Don't Blame Richard Jefferson anymore. It is time to fire Gregg Popovich.

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 3:12 PM CST Comment 168 comments

How can we sit here and blame one player, when the entire team is healthy?

Let's pretend that Richard Jefferson was injured. Then what? Would anything have been different vs the Lakers? HELLS NO.

Gregg Popovich would have made the exact game time adjustments regardless of Jefferson.

One would think that a Hall of Fame coach would have sense enough to NOT create mismatches that would go against his team. Not with this year's head coach, either he does not know or he is too stubborn to change and neither is good.

Let's take his very first sub. Jefferson missed a defensive assignment on Ron Artest. For Popovich, this was so bad, that Pop hurts the team by pulling Jefferson for Keith Bogans.

Bogans can't stop anyone and he is NO offensive threat either. Keep in mind, on the post Bogans has no chance of guarding Artest in the paint, he can only hope that Artest stays on the perimeter. So why put Bogans in if you are going to make this sub? Micheal Finley would have been better. Finley can't guard Artest in the paint either, but Finley is a threat on the other end and the Lakers can't clog the paint on Tony Parker and Tim Duncan with a spot up shooter like Finley on the perimeter.

Making this sub gives a mismatch to the Lakers.

Just when I thought the Bogans for Jefferson sub was bad, the next sub DOOMed the Spurs in this game and quite possibly killed the rest of the little confidence I had in Pop for the rest of this year.

Matt Bonner for Tim Duncan. Let me say that again.

Matt Bonner came into the game to replace Timothy Theodore Duncan.

All I can say is WHY???

What could Bonner possibly do in this game? If ever I saw a player look bad in an NBA game, it was Bonner trying to guard Lamar Odom.

Instead of getting small with Bonner, lets look at the alternative. Theo Ratliff in for Tim Duncan. Naturally Ratliff guards Pau Gasol and Antonio McDyess would guard Odom. Still a mismatch for the Lakers but McDyess has a better chance with Odom than Bonner^3. If by chance the Lakers miss a wide open shot, Ratliff and McDyess are a better rebounding tandem than McDyess and Bonner.

Besides, isn't that why we brought Theo here, to match up with the Laker's size?

However, again, making the Bonner sub gave another mismatch advantage to the Lakers.

Let's fast forward to the start of the 4Qtr, we open with Blair, Jefferson, Manu, Finley, Hill vs Gasol, Walton, Vujajic, Brown, Farmar.

Where in this lineup is a mismatch for the Spurs? Where???

The only mismatch here is Gasol over Blair. A HUGE advantage for the Lakers.

The Lakers push their lead to 9 points and with our next sub we get even weaker defensively, in comes Roger Mason for Hill. Where is the starting lineup that got us off to a decent start? Duncan, McDyess, Jefferson/Manu, Hill, Parker? Our Closers?

McDyess played 19 mins, least of any starter, yet he almost equals Duncan's 15 rebounds with 12 boards of his own. McDyess was the only player capable of keeping the Lakers off the offensive glass yet he doesn't play at all in the 4th Qtr.

Again, wasn't Dice brought here to match up with the Lakers size?

McDyess was no where to be found when it counted the most, because Pop benches him, for ONLY grabbing 12 rebounds in the first 3 quarters of the game.

With coaching like this, there is no way the Spurs win this game. This team is not done, this head coach is done. You wanna trade someone, trade Gregg Popovich for a real coach. No more Russian mind games, the Spurs need a true basketball coach who isn't out there trying to play mind games with the talent.

When a team is completely healthy and loses games to injured teams like Portland twice and L.A., there is no one to blame but the coach, GREGG "Please Get Me Out Of Here" POPOVICH.

Poll

Should the Spurs fired Gregg Popovich?

Yes, fire him immediately!

26 votes

No, let him resign after the season! We owe him that much.

47 votes

No, give him a chance to lose in the first round.

62 votes

135 votes | Poll has closed

4 recs | Comment 168 comments

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Comments

I’m starting to agree with you somewhat… but I will never think Avery Johnson is the answer. Maybe Quin Snyder(Toros coach) or PJ Carlesimo would work, but AJ lost that Dallas team’s respect and confidence. And I realize that you didn’t mention AJ in this post, but I’ve seen you do it so many times elsewhere that I thought it needed to be said.

Unfortunately, it’s too late in the season to make a coaching change… better to wait until the dust from this disaster settles a bit, and have Pop move back into the FO. In this sense, I think Snyder might be a good fit, since he already knows the system very well, and from what I hear he does a great job with Austin.

Anyway, I’m thinking up a “what to do in the offseason” thread for All-star weekend and would like to know some other folks thoughts on this.

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 9, 2010 3:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To clarify, I don’t think Pop should be fired, but that the organization would be better served if he only remains in his job as the President of Basketball Operations after this season. And I think he knows it, too.

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 9, 2010 6:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know this fan post won’t be popular. But it had to be said for the greater good of getting one more championship before TD is done.

If you guys don’t hear from me because I am BANNED know that I am still with the Spurs and when they come to Atlanta I plan on having a serious discussion with Pop about his rotations. :)

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 3:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe not the most popular, but I like that you took the time to get your thoughts together and put it all in one place. That’s a lot better than having this argument all over every thread on the site.

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 9, 2010 3:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking of the exact same things while I was watching the game last night. Where was Dice? I think we had rebounding advantage till he was in(needs a fact check though). I didnt know why go with small ball for approx. 20 mins when none of the guards were hot..so to say…WTF POP??

I dont know why say the players didn’t gel well and play passionately when you put up shit lineup that can’t defend pop. Just beats me.

by Heman on Feb 9, 2010 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If you guys don’t hear from me because I am BANNED

You really think you are being persecuted? It’s comments like this that really bother me.

Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Feb 9, 2010 8:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know I certainly wasn’t crazy about reading the numerous fire Pop comments from GhosTown. However, I think he should have been given a warning before he got a 2 week banishment.

Having said that, I’m also not happy with the coaching decisions Pop has made, GS. However, I’m also not ready to join your bandwagon.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Feb 9, 2010 9:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s not the content, it’s the tone. But you know that.

Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Feb 9, 2010 9:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m sorry, I must have missed that tele-conference.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Feb 9, 2010 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and the pointless attacks…

Seriously mucks up the comment threads. It started turning into an ESPN or SI comment section.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 9, 2010 9:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I must have missed quite a bit, although I did just read that attack on you Hirsch. That was totally uncalled for.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Feb 9, 2010 10:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, my first encounter with him I went a lil overboard in response to his attacks. I don’t remember if Wayne gave me the stink eye but I tried keeping it low key after that. I’m an aggressive person, plain and simple. But I don’t go after people in a derogatory manner.

I don’t agree with most of what he says but, hell, quite a few of us don’t agree with each other. Just no need to do what he does.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 9, 2010 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As a whole, the PtRers can not handle this kind of Spurs turmoil. We’re so used to being on top of the world and these types of losses just bring out the worst in all of us.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Feb 9, 2010 10:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know, frustrating huh? Just imagine what the players are going thru

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it happens to all fan bases. I call it Battered Fan Syndrome. More losses than one is accustomed to or years of losing makes people lose perspective and come up with short-term desperate ideas to save the team, which usually would only make things worse. My fellow 49er fans have lived it all decade.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Feb 10, 2010 12:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Witness in the corner!

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 10, 2010 12:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And what exactly was it that I did, other than showed how pissed I was about us losing winnable games because we had crappy lineups. We argue all the time about who is playing well and who is not, why can’t we argue about coaching decisions.

Why is that off limits?

For most of 50 games we all sat here and beat up on RJ like it was all his fault, well guess who gave away our entire defensive minded frontline for RJ.

I only came down hard on the Spurs when we do bone head stuff, and usually that is Pop’s fault, he is the leader. If any Spurs players was screwing up like Pop was, he would be traded or benched or waived.

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And what exactly was it that I did, other than showed how pissed I was about us losing winnable games because we had crappy lineups. We argue all the time about who is playing well and who is not, why can’t we argue about coaching decisions.

Why is that off limits?

If you can’t get what were talking about from the previously posted comments… then there is no point in repeating it.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 9, 2010 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My point exactly, vague. My tone is the same as everyone else who dislikes RJ, except I direct my dislike at Pop’s coaching.

Some want RJ traded. I want Pop replaced. What’s the difference?

The difference is RJ is an easy target, he is the new guy. And there is a double standard when it comes to criticizing Pop.

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 10:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Again… that isn’t what were after you about.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 9, 2010 10:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My point is no one should be after me. I don’t attack anyone here, I simply give my POV on why we are winning or losing. If my tone has been negative it is because we are LOSING. A LOT.

And we shouldn’t be losing like this.

Hirschof, I do remember us debating some things long before I was banned. But I don’t remember going off on you. Not saying I didn’t. Just don’t remember. What were we talking about???

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 10:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t attack anyone here

O rly…

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 9, 2010 10:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What were we talking about???

I don’t remember specifically, I just remember the incident. Probably Bonner or Pop.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 9, 2010 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And you are holding that against me?

Of course I blame Bonner for half of what is wrong with the Spurs. And then I blame Pop for the other half.

And then I blame all those that make excuses for Bonner and Pop for the 3rd half :)

But seriously, you took a debate about them as an attack. No way… If others think like you, I must have a ton of enemies. I don’t think anything I said about Bonner and Pop should have been taken personal, because I think I am very clear when I am running them down. And why.

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 11:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, you aint getting it….

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 9, 2010 11:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One last time.

I’m not after you about your opinions about the team or any individual on it. There have been multiple people, before you ever came around, who wanted people fired, benched, or traded.

But they didn’t belittle other PtR members in the process. They didn’t call others “idiots” or some other insult.

It doesn’t matter to me what you try to insult me with, but there is just no place for petty insults and other attacks on members on PtR.

In other words, stop being a dick.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 10, 2010 6:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would probably have left that last line out. The name-calling has gone in both directions, and I’m not the biggest fan of it either.

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 10, 2010 12:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I wanted to avoid that but I’m not sure how more painfully to the point I could have been. I’m not after his opinion in here.

So sorry about that.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 10, 2010 1:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I didn’t think (it was 6 friggin’ 30 am) about that last line. I didn’t mean to title him anything but to just ask to stop acting like above said.

Same thing, regardless.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 10, 2010 1:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know you didn’t really mean it that way, that’s why I left it there. :)

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 10, 2010 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude I have no beef with you, I just like talking basketball. It takes about one day for my behind to stop burning over a bad loss and I simmer down, But the moment I see the same mistakes happen again and again and we end up losing. I lose it and go after the player or coach responsible. Don’t take it personal.

by GhosTown on Feb 10, 2010 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not. I could care less what comments anyone says about me. Especially over the damn internet. I’ve laughed off a hell of a lot worse said to my face. I’m saying there is no need in doing what has been pointed out already.

We’re all frustrated. Complain, debate, make points, and what not (we all do it) but don’t resort to attacks on members. That is all. Lets not continually let this devolve into an ESPN comments box. :)

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 10, 2010 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I take back the ESPN comments box remark.

Your posts are like squeaky clean compared to the shit the pops up in there.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Hirschof on Feb 10, 2010 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ghos…. I believe Hirschof is saying that you responded to his comments in a derogatory manner in a previous thread…. ( thats what he clearly states in one of his comment above…)

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Feb 9, 2010 10:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

GhosTown got banned?

"I will five all over this blog." - JRW

by Manuwar on Feb 9, 2010 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, he did. For two weeks by me. I was irritable. So, I banned him for two weeks. It wasn’t a popular decision among those of us on the telecon. Sometimes I have knee jerk reactions and, in hindsight, they aren’t always necessarily that good.

I then asked him to not turn every thread into an attack on Pop and instead write a FanPost. Which he has. And while I don’t agree with his conclusions, I think, generally, he makes a lot of good points and asks a lot of good questions.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Feb 9, 2010 11:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

interesting

"I will five all over this blog." - JRW

by Manuwar on Feb 10, 2010 12:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bad choice imo unless I missed a lot of action where the guy went bonkers.

Btw, who is on the ptr twitter account nowadays? Its suddenly become quite loquacious :P

by LionZion on Feb 15, 2010 10:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Never knew he got banned. Why did anyone do that? The guy has some crazy ideas which he absolutely believes to nobody’s harm. I feel a bit ashamed that he got banned unless he really abused somebody verbally for no reason.

by LionZion on Feb 15, 2010 10:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s a choice as a mod – very tough call sometimes. You have to consider the whole community. If not for that, I’d start banning the non-crazy, non-drinking people. Don’t worry, bella and jakob, you’re always good in my book. The little Sunkist freak might be in trouble.

by CapHill on Feb 15, 2010 10:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah sure. I just didn’t see much, other than his arguing on everything, for which he deserved to decompress for a coupla weeks lol.

by LionZion on Feb 15, 2010 10:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Banned? Me? Surely you jest.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Feb 16, 2010 12:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t care if Pop trades the entire team for the Washington Generals. You don’t fire Pop. Best coach in the league.

Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.

by Cedarpark on Feb 9, 2010 3:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Certainly not this year. I think I would have to disagree with you on that.

by Heman on Feb 9, 2010 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Who is better out there? Who would be the better hire?

Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.

by Cedarpark on Feb 9, 2010 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

honestly no one, hes a top two or three head coach in the NBA. Even though I blame the coaching for some of the teams down falls right now, I don’t think firing is the answer.

by JaySo on Feb 9, 2010 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Avery Johnson. Keeping him quiet would be great motivation to hustle like crazy.

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 10:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One more thing…does watching players mins now even make sense? Would we make playoffs this way?

Also, I believe that making playoffs, even if it is just for 1 round, is important from a revenue/experience perspective for the spurs organization and players.

by Heman on Feb 9, 2010 3:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nice post, recced.

Pop is a HOF but he can’t coach this team anymore, he’s more concern about managing minutes than winning the game.

I think AJ is the right guy for the job. He’s a spur, he’s a great coach and I’m sure that he learned from his mistakes at Dallas. We have to remember that was his first coaching experience and he did a superb job, and I can’t believe I’m saying this.

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobli

by spursfan87 on Feb 9, 2010 4:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

BTW RJ sucks

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobli

by spursfan87 on Feb 9, 2010 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he’s more concern about managing minutes than winning the game.

And why is that?

Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Feb 9, 2010 8:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I really think that Pop can’t coach this team because of the personnel. Half of this team can’t stay focus for 48min, the Spurs system and playing defense is too complicated for them. This year the FO confused nice guys with high basketball IQ players

The only way he’s going to win more games is giving the big 3 more minutes but that’s not going to happen because they are already breaking down playing 30min a game.

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobli

by spursfan87 on Feb 9, 2010 11:49 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Fin has missed half the season and has been a no-show when he’s on the court. As far as I’m concerned he’s stealing minutes from Mason and Bogans.

And Bonner is a decent back-up. Better than Ratliff and Mahimimi

RJ sucks.

by r21x on Feb 9, 2010 4:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You can’t fire Pop now. The FO owes it to him to give him the rest of this season & most likely all of next year as well.
The argument on his mistakes is compelling, but Pop has given us too much to simply fire him like some run of the mill schmuck. There is plenty of blame to go around.

I did not return empty handed. I came back with two huge handfulls.

by JonnyJam on Feb 9, 2010 4:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

JohnnyJam >>> " You cant fire pop now "

I agree. You cant fire pop right now or EVER. He was the GM before he fired Bob Hill and took the coaching position (I believe Pop also hand picked the current GM, RC Buford ). Pop is intrinsically involved in EVERYTHING the organization does. I think Pop is doing a horrendous job this season, but for all intents and purposes, he is UNFIREABLE.

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Feb 9, 2010 6:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pop is confused, he should resign, because this has become too much for him.

There are too many people in the rotation.

We played 11 people last night. If that is not a sign of utter confusion what is???

A nine or at the most ten man rotation unless it is garbage time.

Playing too many players is not smart.

Too many players lead to turnovers because players are not used to playing together.

Plus they have to figure out their roles on the fly. Not smart basketball.

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 4:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Adding insult to injury and the example of just what has been going on with Pop’s substitutions was the other night against the Clippers. Hill has been scorching the Clips all period. With about 2 minutes to go (the time for the ALMIGHTY ROTATION) out comes almost the whole 1st team INCLUDING HILL. For what?? Is he TOO OLD to be able to play a full game and then another even if there was another back to back?? Pop realized his error a couple of minutes later and put Hill back in the game. He wasn’t the same player for the rest of the game. How does a player get 17 points in 10 minutes of the game and then only 6 points the rest of the game?? Well, Hill went from 2 guard to the point when he was put back in. In fact the only reason Hill went back in in the first quarter was that POP had no PG on the floor after his substitution. TOO ME IT LOOKS LIKE THE BEGINNINGS OF ALZHEIMERS!!!

by yuccaflatsranch on Feb 9, 2010 4:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ha Yucca, I saw that too in the Clips game. I mean he was hot, keep him in the game. I don’t understand the need to make rotations for the purpose of monitoring minutes.

by JaySo on Feb 9, 2010 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Alzheimer’s? I have family suffering from that stuff.

Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.

by Cedarpark on Feb 9, 2010 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And I bring that up to say that it is a tasteless joke. If a joke can be defined as something that does not lead to laughter.

Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.

by Cedarpark on Feb 9, 2010 4:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is what I know. You can only coach what you have. If you’ve got a team full of guys who are aging or suck you have to play them. This team has other pieces that are not old and don’t suck, but they cannot carry a team at this point. I understand your frustration. It seems counter intuitive to play 11 guys and expect cohesion. That being said, Pop has does this a few times and has had more success than all but one coach during that time.

If you are given a player that seems like he’ll work and then he doesn’t, but he was supposed to be a HUGE addition, is that only on Pop? Isn’t it Jefferson, Pop and the FO’s fault? Blaming Jefferson isn’t totally fair, he can only do so much, just as blaming Pop is fair either nor is blaming the FO. It’s all their fault and might be other people’s fault as well.

by Big50 on Feb 9, 2010 4:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pop’s just playing us all. Yes, Pop’s moves throughout this season can be characterized as beyond idiotic, but the opposite of that might also be possible. He only cares about the post-season, and I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t have some tricks up his sleeve if we meet up with the Lakers in the post-season.

I agree with you GT, Pop isn’t doing anything to help us win games this season, and I’ll even say that a substantial amount of times, his moves have been a detriment to us in winnable games. However, I am forced to believe that he is at least doing something to help us win games in the post season, to not believe that, would have me being disillusioned at my all-time favorite coach (yes, I know it’s not just a river in egypt).

Pop is always going to play a lot of players, specifically against western conference playoff teams. He needs to know what line-ups work well, which ones don’t, I can take a loss as long as we gather more intel about our opponent and what things worked/didn’t for us against them. I don’t know why Pop didn’t play Ratliff though, has he given up on Ratliff? Doubtful, Ratliff will should be seeing more minutes than Blair in the post-season IMO, so is Ratliff our secret weapon? I can only hope.

GTFOML!

by the little o on Feb 9, 2010 5:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

For the argument about him testing the lineups, why not play Ratliff or Mahinmi more? You’d think he would, especially for Mahinmi after his awesome play in Jersey. I don’t care if it was the crappiest team in the league. Doesn’t he owe Mahinmi another try?

by Manu ex Machina on Feb 9, 2010 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it wasn’t that it was the crappiest team in the league, Mahinmi also did that against one of the best up and coming centers in the league. He definitely deserves more burn, and when matched up against teams with size, it would only seem logical. We should’ve been giving him minutes from the start of the season. Pop really has me so confused.

GTFOML!

by the little o on Feb 11, 2010 12:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I was going to mention Lopez, but then I got distracted, lol. Thanks for filling in the gap.

by Manu ex Machina on Feb 11, 2010 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I do think he’s saving Ratliff, not so much as a secret weapon, but out of fear that too many minutes will result in injury. I think he feels comfortable that Ratliff does not need minutes to know his role on the floor.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Feb 9, 2010 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you’re right. This team really needs a big defensive presence for the post-season. I hope he takes some of Bonner’s minutes.

GTFOML!

by the little o on Feb 11, 2010 12:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Little O >> If we meet up with the Lakers in the postseason ?

…dont we have to actually make it to the postseason in order to face the Lakers and have Pop bust out all of the playbook wizardry he is allegedly hording ?

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Feb 9, 2010 7:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We have a good chance to land in the 8th spot.

GTFOML!

by the little o on Feb 9, 2010 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Little o, I am sorry about my comment. It just bothers me that some of the Spurs faithful dont believe that missing the playoffs is a possibility.

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Feb 10, 2010 11:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that it bothers the Spurs faithful so much that we might not reach the post-season, that we’re not even considering it a possibility. Mathematically, there’s a really good chance that we won’t reach it, but I just can’t come to grips with it yet so will operate under the assumption that we will, at least for a few more games.

GTFOML!

by the little o on Feb 11, 2010 12:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We are so dangerously close to .500, that we better start stringing together some wins. We can’t afford to play .500 basketball with the rest of our schedule.

One of the reasons that Laker loss was such a huge downer is because it crushed us, and created a monster in L.A.

I dare not say what a blowout loss to Denver would mean.

by GhosTown on Feb 11, 2010 8:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Armageddon?

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed. - CMoney

by bellasa on Feb 11, 2010 3:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Firing Pop is the last thing we need. I give you I(guys who are in the fire pop camp) credit for making a lot of good arguments and observations, but if you look back into the team history just a little bit you’d realize it would be a panic move and a disaster.

Who are we gonna get that’s a better all-around coach than Gregg Popovich? He’s one of the greats of his generation and probably the most-copied coach in the NBA. Not only are his former assistant coaches who are now head coach elsewhere the most successful and sought-after in the league but his strategies are also blatantly copied all the time. It’s obvious when Doc Rivers or Mike Brown does what Pop would do but there are other examples.

Even if we do need a new coach we’ll need one that matches the personnel and strategy of the FO – which basically means getting a third-rate version of Pop. The spurs aren’t going to suddenly start winning if we switch to a different style of play; this group is only a champ contender if we bring our defensive smarts and intensity up to where teams like LA orlando and cleveland are. I understand the frustration out there with Pop but there really is no upgrade out there.

“Fire Pop” to me sounds no better than “Trade Tim”. He’s as much a part of those four champ teams as Duncan is.

by greyberger on Feb 9, 2010 5:21 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

that’s what I have been saying. Maybe his assistants also contributed and now they are not there anymore. Hire some of them back ( like Carlesimo, who will never be a good head coach)

by biolb on Feb 10, 2010 9:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone know where PJ is? His defense coaching was excellent, as an assistant.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Feb 10, 2010 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He’s been working broadcasts here and there. He’s awesome in the booth.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 10, 2010 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not going to dignify that poll by participating in it.

I can’t really fathom how it’s possible to love the Spurs and hate Pop.

No dynasty lasts forever. No good team stays on top in perpetuity. The tragedy that destroys good organizations comes when a team is on the downward trek and the front office overreacts, shattering trust, confidence, and organizational integrity. Who wants to play for a team like that?

We may have some lean years ahead. It takes time to rebuild. If Pop wants to be part of that process, he will be. If he doesn’t, he’ll leave. The worst thing that could happen to the Spurs’ future prospects would be for the team to dissolve in a sorry mess of firings, half-assed trades, and recriminations.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 9, 2010 5:28 PM CST reply actions 8 recs

I agree Lauri, If we can get someone at the trade deadline that can help without breaking up the core, lets do it. If we can’t, try to unload the dead weight in the summer.

I think that Pop is still the man for this team, but if for any reason he felt he couldn’t get through to the team any longer I’m sure he’d step down and have someone else fill in.

by JaySo on Feb 9, 2010 6:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Recced… and usually my recs are of the stealthy kind, but this deserves more visual support.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Feb 9, 2010 7:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn right, Lauri.

I hadn’t even noticed the poll. All 17 people who chose option number 3, I really don’t like you.

Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Feb 9, 2010 8:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There was no Option 4, therefore, I was not able to vote.

by CapHill on Feb 9, 2010 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We should make an option 4. “Sacrifice Bonner to the FSM” might do it.

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 9, 2010 8:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

email me pictures. now.

"I will five all over this blog." - JRW

by Manuwar on Feb 9, 2010 8:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Of what, crazy person?

Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Feb 9, 2010 9:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

friday saturday sunday mondy

"I will five all over this blog." - JRW

by Manuwar on Feb 9, 2010 9:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well said, missy.

Hilariously maladjusted. But for all the right reasons.

by Queness on Feb 9, 2010 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well said, Lauri! Last 10 years the Spurs were not just 4 times champions, not just the winningest team in all pro sports, not just the defensive juggernaut, but also the model organization for pro basketball. And Pop is a very big part of this model organization. There are some unwritten principles of the Spurs Dynasty. Principles like “Pop cannot get fired”, “Tim cannot get traded”, I would also add “Manu should be able to retire as a Spur, if he chooses so”. If you break one of this principles, you break down the very foundation, on which the Spurs are built. Losing is depressing, but to me it would be much worse to watch the Spurs becoming one of the dysfunctional, soap-opera teams, like Knicks, dreaming about Championships, but not able ever to get their act together. To me this is exactly what this post is about, breaking down the organization.

by Kondor on Feb 10, 2010 1:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree strongly and can not get on board with this idea.

I would also argue about the team being healthy. Parker is not, thus he has excellent first quarters then for the remainder of a game can’t beat guys like Fisher or Blake off the dribble. When his foot is rested, he’s fine at the beginning, but once he plays on it he loses his ability to be TP. That one injury and the points that it costs us has cost the team a handful of victories. Those victories would unfortunately mask the defensive mistakes and turnovers that have marred other losses but we’d have the 3rd best record in the conference and feel better going forward.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Feb 9, 2010 6:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No matter how much you hate him (and stupidly so) he isn’t going anywhere.

AKA: Linix129

by sw12 on Feb 9, 2010 6:27 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

I’ve been rooting for Pop since the beginning of the season. He gave us 4 rings.
4!
But after reading this post…? There’s certainly a lot of truth here!

It’s just so frustrating. We were supposed to be championshipmaterial. And instead, our 14M$-man can’t make a shot or play defense, and our coach has (why pop why!) gotten alzheimer and forgot how to coach…

by Bakkie009 on Feb 9, 2010 6:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

but i still don’t think we need to fire Pop!!
What do you think we will become when we get a new coach right now!? It won’t be “getting better”.

by Bakkie009 on Feb 9, 2010 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This would solve our problem

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yfxzkjg

AKA: Linix129

by sw12 on Feb 9, 2010 6:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

damn Hunter has a negative PER haha

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobli

by spursfan87 on Feb 9, 2010 7:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can’t be any worse than JV!

AKA: Linix129

by sw12 on Feb 9, 2010 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lets get a few things straight….

Pop is doing a bad job this year.

Firing him wont do much good.

A knee jerk trade isnt going to do much good.

Signing RJ was a mistake.

ALL of the Spurs three stars are playing injured or at less than full capacity for one reason or another ( Tim Duncan appears to be slowing down at this point in the season…Parker is batting PF….Manu has been playing better, but he is either not 100%, his confidence is still building up, hes waiting for later in the season to go balls out, or a combination of all three. RJ…? I feel a little bad for him, he isnt as good as we thought, he isnt playing hard enough and he would look much better in Phoenix or Golden state.

The season is a disaster.

That all being said, I still have faith the organization will do whatever is necessary to make the team competitive for the next few years. If this means sticking with the current team , ok sure. If it means taking a wrecking ball to the team before the 19th, Ok im with it. There is a reason me and other PTR members are in here chatting and not running the team.

Sigh….

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Feb 9, 2010 7:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I take back what I said about firing Pop doing no good. Pop CANT be fired, so everyone needs to jump off that fairytale bandwagon and look for another means to salvaging the season….

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Feb 9, 2010 7:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I knew that mentioning Pop’s dismissal was going to be taken hard by loyal Spurs fans just like we are going to take it REAL hard next season when Manu goes to Miami or New York as a free agent.

However think about this:

As a leader, anytime one sees confusion with a member of the team, a good leader will remind them of the goal, the direction they should be headed.

Basically, what is your primary directive?

I don’t think it is difficult to see at times the Spurs looked very confused on the court. This is evident by RJ’s play.

Pop’s problem as a leader started when he lost his direction.

He started taking the Spurs away from a defense first mentality at the beginning of the season. It really started last season but we had another excuse with all the injuries. However, I believe our poor development this year is directly related to this lack of direction.

We are losing now because our team doesn’t know our primary directive.

Is it defense?

We hear it said all the time, but were we truly committed to defense?

It took us 44 games to put our best perimeter defender in the starting lineup. So this is proof that we were not being led to play defense first. If our best defensive perimeter player wasn’t on the floor, how is this the same system as our championship years? It’s not.

I know a lot of you dont agree, so I am going to drop a stat that if this doesn’t show he is confused, then I can’t help you:

The Spurs have already gone through 16 different starting lineups in only 50 games

09-10 16 different starting lineups in 50 games
08-09 15 different starting lineups in 82 games
07-08 13 different starting lineups in 82 games
06-07 11 different starting lineups in 82 games Championship year

I think this job is too much for Pop.

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 7:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You have a point about this being largely Pops fault. I didnt think about the fact that Pop had a huge hand in selecting the players that completely changed the way the Spurs look.

Pop obviously had the intent of fundamentally changing the way the team plays. The lack of defense and the emphasis on offense is proof. The hiring of an offense-first player like Jefferson instead of getting a defensive replacement for Bruce Bowen is further proof. Pop should have been ready to fundamentally change the way he coaches in or order to match the personnel changes…

Again, though. I dont see Pop as being fireable, and I dont believe he would ever decide to step down. What a mess….

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Feb 9, 2010 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There’s been a bazillion lineups because the PLAYERS are playing like shit. Pop isn’t doing anything new at all. He’s just being himself. We have 6 new guys, and if that means waiting till next year to get a ring, then so be it.

AKA: Linix129

by sw12 on Feb 9, 2010 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So you think the evidence of his “confusion” is that he has started a few more lineups than he usually does? He has seven new players. I would be worried if he hadn’t tried out different lineups! And you would probably be calling for his head because he was too old and set in his ways to experiment with different looks.

He’s still a long way from setting some kind of record for using different starting lineups (which is at least 41, if not higher).

But I’m sure you’re right. I look forward to the day you are head coach of your own NBA team so that I can say I knew you when. Bet Pop will feel silly then, eh?

I’m finished banging my head against this particular brick wall.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 9, 2010 8:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you are head coach of your own NBA team

Why did you have to go there?

So I am not a NBA head coach so I can’t call him on his mistakes? Well we should all just pack it up and shut up about RJ, because none of us are starting Small Forwards in the NBA either, so what do we know about blocking out, shooting jumpers or just playing basketball?

Yes, Pop attended the Air Force academy and he is smart and I am sure he was a brilliant Russian Spy, and he has a lot of other accolades 4 Championships included but he is coaching THIS team to a .500 record.

Firing Pop is not that far fetch to me because goodbyes are never easy. Would TD, TP, and Manu be pissed? Probably, but I think they are professionals and they would pull it together and probably play with even more focus and conviction.

For all we know, maybe the reason they aren’t playing with passion and that edge that we are all accustom to seeing is because maybe they don’t believe in Pop’s direction for the team.

Think about that…

by GhosTown on Feb 9, 2010 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You’re right that anyone can criticize anyone else. Does that mean all criticism is rational? No, it doesn’t.

Like many others at PtR, I think you’ve made some good points. What frustrates me is that you just can’t seem to resist adding irrationality into the mix. It’s one thing to criticize—it’s another to condemn. To say things like Pop is stupid; Pop is confused; Pop is a terrible coach—that’s just ridiculous. You’re coming from a place of no respect or gratitude, and this is a coach who deserves both. As soon as you start writing things like that I either tune you out or get really annoyed, depending on the circumstances.

Is firing Pop a possibility? Of course it is. This is the NBA. Is it likely? No, not really. Would it be a good idea? Absolutely not, in my opinion. Could Pop be doing a better job? Possibly. I really don’t have the knowledge needed to state that as a certainty. I know the players could be doing better, that’s for damn sure. I also know that Pop, R.C., Peter Holt, the assistant coaching staff, the players, and even the trainers are sophisticated, conscientious, dedicated people who are perfectly capable of self-scrutiny and difficult decisions. I’m sure there are lots of tough conversations taking place right now. I imagine that they know what’s at stake and where to focus their efforts. Everyone is probably wondering whether they are part of the problem, even—no, especially—Pop. But the answer isn’t going to be a simple one, and throwing men like Pop off the life raft isn’t something to be cavalier about.

And if there were any way to prove it, I would bet my beloved Mini Cooper that this:

For all we know, maybe the reason they aren’t playing with passion and that edge that we are all accustom to seeing is because maybe they don’t believe in Pop’s direction for the team.

is absolutely untrue. It goes against everything we know about Tim, Tony, and Manu.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 10, 2010 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 6 recs

I am sorry you hate to hear anyone talk bad about Pop. But that is what happens when you are not performing.

This is what happens when someone falls off.

People do it all the time. Tell me, how do you tell if a player is getting old, slow, and tired? You watch their performance on the court. And when it is evident that they don’t have it anymore, you trade or diminish their role on the team. Unless you want to keep losing.

Same can be said for coaches too.

Although it has become clearer to a lot of Spurs fans this year that something is different. Pop has been falling off for the past two years, only now, we can’t blame it on the injuries. We are totally healthy, we have good, young athletic players and we are still losing.

I mentioned my suspicions on why I think we are losing but you said you don’t believe it.

But I would rethink that if I were you because of what happened to Haislip.

If we all have noticed the crazy substitution patterns, I know the players have and they know more about basketball than any of us.

How can you be successful like this:

You go in, NO NO, wait, come back, no, you go, no no no, not you, that one.

You tell me one player at any level that would wanna play their hearts out knowing this is going on with the subs.

Now imagine how Haislip felt, he is behind Bonner, and can’t break into the rotation, knowing he is a much better defender than Bonner, but Pop wouldn’t play him.

by GhosTown on Feb 10, 2010 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am sorry you hate to hear anyone talk bad about Pop.

Dude. That is not at all what I said.

I don’t mind at all if people criticize Pop. “Why did Pop have Tim sitting in the third quarter” is a legit question. What I mind is this sort of nonsense: “Pop must be getting senile! He can’t handle coaching in the NBA anymore! What an idiot!”

See the difference there? If you’re a Spurs fan, you know what sort of coach Pop has been for more than a decade. You don’t go from 0 to 60 in nothing flat on the Disrespecting Popometer without losing a lot of credibility in my view. That’s all.

And for the last time, we are not “totally healthy.”

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 10, 2010 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Point taken, but I don’t see you defending RJ with the same conviction when everyone is dogging him.

BTW, who is injured? TP can still play so he is hurt not injured. :)

I think we are healthy enough not to use injury as an excuse for our recent break downs and losses.

by GhosTown on Feb 10, 2010 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No, you don’t see me defending RJ with the same vigor—but he hasn’t guided the Spurs to four championships. Then again, you don’t see me heaping abuse on his head, either. I save that kind of thing for Kevin Garnett.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 10, 2010 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No, you don’t see me defending RJ with the same vigor—but he hasn’t guided the Spurs to four championships.

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobli

by spursfan87 on Feb 10, 2010 6:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Parker is not healthy, thus you get one solid quarter from him per game. A healthy Parker would play similar minutes with numbers comparable to last season. That would have this team with more wins, while still having issues on defense.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Feb 11, 2010 2:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Could it be a case where the players start doubting themselves and their abilities instead of the above said situation. Think about this, you go to work every day and you are being asked to do the same thing in a different time and different style every day. And on top of it, few of those style or methods are not your strong holds. Now, would you question your boss that asked you to do it in spite of knowing that you may not be good at it or would you start questioning the situation, as in, ask yourself, if you know what you are doing. I don’t know if I make a whole lot of sense, but just wanted to put it out there.

by Heman on Feb 10, 2010 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You make a ton of sense. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if this is the case with the Spurs.

I remember the game against the Nets, when Ian got some significant playing time.

During an interview, TP was so excited for him, he said he knew this guy could play because in practice the athleticism was always there.

Sure TP is not the coach, but I am sure he can tell that using Ian to defend and rebound when resting TD would be far more effective than using Bonner. Or moving RJ up to PF and using Blair as the center.

To me, what validates my point about the coaching is when it doesn’t work, Pop tries it again and again. Almost like telling the players, it will work, you just have to try doing it a little harder.
Any good worker that knows his job, knows that working harder in the wrong system is only going to make you a tired loser. So I wouldn’t be surprised if the effort is half baked.

Some times on the basketball court, a lack of effort comes from a lack of confidence in the system.

by GhosTown on Feb 11, 2010 8:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or moving RJ up to PF and using Blair as the center.

I’m sorry, did you just advocate for more smallball? When defense is the team’s key issue?

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 11, 2010 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No way. I am not for small ball. It was poorly written.

It should have read.

Ian is a better option to defend and rebound when resting TD, than using Bonner or trying to move RJ up to PF and using Blair as the center.

by GhosTown on Feb 11, 2010 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I also share your observation. Pop is a HOF coach but I completely agree with your point.And not playing your young players to get them familiar with your schemes isn’t helping either. I think Pop needs more asst. coaches who can bring new ideas to the team. Pop has excellent leadership and command skills but I think he’s exhausted all his basketball wisdom. Just a thought, with the same championship core, Spurs has no back to back championships and has to wait for Duncan to win even though HOF Robinson is an exceptional player… I think its because you’ve got to have fresh plan of attack every season because every team is evolving trying to be better than you. I dont know about his current asst coaches but I think they’re the guys that wasn’t picked up by teams for a reason.

by 21td on Feb 11, 2010 6:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Perfect.

Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Feb 11, 2010 1:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not to belabor your own point, but you do know that Pop takes statistical samples of his lineups for the season based on his own wild ideas. Remember back in the day when Phil called Pop and his squad the simulation group?

So the numbers just show, Pop is getting better at it each year. lol. How is that helping us in the post season? Well, we will know when a healthy one comes around.

by LionZion on Feb 15, 2010 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LD and I were at the game and we continually cursed the lineups. For extended minutes Hill, Bogans, Manu, Finley and Blair was one of Pops favorites

"I will five all over this blog." - JRW

by Manuwar on Feb 9, 2010 8:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Finley at PF causes a rip in the fabric of the universe.

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 9, 2010 8:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

are you going to meet up with LD?

"I will five all over this blog." - JRW

by Manuwar on Feb 9, 2010 8:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope, couldn’t get the day off.

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 9, 2010 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Call in sick or quit. seriously. David is great.

"I will five all over this blog." - JRW

by Manuwar on Feb 10, 2010 12:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

seriously, really? no, no, no, really? pleassssssssee, work will still be THERE. LD goes back to S. AM. dude.

by cojones2thewall on Feb 10, 2010 1:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Except that it won’t be there, because I used all my time off already to go to FL and get an extra car from my parents, so the next time I miss, I’m fired. Trust me, I’m not happy about it, but it is what it is.

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 10, 2010 1:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You can go to Argentina and follow your favorite soccer team… Boca Juniors.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Feb 10, 2010 6:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i cant bring myself to make a serious reply to this non-sense. is ghostown the new screen name for our old friend THE ALL CAPS GUY? just asking……

by bones on Feb 9, 2010 9:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think the one thing we all agree upon is that our team is under performing and certain things are said out of frustration. Let us all take it in our stride instead of arguing about it.

In the past, even when the Spurs lost, we weren;t bothered because we knew they were competing. But this year, I honestly dont know if they are. I wish I’m totally wrong on this.

Basketball being a sport, I think competing is more important than winning/losing. Having said all this…I only wish we play hard even if we lose. If that happens, I would ever be proud of my spurs.

by Heman on Feb 9, 2010 10:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You have a point, but I think for most people involved in the NBA (especially think of Stern), this is a business.

by Bakkie009 on Feb 11, 2010 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I get the feeling that some Spurs fans don’t realize just how GOOD we have it.

Yes. The squad is a hot mess. But how many other teams in the league would trade places with our Spurs right now? How many fans from those same teams would LOVE to have a ‘tenured’ coach like Gregg Popovich, an owner like Peter Holt or a steady general manager like R.C. Buford? You think Clippers fans wouldn’t want to trade places with us? Knicks and Nets fans? The seventeen die-hard Bobcats fans (j/k there)?

That being said, I get just as frustrated with Coach Pop’s “circus rotations” as much as anyone. Heck, it’s par for the course with being a Spurs’ fan; this isn’t something new this season with Pop.

But I don’t think Pop should get sacked.

No.

I think what the Spurs need to do is drop a huge bag of cash on the lap of P.J. Carlesimo. Think about it for a moment. P.J. joined the the Spurs in 2002. The team won three championships before he left in 2007. Now, look at what we have had happening in the last two seasons.

Yes, yes, yes. Injuries and changing personnel have a LOT more to do with our current Tales of Woe than any single coaching departure. However, I believe P.J.‘s presence on the sideline, in the huddle, the locker room, team flights and in practices made a difference. What kind of difference? Hell, if I know, I wasn’t there.

Sure. Carlesimo lost the Thunderclusters within a year and a half. But he was doing SOMETHING right, when he was with our Spurs. Maybe that’s what we’ve been missing. Heck, maybe P.J. might be just the person to get into Rage’s hard noggin’ and wake his butt up!

...!!

by transgojobot on Feb 9, 2010 11:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pop needs help, he can’t coach this team alone.

Also we need to get rid of some guys probably not Jefferson, but we can get something nice trading Mason, Bogans, Bonner and Splitter’s rights(just in case )

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobli

by spursfan87 on Feb 9, 2010 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have lost faith in getting another championship ring for this year.. Spurs should just play the bastketball game and not get into blaming game.. and see what happens..

by The Watchers on Feb 10, 2010 1:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Criticizing Pop

No one is above criticism, not the President, not the Governor, not your local congressperson. So Pop is certainly open to criticism. I agree with most here that the criticism should be devoid of personal attacks (idiot, moron, etc.). That doesn’t further anyone’s point, it just pisses them off and they tune out what could be legitimate arguments. But I wonder if Spurs’ assistant coaches are allowed to be critical of Pop’s decisions. At the very least, I would bet that they self-censor for fear of losing their jobs. It’s like the SA press never openly question Pop’s decisions for fear of losing access. That’s not a healthy situation over the long term.

by agutierrez on Feb 10, 2010 3:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Really? The San Antonio press never openly question Pop’s decisions? I’m not being sarcastic, I’m genuinely curious. I don’t read the San Antonio paper as a matter of course.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 10, 2010 5:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, first of all, there isn’t a lot of SA press. There is Mike Monroe, Jeff McDonald, and Buck Harvey. That’s pretty much it. I think for the most part, and I could be wrong, that Jeff and Mike are news and that Buck is editorial. Meaning that I think Jeff and Mike report and that Buck is the one who is set up to criticize Pop. And frankly, how critical of Pop can you really be since his first year?

On the other hand, I don’t think they have to worry about losing access, they have to worry about credibility with their readers more than anything. I have more a chance of losing my access for what I write than they do and being critical of Pop isn’t one of the things I would hold back on. I’ve just taken the position that he is a sane person who just happens to be one of the best 3-5 people in his profession and I can’t really judge a lot of what he does. I don’t have the background or the knowledge. I can see things that he does and wonder why, but I can’t say he is wrong. Not with any credibility, at least.

We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.

by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Feb 10, 2010 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs

I’ve just taken the position that he is a sane person who just happens to be one of the best 3-5 people in his profession and I can’t really judge a lot of what he does. I don’t have the background or the knowledge. I can see things that he does and wonder why, but I can’t say he is wrong. Not with any credibility, at least.

And that’s exactly why I respect what you have to say.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 10, 2010 10:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So you don’t respect what I say? :)

by GhosTown on Feb 10, 2010 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you have my respect if it means anything GS, sure you’re blogging etiquette could use some polishing, specially when you obliviously misdirect your anger to other blogging individuals, but you do that all the time, so I think it’s nothing personal at all, plus, you’re just about as stubborn as Pop is, and care about your team. I’ll take internet social obliviousness anything as long as your intentions are good, just try not to get The Man upset anymore, your predicated rant want surely missed after losses (and some wins) while your were ~~banned~~ on vacation.

GTFOML!

by the little o on Feb 11, 2010 12:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

~~anything~~ anytime*

GTFOML!

by the little o on Feb 11, 2010 12:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d like to point out that my issue is not with the way GhosTown treats other forum members. It is with his exaggerations and disrespect toward the four-time championship winning coach of the San Antonio Spurs. As I have repeatedly stated, I think he has made a few good points. However, until he starts posting with more perspective, it will be hard for me to take him seriously. As Wayne pointed out, no self-respecting sportswriter would put his credibility on the line by writing things like “Pop is washed up and senile.”

Okay, I’ve got to stop trying to make myself understood on this. It’s apparently not going to happen, and I sound like a broken record.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 11, 2010 9:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no self-respecting sportswriter would put his credibility on the line

Well consider me the first and Britt Robson the second.

When did I call Pop senile? In my fan post, I said he was done.

Senile is your word, not mine. The fact that YOU brought it up means that YOU must be thinking it.

by GhosTown on Feb 11, 2010 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So you are a sportswriter. Where can I read your stuff?

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Feb 11, 2010 11:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

RIght here. :)

by GhosTown on Feb 11, 2010 12:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I get the feeling the Spurs could have one loss and you would still be nitpicking at Pop and Bonner. I know this is not the case, but the way you express yourself thats the type of vibe I get.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Feb 11, 2010 9:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We are in 6th place in the West, only 8 games above .500 and you call it nitpicking.

I guess we have to miss the playoffs, before it would not be nitpicking, huh???

I don’t pick on Bonner, the opponents do. They destroy him. I’m just pointing it out. And I didn’t put Bonner on the court to be destroyed, I’m just pointing that out too. Every single sports writer and most fans will tell you the Spurs are not playing defense like they used to for the past 2 years.

This year, it has gotten even worse.

Now you wanna guess what is consistent with our lack of defense. I’ll tell ya, Bonner’s increase in playing time on this team. Each year he gets more PT, and each year we are getting worse defensively.

When Bonner broke his hand we went on a little mini streak winning 12 of 17 games and since he returned we have only won 4 out of 10 games.

So you tell me, is it Bonner? Or is it Pop for playing Bonner?

by GhosTown on Feb 11, 2010 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lets dig a little deeper. Before Bonner went down we were 14-10 I believe. Bonner went down and we got wins against a list of NBA power houses:

Clippers
Bucks
Knicks
Timberwolves
Wizards
Pistons
Nets

We won a few meaningful games against Miami, LAL and OKC. We had losses against:

decimated Blazers
Toronto (who we beat with Bonner)
Dallas
Charlotte
Memphis

Clearly you cannot place all of this winning and loosing streaks on Mr. Bonner.

Since Bonner returned we have lost games to the bottom of the barrel in the NBA:

Utah
Houston
Chicago
Denver
Portland
Lakers

Whatever the results since Bonner’s return it cannot possible be attributed to him in any case because he has played: 6 (W), 3 (L), 10 (L), 14 (W), 10 (W), 17 (L), 7(W), 5 (L), 23 (W, blowout) and 7 (L) minutes.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Feb 11, 2010 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Whatever the results since Bonner’s return it cannot possible be attributed to him

Oh yes it can.

I am not saying it is Bonner’s fault. Bonner is the reason, it’s Pop’s fault for playing him.

If you don’t see a strong correlation with Bonner = Losing I can’t make it any clearer.

Just using your stats along should be evident.

14-10 before injury. NOT GOOD
4-6 after he returned. EVEN WORSE

That is a combined record of 18-16 when Bonner’s gym shoes touch the floor.

No Bonner at all. 12-5

Now project that kind of winning over the entire season and we are looking at a very respectable record of 57-25.

by GhosTown on Feb 11, 2010 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You clearly missed the whole point of my post. Besides the sarcasm I dont think I could have made my point any clearer or am I wrong?

GT instead of just giving you 14-10 and 4-6 I went ahead and took the time to actually list some opponents in our wins and losses… can you see a pattern there? Do you understand why I did that?

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Feb 11, 2010 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The only pattern I see is Bonner = Losing.

I have to believe playing Bonner is the problem because when Bonner went down, we played well without him. When he came back it doesn’t matter if he played 3 mins or 10 mins, we still started losing again because Pop altered the rotations.

Whether the team was a power house or not doesn’t matter because over 50 games it all evens out who we play and when. Basically, it comes down to did he help or hurt us, and according to our record and your rebounding stats, Bonner hurts us defensively.

by GhosTown on Feb 11, 2010 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As I say in the other thread Im done with the Bonner conversation. I just wanted to point out that if we played every game against the Nets we would be 48-2

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Feb 11, 2010 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sometimes the things that Pop does wrong are very plain. i.e, resting Tim Duncan in the first half of a winnable road game against the Raps , and having Manu take a game winner that Mason would have hit with his eyes closed

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Feb 10, 2010 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There are some out there hinting something is wrong with the coaching.

CNN’s Britt Robson said “Or blame Popovich, one of the game’s premier coaches, for not allowing a team with four newcomers among its top eight in minutes to establish set roles and rotations. Popovich’s constant tinkering reflects his increasingly exasperated attempt to retrieve that familiar Spurs magic from past seasons. Synergy, swagger, chemistry, execution — whatever it is, the Spurs have yet to find it this season.”

by GhosTown on Feb 10, 2010 10:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Eh, starting with that position you really can’t criticize much, if anything at all. I don’t know what the president does know, I don’t know what Sarah Palin knows, I don’t know what it’s like to respond to emergency situation so I can’t say anything about Katrina, I’m not a biology professor so maybe they should teach the controversy, etc.
I know what you’re saying, we don’t even know what players know, so what would be the point of having a blog if never really knows what it’s like to be in the NBA.
I do respect Pop, I wouldn’t have anyone else coaching the team, except Phil Jackson. But the guy can be extremely stubborn sometimes.

To serve man.
Gustatus similis pullus.

by Hipuks on Feb 10, 2010 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you are getting into a philosophical question now. I think the strongest criticism for anyone comes from experts in their field. In the case of Opo and ATS, Pop is a veteran coach and ATS started leading this Spurs blog recently. On top of that his main vocation is that of programmer (correct?) so from ATS perspective he can do little criticism.

I think people in San Antonio that have been watching the Spurs critically and less in a fan-like fashion are in a better position to lob criticism at the current approach.

"If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert"
- DBG

by LasEspuelas on Feb 11, 2010 10:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the strongest criticism will come when we get our asses kicked in the first round of the playoffs.

To serve man.
Gustatus similis pullus.

by Hipuks on Feb 11, 2010 9:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

G-town, I wanted to ask a serious question: Are you a family member of RJ’s?

Your unbridled passion seems that it may be placed in blood.

Thanks

CP.

Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.

by Cedarpark on Feb 10, 2010 6:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I am not trying to defend RJ, I’m saying that RJ is only one player and no way should a good coach allow one player to ruin the team. If RJ sucks, bench em.

After 50 games, I still couldn’t tell you RJ’s role on offense. Can anyone? Unless I know what he is suppose to do, how can I say he sucks at it whatever that role may be.

by GhosTown on Feb 10, 2010 10:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can you really bench the second highest paid played in the team?

Bone breaking? -340
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Feb 11, 2010 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Under normal circumstances, I would if he sucked at doing what I asked him to do.

But only after he has an opportunity to succeed.

In RJ’s case I don’t bench him yet, because I don’t see him as the problem on defense.

by GhosTown on Feb 11, 2010 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

“The” problem? No, since everyone has played their part. A huge part of the problem? I say yes. How many times has RJ been beaten down the floor for a layup, or failed to hear communication from a teammate and thus didn’t pick up their man, or by being beaten down the floor his mates must help him and thus someone else gets a wide open shot or gets fouled? It happens a great deal, including the recent defeats at LA and Portland. Worse, the Spurs were leading when these mistakes happen and it kick starts the opponents’ comeback.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

by SpurredOn on Feb 11, 2010 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In RJ’s case I don’t bench him yet, because I don’t see him as the problem on defense.

We go up 9-0 on the Lakers then RJ leaves his man, a 40% 3 point shooter, wide open on two consecutive plays to make it 9-6. And you don’t see any problems with that?

by doggydogworld on Feb 11, 2010 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There’s been plenty of lapses like that from others, most surprisingly Manu(in the same game, against Sasha Fierce no less). This is something that I’ve struggled with, because it even happens to Duncan regularly this season, and until recently, I couldn’t understand why. I don’t think the problem is with individual defenders – the problem is that the Spurs don’t have a true leader at the defensive end of the floor. It used to be Bruce, but now it seems like nobody is communicating and holding their teammates responsible.

Don't compare RJ to Sean unless he's coming up clutch while playing with a failing kidney.

by Tim C. on Feb 11, 2010 5:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sasha Fierce…..Classic . = P

...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.

by alamobro on Feb 11, 2010 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m hoping RJ pulls out of this season long slump, but it’s not tough to know your role on offense.

Hit free throws, would be one good role.

Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.

by Cedarpark on Feb 11, 2010 11:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

It’s not Pop’s fault that RJ can’t hit an open shot. Sorry, end of argument.

by JustinBK on Feb 11, 2010 6:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Or that Romaju has been stone cold for most of the season.

I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.

by Lauri on Feb 11, 2010 6:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wat??

Fire Pop…are you serious??

We are still in the playoff race and there is still time left…We have to get Richard Jefferson going if we wanna make a run….Yea he’s sucked,but he is the x-factor….The only problem i have with pop is playing matt bonner….

Like shaq said,its all about getting hot at the right time

by kingjaffe on Feb 12, 2010 1:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Exactly, lets fire a coach who has been the best of the best for like 10 years because he is having an (very arguable) bad half-season. Yeah right………

"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"

by Chilai on Feb 12, 2010 2:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pop has it tougher than people realize…Timmy is old and pop has to manage his minutes….He’s had to basically lose games to keep timmy’s health in good standards for the playoff run..not to mention ginobli and parker isnt fully healthy…He’s playing with a fixed deck…

Pop is banking that we can gel enough for playoff time…We just neeed to get in one of the 8 spots…

The question is how much of a difference overall is there between the 1-8 teams in the west???my point is any team can be beaten including the lakers..

The bench is getting extra time also including blair…Jefferson has to get going though,,,He can be the difference maker even though he isnt a star player..

Give pop some credit…He’s has to comprimise games to keep the big 3 healthy…Lets not forget that

by kingjaffe on Feb 13, 2010 12:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs