Does Pop owe Holt HCA?

by Rand on Jul 27, 2009 8:38 AM CDT Comment 40 comments

Hey all,

Just had a thought. We know how a Spurs season works: we start off soft, look lost and weak, and drop a slew of games in the first half of the season. Then we gel, the team comes together, and for a while after the All Star break we look unbeatable. Then Pop decides we've shown the opposition as much as we need to, we start resting guys, and we play okayish until the real season starts.

How about this year?

Getting bounced by Dallas apparently earned Holt, our beloved owner, a visitation from the ghosts of chamionships past, present and future. The wallet's open, and even if we're done making moves for the offseason we're a lot richer - and Hold is consequently a lot poorer - than has been the case in recent memory. That being the case, I ask you:

Does Pop owe Holt home court advantage?

Sure, we know that Pop could care less whose pine the Spurs play on in the postseason. But playoff games mean mucho dinero for the home team, and HCA (potentially) means extra home games. Do you think there will be some pressure on Coach for us to dominate throughout the season, rather than just at the end of it, so that we can return a little extra green to Holt's wallet when the time comes?

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I think Pop will try

to get us the #2 seed, which is fine with me. Reason he’ll go for #2 and not #1, he’s going to be resting Duncan, Manu, and Dyess majorly for the playoffs. Plus you can expect the young guns to see a lot of action so they can develop into better pieces for the future. Blair, Mahinmi, Hill, Hairston will see lots of minutes down the stretch.

"You'll take my life but I'll take yours too. You'll fire you musket but I'll run you through. So when your waiting for the next attack. You'd better stand there's no turning back"- "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden

by KA1Z3R on Jul 27, 2009 9:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Plus you can expect the young guns to see a lot of action so they can develop into better pieces for the future. Blair, Mahinmi, Hill, Hairston will see lots of minutes down the stretch.

Can just respectfully ask: Is this what you expect to happen? Or is this more what you want to happen?

Obviously it is hard to believe that they did so much reloading only to have the youngsters ride the bench. And I am sure play on the court will determine how many minutes everyone gets. But do you think Pop has changed and will focus on playing youngsters to rest Tim & Manu even more this year?

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Jul 27, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its simple math. Pop ALWAYS rests his stars and veteran players. He is no D’Antoni. You know he will take care of his players.
Now, if our 3 stars (plus RJ and the old Mcdyess) are getting rested (which means 25-35 min per game for each one, maybe Parker will get to 38 or something like that) then you have to fill the rest of the minutes with other players. And those other players are 4 veterans (Theo, Mason, Bonner, Finley) and a bunch of young studs (Ian, Blair, Hill, Hairston, Williams). Theo and Finley are done, and as much as Pop could love Bonner and Mason they cant handle all the minutes. POP HAS TO PLAY THE YOUNGSTERS, even if he doesnt want.

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jul 27, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, thanks. So the make-up of the team makes it very likely that play the youngsters in order to rest Duncan & Genobili enough.

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Jul 27, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In general, misspellings are celebrated around here, but I’m adding Genobili to the unapproved list with Sprus.

by BlaseE on Jul 27, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry no offense intended even though I’m obviously not the biggest Spur lover here. If you knew how many times I missed recess in the 4th grade to redo my frickin’ spelling homework. . .

I knew it didn’t pass spell-check. In the future I’ll just stick with Manu.

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Jul 27, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just kidding around, olf, don’t worry.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Jul 27, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trust me, you’re definitely not as bad with the misspellings as some of the other people abound SBN. Plus you contribute more than “LAKERZZ ROOOL!!!” kind of crap, so it’s good to have you here.

I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!

by Tim C. on Jul 27, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks guys. I was joking too. (Although I do think my 4th grade teacher scarred me for life.)

I try to tread lightly over here ‘cause I figure most Spurs fans aren’t hitting the site saying “Hey, I wonder what some random Laker fan thinks about. . .?”

Things are kind of boring in Lakerland this off-season and I am fed-up with the Odom contract crap. And I am fascinated about how all the new Spur pieces will fit together. But make no mistake I do want the Lakers to give you all the competition you can handle next season.

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Jul 27, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are wrong. We love to hear others fans opinions when they are well thought and respectful. Keep coming, you are welcome.

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jul 27, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What Chilai said. Hell, if it weren’t for your sig I wouldn’t be able to tell you’re a Lakers fan.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Jul 27, 2009 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks dude.

It’s kind of like when I go to a party at my neighbor’s house I try not to antagonize his brother-in-law (even though I may have something to say.) Like I think the Lakers are great but I don’t need to post endlessly about that here for the same reason.

(Although I did figure it was finally time to start rocking the Laker related profile image and signature.)

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Jul 27, 2009 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I was just giving you a hard time, but you actually post good Laker perspective insight and not just Faker nonsense. I get the feeling you are a real Lakers/basketball fan opposed to guys I work with who root for the Lakers and don’t know who Lamar Odom is….

by BlaseE on Jul 27, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks dude I’m just here keeping a wary eye on the competition.

As far as PtR goes at least it has an offbeat sensibility and most of the contributors can turn an amusing phrase. Although as a Laker fan I must say it is a bit too Manuey for my taste (or is that spelled Manuy or Manuish? – damn spelling again).

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Jul 28, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think I’ve seen Manu-ish, Manu-esque, and Manu-like around here before.

by BlaseE on Jul 28, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I prefer Manuesque. The others don’t quite have the same je ne sais quoi as the man himself.

My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri

by CapHill on Jul 28, 2009 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey I like that. Keepin’ it classy as always.

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Jul 29, 2009 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Manuesque has always been my fave to, Cap. Although, it must be admitted that there’s just a bit of scatological hipness to Manu-ish.

5 in 10
I want my Manu o;—-)

by jollyrogerwilco on Jul 29, 2009 1:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A very valid point

I tend to think that even with HCA a team is only going to get a game or two more throughout the playoffs. If I were Holt I’d rather see the Spurs raising another banner to the rafters than to see 1 maybe two more home playoff games.

I think the ownership did the spending for the rings. Also, if you look at this team, assuming we keep Manu next year, they will be contending for at least two years. That should make up for money lost.

by Big50 on Jul 27, 2009 9:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

However, that extra home playoff game could be another million bucks in the coffers. That’s not chump change. Obviously, Holt is only concerned about winning another championship, but higher seeding and home playoff games do help offset the cost of an NBA team.

My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri

by CapHill on Jul 27, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, but the higher seed isn’t so important for that to be the goal. I think Holt and the rest of the owners would rather have the Spurs sweep a series en route to a ring than to play 5 or 6 games to get the extra revenue. I could be wrong, but I don’t see this ownership group spending money they don’t have in order to bank on 2 or 3 playoff games this year.

by Big50 on Jul 27, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, you’re right that they spent money to win it all again. I think they should push for the 2 seed, just to have the advantage of home court. I think where the money per home playoff game comes into play is getting out of the first round, which the Spurs have usually done. I didn’t mean to imply that Holt was only looking for the extra money (which won’t offset the luxury tax hit he is taking this year); I just meant that a long run in the playoffs helps the overall financial situation of the team, not to mention the mood of us here at PtR. ;)

My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri

by CapHill on Jul 27, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Werd

by Big50 on Jul 28, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see your point but I think it’s less up to Pop than it is to the fans. Pop can do everything possible but, playoffs or not, the fans gotta buy tickets. Period. Go buy some tickets people.

"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich

by bj1der on Jul 27, 2009 9:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think the Spurs will try to start fast next year to sell tickets for Holt. Holt will want Pop to show more casual fans just how big the RJ and Dice moves were.

by BlaseE on Jul 27, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will be happy with the spurs sleep-walking theyre way to 57/58 games.

Just as long as they are making the trademark late season surge ( and not limp) into the postseason,i dont care if they win 57 or 67 games.

Though i WOULD NOT be surprised to see 60-plus wins, depending upon how fast this group jells, and the big threes health….

by alamobro on Jul 27, 2009 1:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I dont like to get too excited, but 60+ wins is a possibility. We’ll see.

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Jul 27, 2009 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

JRW warned you about this talk and FSM gave Tony some bruises to teach us that we need to be playing this cool right now [says the guy who is writing 29 posts why our team is better than everyone else’s]…

by BlaseE on Jul 27, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

BlaseE… hook me up… what is FSM?

BLAIR FORCE ONE

by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 28, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Flying Spaghetti Monster. He is the overseer of all that is PtR. Here’s a search on him. I believe he’s called the “official deity of PtR”

by Big50 on Jul 28, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, it all makes sense now.

BLAIR FORCE ONE

by FreshmakerDTM on Jul 28, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen => Ramen as well….

by BlaseE on Jul 28, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe he’s called the "official deity of PtR"

That’s sort of between the FSM and Manu. Or maybe Manu is the patron saint.

I used to be a c+x kind of guy, but nowadays I just go nuts with my z. - LatinD
Retire Bowen's #12!

by Tim C. on Jul 28, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

According to Stampler:

Happy 32nd Birthday to Manu Ginobili, my favorite basketball player of all time and the Flying Spaghetti Monster’s Personal Jesus.

by Big50 on Jul 28, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Resolved!

"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton

by spursfan4ever on Jul 28, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not much of a church-goer so I’m no expert but I have always wondered: During the “end of days” when lightening strikes PTR does it just go for the web servers or does it actually take out anybody logged on too? Or can it actually track down anyone who’s ever logged on? (Hope not or I am so s-c-r-e-w-e-d.)

PS. I know what you’re thinking and it is not true that Laker fans get struck down first.

Haters beware: Kobe's drive for 5 starts now!-SLAM Magazine

by olf on Jul 28, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs