.
Only team that has a shot at beating them is a healthy Celtic squad.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:26 am
That last line gave me goosebumps. Excellent.
Why is everyone questioning everything? Does no one realize that our MO is to putz and putter until the Rodeo Road Trip, then go on a tear? Does no one remember this? Factor in the age of our cornerstones and the influx of new players, how can anyone even pretend to be surprised at our record?
I’ve been in several situations as a player where our coach had 65 plays and incoming players struggled for at least half the season. It’s just the way it goes. If we suck up the RRT, then we need to start wondering about trades, not before then.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:32 am
whom you blame for the loss in Utah.
Pop for not putting T. Ratliff to defend in the paint
Manu and hill for missing open corner threes
TP for missing 12 feet open jumper
Timmy for giving ball to Boner in final possesion
Boner for missing game winning shot
??? i don’t know but spurs are not the looking like the spurs
December 8th, 2009 at 11:41 am
It’s getting harder every day to accept that the team needs much more time to find the right place for everyone to fit. Even if we make the playoffs I don’t believe that we have a chance if we can’t clinch spot 4 or higher. I’m really getting worried because the Spurs can’t win games against playoff contenders. It’s annoying to see TD having such an amazing season and the team can’t take advantage of it. I’m amazed by his accuracy every game, he hits a lot of tough shots he just couldn’t hit last season. Unfortunately Duncan and Bonner so far are the only guys on the team who are really delivering above-average performances. RJ is clearly having lots of trouble finding his spot in this team and I’m beginning to have some doubts about his acquisition. I really don’t see the Spurs as a title contender right now, they have too much problems that have to be solved until the end of the season. The last few games were really really frustrating, considering all the turnoevers in the last few games. I have NEVER seen them play such a sloppy kind of basketball in the last 10+ years. I’m getting a little nervous I must admit….But there is too much potential and experience in this team to continue like this..I have faith in Pop!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Honestly, I still think they’ll be fine. They just need more time. Never judge a Spurs team this early.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:47 am
If my memory serves, Spurs always was a slow-starting team. Yeah it’s the worst starting season I’ve ever seen, but like ThatBigGuy said, the real concerns should come up only if the Spurs screw up the Rodeo Trip and still struggle to compete after the trip. The game against the Lakers in Jan will give this team another opportunity for a “litmus test”… it’s not too late to panic after that game I would think.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:47 am
RJ is not the one. We need Bruce bowen BACK! Mason ain’t producing like he is known for. Manu lost his talent because of the bat. The shots made him weak. McDyess ain’t producing either. Ratliff should be in that game. Blair was off last night. NO consistency in the team. Tim played well. DO something TEAM; Make your FTs, REBOUND the ball. Be ready all the time. Not all shots go in. Be tough! Take care of the ball. Watch your neighbors for steals. BE on guard. Study other teams’ techniques. KNOW the players. Lastly, SPURS team and coaches need to read blogs and comments. Believe me, YOU will all learn from them/us. Prove us you are a championship team in spite of pressure thrown to you. Go SPuRs Go!!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Although I’m frustrated too, I still believe that we just need more time to get things right. We almost always start the season slowly, so when you toss 6 new players in the mix. I read that the last season we started 9-9 was the 03-04 season. This isn’t an inescapable tunnel we’re falling down. With the talent we have, we can only get better in time.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
From what I’ve seen, Bonner seems like the biggest x-factor for us.
I also want to add that, although he’s not been as bad as Manu or RJ, I think we need more from Tony Parker. This is a guy who pretty much single-handedly beat the Blazers for a coupe quarters last year. He can be virtually unstoppable on offense. But his contributions have been middling.
One thing to keep in mind about our record is that our starters are playing fewer minutes than our opponents. This isn’t much consolation, though, since I don’t see that changing throughout the year. Whether we like it or not, we’re very dependent on our supposed depth, much more so than other teams.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Disappointing to spend all that money for nothing. Why doesn’t Ratliff play for defense against playoff caliber teams when he could help?
Vince Carter would have been the better trade than Richard Jefferson because Jefferson can’t dribble penetrate or post up like Vince Carter.
Spurs should’ve resigned Bruce Bowen. He fits in better than Keith Bogans.
What’s sad is with all the offseason acquisitions, the Spurs will probably still get bounced in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Spurs need to trade for a Tyrus Thomas or Randolph of Golden State. Spurs only team in the NBA without a young big to throw an alley-oop to or block a shot.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Forgot to mention we missed out on trading for Stephen Jackson a proven clutch 3 point shooter, he made 3 of them in the 4th qtr of game 6 vs Nets to win a championship. Gladly would’ve given up Mason and Finley for him.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Jefferson is just deferring too much and playing tentative. In Milwaukee he could take as many shots, and hit or miss there would be no chastising. In New Jersey, he had one of the greatest creators and passers ever in Jason Kidd. In San Antonio, since we have Duncan, Parker and Ginobli, Jefferson is a 3/4 option, something he has never been. And yes, Parker is the direct opposite of what Jason Kidd was/is.
I think he is just worried about missing and getting criticized, which he is now being. Remember a couple years ago when Bonner was told by Pop: “Shoot or sit?” I think the same needs to be done to Jefferson, but instead of “shoot” it is “attack.”
Take the game against the Mavs when Duncan and Parker were out. Jefferson had to score and could put up as many shots as he wanted. He shot efficiently and had 29 points in the win.
Jefferson is a different player and person. You can get on Duncan and Parker and that will light a fire in them. I don’t think you can do the same with Jefferson. He seems like the kind of player you talk things out or even keep talking to a minimum. He knows what he needs to do. He just needs to be comfortable doing it.
To make it short, Jefferson can help us if he stops getting in his own way and if us fans stop being so critical on him when he does poorly.
Sorry for the long post. I would like to hear thoughts. Agree/Disagree?
December 8th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
You know with all this talent the Spurs have who is the blame for the poor start? Excuses, excuses. These guys get paid to play basketball. You look at their faces and they are beat before they walk on the court. Maybe the problem isn’t they need to work more together, maybe the problem is they do not have anyone to lead them. The year before Duncan our coach was Bob Hill!!!! He was a great coach and had the team turning. DRob and the entire team got hurt that year and they fired him. In came Pop and In came Duncan added to injured team that regained it health and dominance. Pop had NOTHING to with that. Who couldn’t win with that team. NOW we have more talent and a team that could run up the score to where defense wouldn’t matter. You could 10-11 guys deep. Full court press because we have speed in Parker, Hill, Gino, Blair etc. Whatever excuse people want if it was any other team in the league, any other front office, any other COACH. The coach would be looking for a new job. MAYBE IT IS TIME FOR POP TO DO THE SAME!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
This team is all about the big 3, still. Other contributions are appreciated, like bonner and blair’s recent big games. I still think the problem is Manu and Tony are playing WAY below their standards. RJ has been a bust so far to many fans. However, the way Tony and Manu are playing, they seem like huge under-acheuvers as well.
First, I think people overrated the depth of this team. Deepest team ever? No way. I think the 1990 team was full of more talent.
Until all the leaders of this team lead, no one will follow.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I was at the Utah game last night. We’d played 3 solid quarters and crapped out in the 3rd (although we did finish strong). Manu didn’t seem to have his legs, Parker had a couple transition layups - but didn’t attack as much as I thought he could have, Bonner was incredible (let’s not forget that his last second whatever that was went down and then popped out) he shot well, he hustled for boards and he even had a couple dribble successful dribble-penetrations (excluding of course his traveling, jump with my back to the basket 180 attempt thing) . If the Red Rocket can drive, Jefferson can drive, he’s just feeling things out and in my opinion played decent last night.
To me, Manu needs to at least be respected by opponents again which will require a reliable 3-ball to give him a step and Tony needs to put the pedal to the metal as soon as that ankle feels well enough.
I would like to see Ratliff with a little more burn to see what he provides in a 7-10 minute role each night. Last night he definitely could have helped.
I’m dragging on, but I think Jefferson will continue to grow and we need more out of TP/Manu before we’ll see real success.
December 8th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
My boys will be all right. Yes, it difficult and frustrating to see them struggling as of late, however, I believe that they’ll get it together soon.
I agree with many of the posts here that some of they guys have not been playing up to their best potential. For instance, in my opinion, I don’t think that T. Parker has been performing his best. You have to admit for a rookie Blair’s not doing so bad. G. Hill has been amazing though. This is only his 2nd yr. and in some games he looks as good as Tony or Manu. Unfortunately, he’s not going to be able to play every single game perfect. Timmy is still awesome and so is Bonner. Finley needs more minutes, we could sure use his 3 pointers…..and Mason….OMG….he seems to be on vacation more times than not. I really really liked him last year, so I hope he gets it together and comes back and plays with us.
So all in all, I do think that Pops is just still in the process of structuring this team so that it can go back to showing it’s greatness. Just need a little more time and patience. They’re still only a “select” few of teams that have 4 Championship trophys! Oh and as far as R. Jefferson…..I haven’t been very impressed with his contributions either, but I’m hoping he comes into his own soon! Keeping fingers crossed….xoxoxo
December 8th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
1. We are in no way a title contender right now(that’s why I’m glad it’s an 82-game season)
2.We definitely should be worried when we can’t beat any playoff caliber competition
3. That first offensive unit needs to step up and keep applying pressure, rather than falling off and waiting for our bench to rescue us. Jefferson, be the scorer that you are.
4. We really need to cut down on the turnovers
5. Start Roger Mason in front of Bogans, the guy seems to never make a shot
6. Manu needs to step up and be the Manu we’re accustomed to seeing
December 8th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Spurs are now 3-7 when Dejuan Blair plays less than 15 min.
I’m just sayin’…
December 8th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Teams no longer double Tim, doggy? Sorry, but I’ve seen Tim being doubled and having to find the open shooter many, many times this season.
Anyway, Tim, good post. The Spurs will come around.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
the spurs are only beginning it doesn’t matter just yet there 9-9 now but they will get better thing dont happen in a blink of an eye. this “was the spurs” is an idiotic phrase patience is the virtue
December 8th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Everybody needs to chill the fizzle izzle. The record sucks, but you gotta look past that. Bonner played a great game last night, and he’ll need to have those kind of games on a more regular basis for the Spurs to have a chance (it’s going to be really tough no matter how you cut it). The game against the Celtics, Blair had an amazing game making both KG and Rasheed his b!tch on a handfull of occassions. These are all promising signs of things coming together, and obviously the Big 3 are going to have to bring it all together when the time counts…..right now, we’re just figuring sh!t out, and that’s just the way it’s going to continue to be. Let’s all hope we can continue to take something possitive away from every game, and that we can string it all together as we approach the post season. Right now, I’m not worried about a thing, and it’s great to see guys like Bonner have the game that they did last night. Spurs.
December 8th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Im starting to get a little worried. But thank god its early enought to say its still early.
Im no coach but to me it looks like the players aren’t used to all the changes and substitutions.
Pop has always played with line-ups and he makes more substitutions in one quarter than teams make the whole game.
In the past seasons, players got used to it because it was a lot of the same faces. THis year we have seven new players and its tough to be consistent when one game you start, the next game you come off the bench.
Even MANU, how is he supposed to find a rythm when he makes a three, a spectacular assist, and then pop sits him??????????????????
RJ, we all knew he wasn’t gonna explode for 25 every game. He is averaging 13 points, 13 points that the Spurs could have used last season.
If the SPURS were 12-6, then no one would be saying anything about RJ.
And they should be 12-6, they should have won the last 3 games. It’s not like they were dominated by Celtics, Nuggets or Jazz. The first two games they had too many TO’s and the Jazz had a stupid 3rd quarter.
On somthing totally different…. why can’t the SPURS inbound the freakn basketball????????? ANy other team can inbound the ball and run their play but the Spurs can’t. Last night before their las play, I said, I just hope they get a shot off.
December 8th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
“The last time the Spurs were .500 this late in a season was 2003-04, when they were also 9-9. They dropped one game under-.500 when the Lakers beat them at the AT&T Center.
What followed was a 13-game win streak, the turning point in a 57-win season.”
- Mike Monroe (Express-News)
December 8th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
“Start Roger Mason in front of Bogans, the guy seems to never make a shot” Mason and Bogans are both ice cold lately.
The real problems are obvious:
(1) Parker and Ginobli are not playing elite ball like they once did.
(2) We don’t have an elite center.
(3) Jefferson is a grossly overpaid mediocrity.
December 8th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Sauce, first that is a great point about RJ. I live in Milwaukee and am a big Spurs fan. I saw RJ and he is a better player than we have seen thus far. I understand everyone’s frustration with him and the team as a whole. I’m there and that’s why I’m here talking and reading posts to share in the pain so to speak. I think he needs to just attack and not be worried about stepping on toes. Pop needs to sit him down and encourage him this. We did get him to help the Big 3 and make this a Big 4. I also think the 3 needs to remember that they NOW have another star-type player to refer to.
I think this team is at it’s best if they consider starting Ratliff or McDyess at center and leave it that way. Tim needs help at times and if you all remember the Spurs have won when Tim has another big that can defend well(Sorry Matt B.).
I have also some concern w/ the SG position. Manu will be OK come playoff time(yes, like they are THAT BAD not to make it), but what and who should be starting there right now? I’ve heard rumors of Raja Bell, but he’s recovering from surgery. Yes we passed on Jackson, but while I miss him, he’s not the same guy anymore(all about ME). Bogans is a band aid until we figure out who(Mason, Hairston, Finley or even Hill?). If we make a trade like we always do by the deadline, a SG might be our need or another big(What about Roy Hibbert from Indy?)
I look forward to any responses, thank you. Go Spurs!
December 8th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Hollinger says the Spurs have a 61.7% chance to make the playoffs, and predicts a 44-38 record.
I think that’s low and we will definitely make the playoffs, but I don’t remember ever hearing predictions like that before….
December 8th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Sorry guys, your all being to negative. I have to retire this site until feb. I check back then to see who has abandoned ship.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I am from Puerto Rico, yet a Die Hard Spurs Fan since the year Duncan entered the NBA. I just loved the way the team plays. That being said, every night until today, I kept reminding myself about haw the spurs are a slow start team and how they step it up during the rodeo trip. I sincerely believe that R.J. will find his place here, now I also believe that Pop should encourage RJ to take more shots, it’s better than turnovers. Anyway I also now that manu, when he has suffered any injury, it makes a little harder for him to play like we know he can play. Still I will believe in this team until the season its over, this of course counting with the whole team being healthy. Go Spurs!
December 8th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I believe it’s between the ears right now. A staggering lack of confidence and execution at the end of games is what’s really killing them.
However all three loses were very winnable so I’d like to believe that these opponents are playing solid ball while the Spurs are still getting their bearings. The Spurs have a few higher gears left in them - the Jazz won’t beat a healthy Spurs team in the playoffs.
RJ and Manu need to get their head’s on straight and I’m starting to think that the Spurs need to consider putting their best five on the floor together when the opportunity presents itself:
TD - C
Blair - PF
RJ - SF
Manu - SG
TP - PG
They don’t have to be out there for long stretches but I’d like to see how defenses would try to cover that lineup.
Lastly has there been an Ian Mahinmi sighting lately? Is he finally healthy? When are we finally going to get a good look at this first round pick? Why do I get the feeling that the time has come to let the young ones play a bit and let loose a little?
December 8th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
the sky is falling! rj lost his confidence when he jilted his fiancee! pops has gone insane from the rabies that jumped from manu’s bat-swatting hand!
oh ye of little faith! the season is still young. if we were sporting a losing games by wider margins, i’d be more worried. we don’t need a trade; we still need our players to feel out and get comfortable in their roles (and for goodness’ sake not turn the ball over as much). let’s not hit the panic button just yet. after the rodeo road trip, we’ll know whether we have a contender or not.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Spurs brains have gotten too big. Go back to the basics. Put back Bonner and Mason in the starting line up and apologize to them for demoting them after both had good seasons. Jefferson would be able to adjust better because the team would be more familiar with each other and the turnovers could go down. As soon as Pop puts the team that won him 54 games back together again they will probably be a .500 team. Trying to play everyone at the same time is bull shit. Bring Dyess off the bench since he played that role in Detroit last year. Play Hill less and Ginobili and Mason more. Rotation needs to get cut down to 9 Pops. Also players do not like watching over their shoulders. 3 starters on the bench and people are wondering why the bench is outscoring the starters. More smarter coaching will have to happen and less experimenting.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Bottom Line the Spurs defense needs to improve in a hurry….
December 8th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
The biggest difference with regards to Duncan and double-teaming is that he no longer remains an “immediate double-team” threat.
Teams with a sub-par low-post defender will double once Duncan makes his move, making it more difficult to spot the correct spot on the perimeter to deliver the ball.
Teams that do have a good low-post defender will play him one-on-one, take their lumps, and stay at home on the shooters.
Manu is still getting his rhythm and confidence back, as is Tony, so that leaves people like Bonner, Mason, Hill, Jefferson, etc. to start making plays.
As was mentioned earlier, Jefferson needs to get the Bonner talk (“We’re paying you to do X, so if you’re not going to do it, why should I play you.”). Once he starts asserting himself more (offensively and defensively), I think that things will start to click.
Overall, though, I do think that Pop is pragmatic enough that he will eventually prove to himself what actually works and will start to go with it.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
if there’s a good thing to this whole losing streak is the fact that we have just as many losses as the number 6 seed in the west. Come on down Phoenix!!!, you know you can’t stay up there for too long
After listening to RJ speak, I’m starting to think that he isn’t hesitating, but is probably being told to stay still, seems like Pop has a ball and chain on him.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
The Spurs are falling down as of this moment but what i say is that, we must not give up…especially us fans on them…..
Think about this….
If Spurs give up…could it give them the championship…No, of course…
So what they need to do is get up, try, play smart basketball and eventually it brings them back on track….
As for us fans, we must think that in every movie, the hero always loses at the first but eventually wins in the last…..
December 9th, 2009 at 12:00 am
I’m concerned though more frustrated by the start. But I also stated that this team would hover around .500 before taking off. I still expect that, partly because injuries have made the already difficult cohesion task more difficult, and partly because they’re turning the ball over and shooting horribly on FTs and yet are right there to win these games. End of @ Mavs. Shooting to win twice @ Jazz. Home vs. Boston and OKC. FTs and sloppy offense are killing the team especially late in games, while defensive lapses earlier in games undermine good stretches of offense.
They’ll turn it around. I just hope that giving away these games early won’t cost us late, as there is no guarantee that even when playing better later our health will be good enough to overcome the many road trips that lie ahead.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Duncan is banking it better this year than he has since about 2005. Pity the team isn’t following his lead.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:34 am
Everyone wants to throw RJ off the bus, but…
So far Manu has looked very un-Manu like. There was an article recently in the Express News about his confidence being low. One play that sums it up from (I believe the Denver Game) was the play where he threw the ball and it was deflected by the opponent. Then the very next play he does the same thing and it becomes a turnover.
Injuries have played their part though. Right when Mason was taking off, he got injured and then has struggled to get back into that roll he was on.
Hill is definitely improved, but still has a ways to go. He still can’t make up for Manu’s offense at this point. He’ll be more consistent than Blair, but he’ll still not be there offensively every night.
McDyess is slumping.
Parker, while playing well is turning the ball over a lot. Perhaps, Parking is trying so hard to be a passing PG, that he’s hurting his own game which is actually hurting the Spurs more. He hasn’t had those overly dominating games, like last year.
The big problem is as volatile as the bench can be, they also haven’t gotten a consistent guy from there who can put the ball in the basket (at least until Manu is fully back- hopefully soon).
The big problem in it all is that Manu and Duncan sat during the summer and pre-season a lot. It will benefit Duncan, but team chemistry is definitely suffering as a result.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:58 am
The Spurs need to get rid of RJ. He is an overpaid individual who carved a career because of J. Kidd. He is no way close to Vince Carter or even Steven Jackson. He is killing our chemistry. The Spurs need to stop turning the ball over more than they pass it around and also need to spend time practicing free-throws.
December 9th, 2009 at 5:46 am
You guys are hilarious. The Spurs added more new players than any team in the league to a system that’s more complex than any in the league, two of their three best players have been banged up, and they’re traditionally a very slow starting team. Yet even though they’re sitting at .500, suddenly RJ is worse than a retired Bruce Bowen, Manu is finished, Pop can’t coach, and the Spurs are in deep trouble.
Considering they’ve played only 18 games, that’s what I call good comedy value.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:58 am
I don’t think we all believe the Spurs are in big trouble, I think we are all worried about not being able to win a Championship, I mean, it simply is not good enough for the Spurs to make playoffs and then lose. We will still love them, but we would be disappointed.
We are simply following the hype that the Spurs have been advertising since the beginning of the season… Best off-season ever, etc…
I’m looking at ticket sales and such… After a huge salary dump by the front office we should be winning games to get people excited and invest in the team, but that hasn’t happened yet. Also even though we have 6 new players, we are really playing mostly guys that have been around the league in a while, Bogans, Jefferson, McDyess are veterans and should be able to get accustomed rather quickly. The other new players Blair, Mahimmi and Hairston are barely playing so no more of these new players nonsense.
Why do we keep mentioning this super complex system above all others in the league, I don’t see the Spurs having these super complicated offensive sets, with many screens or isolations and crazy pick and rolls. Maybe our defense can have some different sets, but come on…. these guys have been playing basketball for how many years and are making too much money for that to be an excuse.
We shall see how they look tonight, if the Spurs have improved which I honestly believe they have, we should start beating these losing teams by at least double digits.
GO SPURS GO
December 9th, 2009 at 8:30 am
How can I impress upon all you “glass half empty” folks that learning a brand new system is extremely difficult?
For my junior and senior seasons of college, we got a new coach, who taught us a true hybrid defense, mating aspects of zone D with man-to-man D, and then implemented a total of 65 offensive plays. I was literally the 5th best post, but got 3rd most playing time because 2 All-Conference guys just could not grasp the complexity of the offense or defense for an entire season!
We were a .500 ball club heading into conference play, mainly because the entire team struggled to grasp the coach’s ideas. The only guy who knew everything perfectly was a Polish guy who studied the playbook for 2 hours every night and did walk throughs, by himself, at night in the gym. However, we started to figure things out and tore our conference up on our way to the national tourney.
The point is, I’ve been in this situation multiple times due to transfers and coaching changes. Adjusting is real and it’s not easy. Being a “veteran” guy doesn’t give them a leg up when changing teams. It actually hurts them because they have 10 years of systems to forget in order to play the Spurs’ system properly.
Panic after the Rodeo Road Trip, not 20 games into the season.
December 9th, 2009 at 9:05 am
I’m with you,Greg December 8th, 2009 at 9:55 am. I know this confusion comes from adding new players, but Pop has to start making things work…well pointed. If I’m Pop, I will let Tony & Manu start from the bench to ease their ankies back to 100% or even take some games off. My starting lineup Hill,RJ,Blair,McDyess,Duncan (give us everything you got in the first half) My starting lineup in the second half of the ball game (yes, I call it starting lineup, no more bench-players for SPURS:) Tony,Mason,Manu,Bonner,Theo,and whoever can “protect the ball” and “threaten the needles & finding open-man”…….. OK Pop, is time to make-up your mind, we just cannot get killed every third & fourth quarters…if our team’s older why not play with 2 units so they can give 100% of their efferts and not to worry about running out of stamina:) it’s a new concept but sence NBA’s traveling rules can changed from 2 steps to 3 1/2 steps, so fans can watch K.James fly high…lOl I said we can be the first team to play 2 starting lineups in a game….And to RJ, you better attack the rim and get on the line…or prety soon you will be on the Most Wanted Trade Me Please List =_= Go SPURS Go!!!
December 9th, 2009 at 11:08 am
@ThatBigGuy - well said. Very well said.
It’s not even Christmas folks. Yes, I too am angered that we’ve lost nail biters at home (again) to Boston. And at home (again) to OKC. And home to Denver. Plus in Portland. And are 0-3 against a Jazz team that is noway better than S.A. But it’s early December. Beating these teams after the new year, and more importantly after Tax Day, is what counts. Last season it felt great to win early season games against the Lakers and a blowout win in Denver; then injuries took over and it meant nothing late. I’ll take the reverse this season.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:41 am
It’s not important how they are playing against loosing teams. the important is how they are playing against main winning teams for example they lost 3 games against Jazz. if we face jazz in the playoffs match consider the jazz team confident. they are very much confident you know why they already beat this team 3 times. confident increases their winning percentage their energy level and everybody know the confident is crucial role in NBA. you know thats why suns are not winning in playoffs against the spurs eventhough they are number one in west years ago, because spurs are very confident in beating suns. so confident is very important and i am still very confident that spurs are number one in west. GO SPURS GO…..
December 9th, 2009 at 11:59 am
The supporting cast has definitely struggled. Which is Duncan’s fault. As he is supposed to be making those players better. Well, that was what Spurs fans always said about Kobe from 05-07, at least, when he was playing with Smush, Kwame and Brian Cook, compared to a former Finals MVP, Richard Jefferson, etc. Oh, blaming superstars for their teammates sucking is a stupid thing to do and shouldn’t be used to criticize them? Exactly.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Why hasn’t anyone said:
It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
Oh yeah, Im pumped.
But if we are still playing like this after the rodeo trip, god help us.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I love Bruce Bowen as much as the next spurs fan. but cmon now…resigning him or bringing him back is just ridiculous.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
[...] If LBJ wants to dance, maybe it’s poor sportsmanship. But that’s his decision.6th: 48 Minutes of Hell. Tim Duncan(notes) is still looking for help.7th: Forum Blue & Gold. The Lakers are shooting [...]
December 9th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
[...] If LBJ wants to dance, maybe it’s poor sportsmanship. But that’s his decision.6th: 48 Minutes of Hell. Tim Duncan(notes) is still looking for help.7th: Forum Blue & Gold. The Lakers are shooting [...]
December 9th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
One thing I do like about this blog (and its comments section) is that literally EVERY possibility is explored and discussed. Maybe we can bring back the Admiral?
December 10th, 2009 at 12:58 am
George Gervin might be a bargain.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Gervin’s been doing some HEB commercials, maybe he’s still in shape…
December 16th, 2009 at 8:31 am
[...] Daily Dime, John Hollinger picks up on a few themes that are popular to 48MoH this season. We’ve recently written that this year’s Spurs team is Tim Duncan and too little of everyone else. Hollinger agrees: [...]
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