The Magnificent ... how many?
by Rand on Oct 21, 2009 11:52 AM CDT
45 comments
Remember the Run-and-Gun-and-Fun-and-Lose 2006-07 Phoenix Suns? The ones who saved basketball by being, oh my god, the most potent offensive force in history? Sure, defense was de thing separating them from de trophy, but who cares: the ball went through the basket. After all, they had five guys who could score - Nash, Stoudemire, Marion, Bell, and Barbosa all averaged 10+ points per game. Imagine! Five guys who can score!
Now, I know what you're thinking, and you're wrong.
You're thinking: wait! But the Spurs have ... hold on ... there's Tim, Tony and Manu ... and RJ, he can score by the bushel ... Hill was a huge scorer in college, and he's started doing it again ... and damn, Blair averages over ten points despite only playing fifteen minutes a night (and then it's in those weird Pop-is-experimenting lineups). Six! Six guys who, at any given time, can go NBA Jam and set the net on fire! Even when running actual half-court sets, we've got six guys who can straight-up kill the other team!
Wrong. See, I told you that you were going to be wrong, and then you went and did it. Jerk. In fact, we do not have six game-changing scorers.
We have nine.
When's the last time you listened to Mick Jagger's 'She's the Boss'? How about Keith Moon's 'Two Sides'? Some guys just weren't meant to go solo, but put them in the right situation with the right teammates and they will bring the proverbial fire. When you ask the wrong things of some guys, you won't be happy with what you get. When FinDog has to carry the offense, he sucks like a chest wound. When Mason has to run the point, he looks lost and crappy. When Bonner has to act like an athlete, he soils himself (just watch how he runs). When the other team is focused on shutting these guys down, these guys get shut down. But how the hell is the other team going to focus on shutting down Finster, RoMaJu and Red Rocket when they've got six legit scorers to deal with?
The 06-07 Suns were dynamite one-through-five, and Diaw was a definite threat, but after that? Their next best contributor was James Jones, who averaged four points a game in Miami last year. We, on the other hand, have three of the top three-point shooters in the league - y'know, on top of the six guys who can tear it up in the paint.
Oh, those boring, boring Spurs.
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Don't roll over on the Suns this year...
As a BSOTS spy – I’ll give it to you – your Spurs will be pretty amazing this year… but don’t sleep on the Suns this year. Our starting line up and bench (which Gentry uses, not like D’Antoni who only ran 7 guys all game) is more potent than it’s ever been.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
by Eutychus on Oct 21, 2009 12:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the Suns sneak into the playoffs and give the Lakers hell. Or at least, that’s what I hope for. Then again, it would be nice to have a Spurs playoff series played out here in the desert. I’d love to go to a playoff game.
Good luck to you guys.
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
by Tim C. on Oct 21, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And what jersey would you be wearing to piss off the Suns fans?
My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri
by CapHill on Oct 21, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m ordering a Blair jersey soon. The Manu jersey would probably provoke a greater reaction, though.
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
by Tim C. on Oct 21, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha - Ouch!
That dig really does strike a nerve…
What makes it sting more is that this morning GM Kerr admitted on a local sports radio interview that they tried to trade up like crazy when they saw Blair had fallen to the 2nd round… and then Pop goes ahead and picks him up.. with our pick… OH WELL.
You’d get a better reaction if you wore a Bowen jersey – we threw fiestas for a week straight when we hear he finally decided to retire.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
by Eutychus on Oct 21, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You could get a Mason one and wear a santa hat
AKA: Linix129
by sw12 on Oct 21, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
GOL! nice!
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 21, 2009 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, that’s not just Gol worthy… that’s absolutely reccable. to the 37th and all that.
Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney
by bellasa on Oct 21, 2009 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes a GOL is just not enough.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 22, 2009 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 This has to be the comment of the day!!!
by spursfan87 on Oct 22, 2009 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
izza nice?
13 points in 39 seconds. Enough said.
by Duhoh on Nov 4, 2009 8:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tim, maybe I will try and find an Horry jersey on ebay for the december 15th game..
The boogie man checks his closet for DeJuan Blair before he goes to sleep !
by alamobro on Oct 21, 2009 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
priceless.
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
by Tim C. on Oct 21, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey man,
Did you already buy your tickets? Apparently I can get an incredible deal at work. Section 104, $59 each. But I have to buy at least 2.
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
by Tim C. on Oct 22, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
104? What row ?
Yeah, I bought them a long time ago….
104,that is near the Spurs bench, ill be opposite to 104 on 116
The boogie man checks his closet for DeJuan Blair before he goes to sleep !
by alamobro on Oct 22, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The ones I saw were row 18.
9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco
by Tim C. on Oct 22, 2009 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats pretty cheap. Those are running about 150$ each at ticketliquidator.com…
The boogie man checks his closet for DeJuan Blair before he goes to sleep !
by alamobro on Oct 22, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Suns sneak into the playoffs and give the Lakers hell.
If they would go Rockets II, I would be the happiest. Keeping my fingers crossed on this
DeJuan Blair is Mr.Snuffleupagus of teh NBA. Freak of nature (elongated arms,ginormous behind), effin unbelievable (rebounding machine), blows you away (for a rook) n cuddly cute.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 21, 2009 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could see the Suns sneaking into the playoffs, (as far as giving the Lakers a hard time…)
The boogie man checks his closet for DeJuan Blair before he goes to sleep !
by alamobro on Oct 22, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im sorry, but im not sold on this year Suns. Maybe they can sneak up on the 8th seed, only to get drubbed by the Lakers in the first round.
What do you have?
1-Nash (still being an offensive system by himself, but can no longer drop 30+ when needed)
2-Richardson (a shallow 20ppg scorer)
3-HIll (nice all around game, that’s it)
4-Amare (Will drop 30 on one side and allow 40 on the other…that wont change he is what he is)
5-Frye (this system fits him perfectly….still you gotta be worried when Channing is your starting center)
Bench: Dragic (has the potential to be average), Robin lopez(bust), Barbosa (instant offense), Earl clark (intriguing, but dont expect much from a rookie), Amundson (bleh), Dudley (i like him, he could be a useful role player).
A flawed starting 5 that will have SERIOUS trouble defending and rebounding, depending on an aging Point guard who cant defend a chair at this point. The bench looks pretty unimpressive after Barbosa, even the young guys dont scream “potential” very loud.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
by Chilai on Oct 21, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Typical analysis, you must watch espn or something - time will tell
1-Nash – without Shaq demanding touches and Porter calling every play he will be free to do whatever he wants. He shot 50-40-90 last year for the 3rd time (the only player in NBA history to do that) and this preseason he has shown the ability to drop 20+ when asked by Gentry to look for his offense. I think Nash has ever tried to drop 30+ anytime he needed. Look for him to give Chris Paul a run for his money in assists leader this year as well.
2-Richardson has focused on his defense all summer long -if you remember, he was First Team Big-Ten at Michigan because of his defense – and again, if you watched any preseason games this year he is locking down a lot of guys a whole heck of a lot more than he ever did with either the GSW, Cats, or last year in PHX. I’m just saying.
3- Amen – He’s shown he can drop 20 when he’s on as well.
4-Amare – I plead no contest. But look for him to be as beastly as ever this year.
5-Frye – he fits and he’ll have a career year, but we are worried about his rebounding abilities – that’s something to be concerned about, definitely. But he can still put up 20+ and he’s getting more blocks than usual so far this preseason.
Don’t ‘bleh’ Amundson – he might be the most improved Suns player this year along with Dragic. He could give Chris Anderson a run for his money in the ‘crazy-white-dude that gets all the rebounds and occasionally dunks on an unsuspecting victim’ category.
All I’m saying is – don’t think you’re going to roll over on this team
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
by Eutychus on Oct 21, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing about Phoenix is that they don’t look committed to rebuilding and they can’t win a championship. I love Nash, and I want to see him have fun in his last years in the league, but I don’t understand the reasoning behind the GM’s decisions.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on Oct 21, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He could give Chris Anderson a run for his money in the ‘crazy-white-dude that gets all the rebounds and occasionally dunks on an unsuspecting victim’ category.
Baloney. Blair’s got that locked up.
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
by theonlyromeo on Oct 22, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Blair is a black dude.
If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross
by Hipuks on Oct 22, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Blair doesn’t care.
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
by theonlyromeo on Oct 22, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two corrections:
1) Blair is not a white dude. Blair has no color – light can no more escape from him than the ball can.
2) Blair’s victims are not unsuspecting. They are resigned to their fate, and can only pray that their posterizing is swift and painless.
by Rand on Oct 22, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
This is fabulous.
Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10
by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 22, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ramen to that brother! ::slurps ramen::
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 22, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on Oct 22, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fabulous, I mean.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
by LatinD on Oct 22, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
more facts please! =]
13 points in 39 seconds. Enough said.
by Duhoh on Nov 4, 2009 8:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, its preseason. We played like crap and lost all the preseason games two years ago and we ended up with the championship.
You can expect improvement from young players (like Dragic or Robin Lopez) or guys who are new and are in a system better fitted for them (as I mentioned with Frye). But the thought of Richardson improving on defense is ridiculous. And Amundson is like 25-26 years old. They are what they are. Louis got lots of minutes last season, he can rebound and he can score a bit. He will do that again this season.
Maybe you are right that they did the typical “adition by substraction” thing with Shaq. I also think that at this point he is way overrated and that he killed the Suns mojo with his demanding touches and post play. But there’s only so much you can do by losing a player and aquiring someone else leftovers (Frye) and drafting a kid with potential with the 14th pick on a weak draft. All of this while having two starters on the wrong side of 35, and who happen to be perimeter players.
All im saying is that probably the Suns will win 46-50 games (like last year) and maybe make the playoffs as an 8th seed just to get drubbed by the lakers. I love underdogs, but I dont see the young players or X factors on the Suns to surprise anybody.
I hope im wrong, I would love you to take care of the Lakers ;)
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
by Chilai on Oct 22, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Estas Loco
It’s all gravy, you’re entitled to your speculations – but to suggest that players can’t improve aspects of their game season to season (like you say about Richardson and Amundson) is ludicrous.
Roger Mason didn’t improve season to season for you and become a big part of your successes?? Matt Bonner?
Whatever – have fun and good luck.
They say "don't swim with the sharks", but I'm faster than sharks so it's not a big deal...
by Eutychus on Oct 22, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They improve, but they don’t transform.
I think Chilai’s main point is that you don’t get better by leaps and bounds over a summer when you are that age. Richardson can certainly work harder on defense, but to state that he went from an apathetic defender to a lockdown defender based on some preseason games is a bit much.
Amundson may make 10% more of his free throws, but he is what he is. Same with Bonner and Mason. Roger lost weight and may be quicker this season, but he isn’t going to be a speedster. Any improvement in his game will be pretty subtle.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Oct 22, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Roger Mason didn’t improve season to season for you and become a big part of your successes?? Matt Bonner?
I don’t think Mason or Bonner improved that much once we acquired them. What the spurs do is try to get players with particular talents, that will fit into the system already in place. The system allows the players to shine and trick people into thinking that they suddenly got so much better. Pretty much what you will see out of Frye this season. The sun’s offense is perfect for him (as far as defense, well, that frontcourt of yours is looking really fluffy). So, when a player goes to into a system that suits, him, you see a great spike in production, but as far as the player adjusting himself into the system (Amundson working on his game, Richardson saying he’ll take a shot on playing both sides of the court), you’ll only see gradual improvement.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 22, 2009 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks guy, i could have responded better
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
by Chilai on Oct 23, 2009 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha, no problem.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
by the little o on Oct 24, 2009 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great Post
Everyone looks potent in the preseason. Here is hoping that the trend continues. Because right now…the Spurs look very powerful.
by LakehillsFan on Oct 21, 2009 12:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the suns can go as high as 6th or 5th. That style wins a lot of ball games during the season, but I don’t see them giving anybody trouble in the playoff unless they make a trade. Hey S.Jax might be a good fit for them.
by spursfan87 on Oct 22, 2009 7:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jax to Suns. Fiendishly brilian
To Manu belongs 99 names. 100 minus 1. One must keep each name hidden in the deep recesses of the heart. And as one meditates upon each divine name, one enters a higher state of enlightenment. At the 99th level you enter Nirvana and eat alfajores to your heart's content.
by 'DSilverlining on Oct 23, 2009 2:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Magnificent 9,10,11.
What is going to drive opposition to fits this season is the multitude of Spur scoring threats. Double teaming, Parker or Duncan will really hurt. If those two aren’t facing two defenders then they will score at will. Add Ginobli to the mix without double teaming him is another 20 point binge. The supporting cast, all of them with the possible exception of Ratliff and Bogans can put the ball in the hoop. Even Mahinmi is very athletic, but Pop doesn’t want him to shoot much, so he doesn’t unless it is a thunder dunk. The Spurs have so many scorers this season that teams will not be able to double up on the big three. That is going to leave a lot of 3 point shooters open. Last season we only had Bonner, Mason and Finley shooting the 3s, but this season you can add Haislip, Hill, Jefferson, and even Hairston. The inside game will be much stronger too. I’ve read Laker posts that claim that SA won’t be able to match up on the front line. I think it will be a lot closer this year with the additions of McDyess, Ratliff and the return of Mahinmi. Blair will cause the Lakers to have fits. He just knocks bigger players out of the way and grabs the ball. How many times have we seen him just snatch the ball out of the hands of taller players who are used to opponents trying to come over the top to get the ball. Blair just gets inside position and rips the ball out of the hands of players who think they have secured the ball. Opposing rebounders better keep the ball high because if they don’t Blair considers it his to steal. This edition of SPURS ball is going to be much improved and different. Go Spurs
by jimjule on Oct 23, 2009 11:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL jim, i’m sorry its just that your comment kind of reminded me of Ron Artest’s infamous ( infamous to PTR, anyway) Twitter rant on how the Lakers are gonna be unstoppable this year.
http://www.poundingtherock.com/2009/8/17/991873/were-expletive-deleted#comments
Make sure you read Blase’s translation towards the bottom of the thread. ( Funny !)
The boogie man checks his closet for DeJuan Blair before he goes to sleep !
by alamobro on Oct 23, 2009 12:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL, too bad that post is now closed….
The boogie man checks his closet for DeJuan Blair before he goes to sleep !
by alamobro on Oct 23, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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