Pounding The Rock: FanPosts

NBA Live 10 Gameday Poll:: Regular Season Week 5 (4 Games)

2009-11-20T16:47:08Z

What a bad week for our beloved Spurs dropping to the EVIL EMPIRE in the Dallas Mavericks this past Wednesday and the Utah Jazz Thursday night.

Another week is upon us though and I feel we can scrape away some nice wins. After the jump the poll for the upcoming week for San Antonio Spurs basketball.

We have four games in week five of the regular season, but only three are listed as one will be on a Monday and I won't be able to get the game up do to work.

Vote, leave comments if you wish.

Poll

Which game you want simulated?

Bite the Bullet?

2009-11-20T07:03:03Z

Even before the 08-09 season ended, I’ve had high hopes for the Spurs. We got Richard Jefferson and his offense-defense in an offseason trade, and my expectations for the team shot even higher. A couple of days later, the Spurs drafted promising rookie and co-Big East Player of the Year, DeJuan Blair, and I got even more excited. Then we signed veteran Antonio McDyess and his mid-range shooting, and I was jumping for joy. We split our preseason games, 3-3, but Blair and Hill’s play helped keep my enthusiasm for this team and this season off the charts. Ten games into the San Antonio Spurs’ 2009-2010 season, and here I am--alone, jobless, without the company of comforting friends, short of cigarettes, out of alcohol, and wading in the mire of depression brought about by a disappointing season thus far.

Give us more reasons to hope.

If the signing of Bogans added anything to the team, I was certain that it was strengthening our defense. For sure, with Tim and Manu finally healthy, and Tony at or near his prime, we wouldn’t lack in offense. If those three weren’t enough, our big fourth, RJ, would make sure of that. And yet, ten games into the season, our offense isn’t overwhelming and our defense has only recently approached decent by Spurs standards. Ginobili and Parker are both out with injuries, and while Duncan has shown flashes of his former brilliance, even old 21 has had health issues to deal with--albeit minor ones. We’re currently two games below .500, and that’s just plain unacceptable. I never thought this day would happen, but I’d be happy if we could only get to .500.

Since last season’s premature end, I have considered 2010 as the year we take back what’s ours--the Larry O’Brien trophy. This is the year we stand on top of the basketball world once again. Well, this WAS the year we stood on top of the basketball world once again. I’m not even sure which is which anymore. Is the championship still a realistic goal? Eastern contenders are doing quite well. The Lakers seemed to be able to survive through the injuries. Even Phoenix and Dallas are doing (at least for me) surprisingly well. Are we in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since we drafted Tim Duncan? In reality, if the playoffs started today, we would be outside looking in. We’re tenth in the West, and the team that’s above us, Utah, just beat us today.

We want another picture like this--with RJ, Hill, Dice, and Blair.

We stand at 4-6, which means there are 72 games left in the regular season. That’s a whole lot of basketball to be played. But with little to comfort me in our recent games, I needed somewhere else to find solace. Somewhere I always find reassurance in: history. Will it take me into its soothing arms and rock me to sleep? Or will it give me a GOML look and shrug me off along with Golden State and New Orleans? When you strain enough to witness streaking meteors in the sky, you’ll eventually spot one. It might not actually be a meteor, probably a plane or fireworks from some festivity. But it will keep you placated, sedated into thinking everything’s alright. As it turns out, I had to stay up hours to look for those shooting stars. I had to pay a huge sum of money to afford a tranquilizer. I had to work to determine whether history’s on my side.

Do you see the shooting star?  I don't either.  But if you wait, it will come. In June.

I looked at all the NBA champions to see whether any one of them started out like we did--with a losing record. A year ago, there were the Lakers, starting out with their dominant 9-1 record. The Celtics had the same record through ten games a year before them. In 2007, when we won our last championship--which just seems oh too far away--we had an 8-2 start. Miami, Detroit and the 2003 Spurs gave me some hope: they all started out at 6-4. But our current Spurs have the win-loss record reversed. The next "best" are the ‘99 Spurs, the ’91 Bulls and the ’85 Lakers. They were at .500 at the ten game mark. Even if you look at the average record of all the NBA champions by the first ten games (7.4-2.6), we are off the mark. And I am out of luck. Will I just have to accept the horrible thought that maybe this isn’t the year we win our fifth Championship?

I was almost resigned to that fate, when some light in the sky changed all that--some light that wasn’t a meteor, instead a very shiny bullet. The Washington Bullets.

The 1977-1978 Bullets hovered around .500 throughout the season and had to deal with a couple of injuries. They ended the season with a 44-38 record; that was good for fourth-best in the East. They began to get healthy when the playoffs started and swept the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Playing solid basketball, the Bullets upset, guess who, the San Antonio Spurs in the second. They would go on to beat the Sixers in the Conference Finals in six games, and then beat the Sonics on their home court in game 7 of the finals to win their first NBA Championship. Interesting though, is that those Washington Bullets started 4-6. Hey, just like us now!

Wes Unseld had 15 points and 9 rebounds in that Championship-winning game 7.

In the past sixty seasons of the NBA--even if you include the BAA years--no team has ever won the Championship after losing the first six of ten games. No team, except for the ‘78 Bullets. They’re the only team in the history of the NBA to ever win a championship after starting 4-6.

The one and only team.

One.

Now, let’s write history and make that two. Go, Spurs, Go!

References: Wikipedia and Sportsecyclopedia for the Bullets' season, and http://www.basketball-reference.com/ for the stats.

Unofficial Spurs/Mavs Recap

2009-11-19T16:36:54Z

That was a tough game to lose. There are some really good signs from last nights game, but one thing that is really not good is the loss of Manu Ginobili. I haven't heard if he's going to be out for an extended period or if everything was just precautionary last night. Let's just hope that game last night didn't cost us more than a loss.

On to the game....

The defense was pretty good last night. You have to give credit to Dirk Nowitzki, he put up 41 points on some of the hardest shots anybody could make him take. Matt Bonner and Antonio McDyess shared most of the duty guarding the large German. McDyess seemed to handle Dirk the best. 48 MoH has a table of how it Nowitzki did against Bonner and SAM. Bonner only gave up one more shot and deed seem to make Dirk work hard for his shots.

They worked hard, but came up just short

Over all our defense was strong, George Hill lead the charge on the perimeter defense. His foul trouble hurt us late in the 3rd quarter. Richard Jefferson, Keith Bogans and a rare Malik Hairston sighting really gave the Mavs trouble on the outside. Our interior defense is really suspect when Timmeh is not on the floor. In fact, it's sometimes suspect when TD is on the floor. Drew Gooden gave us worlds of problems as did the quick guards the Mavs where throwing at us. I would have liked to see a little more DeJuan Blair coming in to guard Gooden.

The little cockroach gave the Spurs trouble

Offensively, the Spurs seemed out of sorts most of the game. RJ is still not comfortable when playing with Duncan. He seems like he doesn't want to upset anyone by being aggressive. This was the kind of game we needed RJ to come out and dominate. Late in the game he was working hard, but couldn't seem to get it going offensively. Cubits ran the offense pretty well, but made several turnovers when his spacing got bad. We really could have used the Sickness during stretches where things got stagnant. There were way too many turnovers. Many times we made the Mavericks job easier with a quick shot or poor spacing.

Finley played pretty well. Roger Mason Jr. is lost. You know this is true when he tries to give somebody a facial. I'd like to see more of that type of aggression from him. McDyess did his thing. I'd like to see him in the game late to force teams to play Timmeh one on one. Tim Duncan was a rock last night. He should have gotten at least two calls late in regulation and a couple in overtime that he didn't get. He worked hard and almost carried this team to a victory.

We'd like to know why you can't get a call too, Tim

Overall I think this game was a positive. The defense looked good, the offense was a little off, but had moments that seem to tell us a bright future is coming. If we were rolling with Tony Parker and Manu I think this game would have been different. A tough loss to be sure. Yes, there is work to do, but there are signs of a team that is going to be very very good.

My 3 stars:

George Hill: Played good defense, hustled and was hitting open shots. 15 points, 4 assists

Richard Jefferson: Played hard, did fairly well on defense. 13 points, 11 rebounds

Tim Duncan: Carried the team, scored when he needed to and kept the interior defense up. 22 points, 14 rebounds

Ginobili vs. Dracula, Chapter 4

2009-11-19T00:51:43Z

Tony Parker felt the rhythmic slap of the ball as if it were dribbling his right hand. The air stuck him to the spot like concrete. The court shifted in space to place Tony at the top of the key. Manu was wide open under the rim, and Derick Fisher plodded toward him, bloody fangs barred and ready to swipe. But Tony could not move nor pass the ball ...

The down pillow shot from Tony's arms. Sacre Bleu! Only a dream.

"Of course, I always want to play in the fourth quarter, but Pop made a decision and stuck with it," Manu said. "My hamstring is not worse than the game before. It's actually better."

Popovich smirked when he heard Ginobili mock-complaining to the Express News reporter in the locker room.

When Pop called Manu out the game and handed him the clipboard and the pencil, he calmly sat on the bench. Manu discretely closed his eyes and kept them shut as he drew. The announcer yelled "Twooooo Minutessss, two minutes!" over the SBC center's PA. Manu handed the clipboard back to Pop. On it was an exact fourth quarter shot chart and what would be the final score: Thunder 102, Spurs 98.

* * * * *

The red, purple, and gray of a November evening hushed on San Antonio like a lonely mood. The Spurs afternoon practices kept getting later and later. It was as if Coach Popovich was physically preparing the team to play the games after midnight.

Shooting coach Chip Engelland and Tim Duncan were early, and as always, working on Tim's free throws.

– Swish – Clunk – Swish – Swish – Swish – Clunk – Clunk – Swish – Swish – Clunk –

Sixty percent; below career average. Engelland wrinkled his brow. "Now, the blindfold, Tim -- Pop's orders "

Tim fixed the official NBA Spurs headband over his eyes.

Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish – Swish –

Pop sat on the bench in silence, eyes closed, diagramming plays in his head. On Dracula's court there was no light, no sound, no movement. He did not yet know when Dracula would strike nor from where. But it was his job to make sure his Spurs would be ready.

* * * * *

Derek Fisher walked the darkend halls of the Staples center. Coach Jackson told him to meet the team's new owner in his executive luxury box. Derek was lost in thought. Pau Gasol out with hamstring injury and now Luke Walton set to miss at least six weeks with a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve! Seriously, these were not real injuries. Something else was keeping Pau and Luke away from playing -- fear. They could all feel it, even Kobe. Something evil festered in the Lakers organization.

Derek was not afraid. Champions had no time for fear. He would do whatever it took to win. Derek walked deeper into the darkness and embraced it.

NBA Live 10 Simulation (4):: San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks

2009-11-18T22:44:04Z

First off, just wanted to say sorry for the lateness on this. I try to get them up the morning of game days but had to do some 'honey dos' before I could play, hehe.

Outcome after the jump.

Virtual Dirk lit us up for 27!

Well, I didn't think this day would come and it has and I am dreading typing this out right now. Dirk Nowitzki lit us up for 27 points and the Mavericks at one point were crushing me by 21.

Though we were down to start the fourth period, I had a lot of time to come back. The players who gave us that spark of fire were Tony Parker, Michael Finley, and Richard Jefferson. Tim Duncan was not much of a factor; he was in foul trouble all game long after picking up three in the first quarter. He didn't see much of the floor after that.

In the fourth quarter, we would score 38 points to the Mavericks 22. We came all the way back from 21 down and tied the game with just 30 seconds to go. The Mavericks came down looking for their man, Dirk Nowitzki. Even though we tried not to send him to the line by not being so aggressive on defense, we fouled once again. He nailed both his free throws to put Dallas up by two.

Richard Jefferson finished with 27.

With the final seconds running down, we turned to Richard Jefferson, who led our scorers with 27 points. He got a nice look off a screen to tie the game . . . and the ball rimmed out.

Tony Parker would finish with 20 points. Michael Finley paced the bench with 15, hitting three out of six from long range in the final period to cut the Mavericks' lead.

Box and Player Stats

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

PTR Game Preview
Spurs vs Mavericks coverage
Mavs Moneyball

Tuesdays are for Losers

2009-11-18T00:00:14Z

You crazy kids posted 402 times in a 3-game Monday night loser thread. Granted, 300 of those posts were mine, but still. What a bunch of loo-hoo-hoooo-serrrs.

Just kidding. Don't leave!

Last night's games turned out to be pretty exciting, especially the Bucks and Mavericks contest. What's on tap tonight? Find oot (that's my Canadian imitation) after the jump.

Golden State at Cleveland

OKC at Miami

Indiana at New Jersey

L.A. Clips at New Orleans

Phoenix at Houston

Toronto at Denver

Chicago at Sacramento

Detroit at L.A. Lakers

Some intriguing match-ups. Can the Rockets beat Phoenix? Can anyone?

Fab posted this on his Twitter today. It's charming--it made me happy.

Birds on the Wires from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.

The story behind the video:

Reading a newspaper, I saw a picture of birds on the electric wires. I cut out the photo and decided to make a song, using the exact location of the birds as notes (no Photoshop edit). I knew it wasn't the most original idea in the universe. I was just curious to hear what melody the birds were creating.

I sent the music to the photographer, Paulo Pinto, who I Googled on the internet. He told his editor, who told a reporter and the story ended up as an interview in the very same newspaper.

Here I've posted a short video made with the photo, the music and the score (composed by the birds).

Here's an interview with the composer about making the video.

Warning: Blair Rebounding (Wallpaper)

2009-11-17T18:23:57Z

BLAAAAIIIIRRR!

Ever since Jalberto showed up, I've been suffering from the photoshop equivalent of penile inadequacy and shame (thanks a bunch...).

Hirschof on that fateful day.

I went through all of the stages of grief: Denial, anger, binge drinking, depression, more anger, listening to Linkin Park, and reluctant acceptance. Now its finally time to move forward. I think I'm ready.

In an attempt to prove my myself to be somewhat worthy to step onto the same digital block as Jal, I present, Warning: Blair Rebounding.

1600 x 1200

1280 x 1024

1024 x 768

Background:Last week, BSPN was going over the top NBA rookies. Mentioned (briefly) was DeBeast and mixed into the 20-25 second highlight package was a series of vicious rebounds and aggressive put-backs.

The ~~boy~~ ~~man~~ beast needs a warning label. So I started to make something that youmight see on a hot iron, a cup of McDonald's coffee, or your wife's sister (or your husband's brother). While browsing google for texture images, I came across a warning with a long stick figure in falling motion. Sound familiar?

Blair's Ippon Seoi Nage needs work but I'm sure as hell not going to tell him...

ANYWAYS. From that point on I started working on a street warning sign. For your game thread posting pleasure...

From there I thought I could work that into a wallpaper and now here I am (submitting this nonsense to you). Many thanks to BlaseE who critiqued the living hell out of my work and offered a few suggestions that immediately found their way into the final result. Much appreciation.

Thank you.

In Praise of Complementary Players

2009-11-17T15:53:48Z

Complementary players are not those who sit at the end of the bench and say "nice shot" a lot (those would be complimentary players). No, we're talking about players whose skill sets complement the team's stars. They fill a niche, maybe two, without getting in the way. They add without subtracting. They accept their role, perhaps grudgingly, and pour their energy into it. They relinquesh, at least temporarily, their quest to be "the man". They don't win MVPs; they win championships.

Many complementaries are defensive specialists, because defense is additive. Playing tough D does not deprive a star of the opportunity to play D in the same way that shooting deprives him of the chance to shoot. But even defensive studs need at least one reliable offensive skill. Bruce Bowen was the archetype. He dominated games at the defensive end by harassing the opposing star to the point of distraction (sometimes to the point of ejection). On offense he pulled his defender out to the corner and let the other Spurs play 4 on 4. Occasionally his defender, frustrated with Tony and Manu's shredding or Timmy's up-and-undering, would leave Bruce to go lend a hand. What happened next was so predictable entire arenas full of opposing fans would see it coming and shriek "Nooooo" before the pass even reached Bruce's hands.

Fabricio Oberto was another classic complementary. On offense he'd stand quietly on the baseline, almost out of bounds and well out of the action, watching his defender's eyes. As soon as the opponent glanced over at Timmy, Fab was gone. The defender would look back to where Oberto used to be and "hey, where'd he go"? Oh there he is, under the basket making an unmolested reverse layup.

Complementaries work on the little things. Oberto couldn't elevate to block shots or snare offensive rebounds, so he wrestled and flopped and fouled and mastered the art of tipping missed shots out to a waiting guard. Do you remember Steve Kerr stepping out of the broadcast booth in game 6 of the 2003 Western Conference Finals to slay the Pretty Ponies with 4-4 shooting from behind the arc? Of course you do. Do you also remember Dallas isolating him repeatedly on defense, hoping to victimize his 37 year old legs? Steve used every trick in the book to hold his own against vastly superior athletes, even snagging a steal at one point. He added brilliantly, without subtracting, sparking a series-ending 23-0 run.

Can NBA megastars become complementary players? Many would say we already know The Answer. It's the only thing Michael Jordan ever failed to accomplish on the basketball court. David Robinson did it, but he's an exceptional human being. Let's just say it's very, very difficult.

Who are today's complementary Spurs? Having traded a few away does the team now suffer from a shortage? Matt Bonner complements Duncan and Parker on offense and just might be figuring out how to "not subtract" at the defensive end. Among the new additions Antonio McDyess is complementary but Richard Jefferson is a pure star and Dejuan Blair is pure beast, almost an anti-Oberto. George Hill is TP-lite on offense, most effective when attacking one-on-one. Keith Bogans may lack a reliable offensive skill and Ian Mahinmi clearly lacks a complementary player's savvy. Theo Ratliff? Marcus Haislip? Malik Hairston? Michael Finley's defense? Roger Mason's shooting percentage in limited minutes? The next 50 games are about answering such questions and experimenting to figure out who can best complement the stars. It will be interesting. It may not be much fun.

Rainy Days and Monday Loser Threads Always Get Me Down

2009-11-17T00:03:26Z

The good thing about today is that I got home a little earlier than I normally do and missed the worst of Austin's notoriously execrable traffic. The bad thing about today is that I got a temporary crown this afternoon, and I'm sitting here drooling, waiting for the local anesthesia to wear off so I can properly feel the pain while the neighbor's basset hound bays incessantly, and there are only three relatively crappy basketball games to watch tonight. Come. Come and join me in my misery. I will give you links after the jump--fabulous links to fascinating and wondrous things. Or maybe just some lolcats.

Are you still with me? Anyone?

Imagine walking alone at night and running into these guys. That would freak me right out.

This is so cool. Amazing images; amazing story. "Time to get in the water, ja."

Fraaaactallllsssss. Oddly disturbing. But beautiful.

The NBA scoreboard page changed their format big time. There's a lot more information on the page now. I can't decide whether I like it. In any case, we've got Portland at Atlanta, Charlotte at Orlando, and Dallas at Milwaukee.

Proposed Lineup

2009-11-15T21:22:46Z

Someone recently suggested that Tony should come off the bench.

IMO, the reason Manu comes off the bench rather than Tony is his style of play. While Tony is unquestionably a better scorer with a higher field goal percentage, Manu is an all-around better player. He is havoc...chaos off the bench. A game changer in more ways than one.

I believe he has been better suited to come off the bench, until now. This team has more weapons than it has had in some time. And Manu is a VERY capable point guard, arguably a better passer than Tony.

I’m proposing a lineup spearheaded by the Swiss army knife. But it won’t be much if he’s surrounded by guys who can’t run or spread the floor. So the other two wings will be athletic (Bonner/Fin/Dice/Mace are excluded) and the PF of the group will be an inexperienced one, but possessed of a great motor and uncanny rebounding skills. It should go without saying that Tim Duncan will be included in this experimental starting lineup.

Thus this lineup will have awesome defensive prowess on the perimeter coupled with excellent 3 point shooting ability. As an added bonus, both guards will have point guard skils. And down low, the lineup will feature two of the best rebounders in the game, one being a future hall of famer.

Tony can come off the Bench and be an offensive force to be reckoned with. There will still be defense coming off the bench (Bogans) along with size (Mcdyess) and three point shooting (Bonner/Mase/fin)

EDIT: You guys have put together a convincing argument as to why Dejuan Blair should not be starting. But I am still really pushing the notion that Manu Ginobili should be given a crack at the starting point slot, with Tony coming off of the bench.

The following is my proposed lineup. (Come-on Pop, you know you’re gonna field something far more ridiculous than this at SOME point in the season)

PG= Manu Ginobili

SG= George Hill

SF= Richard Jefferson

PF= Dejuan Blair

C= Tim Duncan

Your thoughts, please.

Poll

How well would the proposed lineup work ?

NBA Live 10 Gameday Poll: Regular Season Week 4 (3 Games)

2009-11-13T21:48:21Z

It's Friday [ed.--now Sunday] and you all know what that means, well, from my side anyways. Another week has come and gone and this sets up yet another POLL for the following week for our beloved San Antonio Spurs.

We have three games in the coming week, including our trip to Dallas to take on those Mavericks in the first of our back-to-back games.

Rest of the schedule after the jump as well as the poll.

Wednesday, November 18th @ Dallas Mavericks
Thursday, Novermber 19th vs Utah Jazz
Saturday, November 21st vs Washington Wizards

Poll

Who you want?

Nov. 18 @ Dallas Mavericks

30 votes

Nov. 19 vs Utah Jazz

25 votes

Nov. 21 vs Washington Wizards

5 votes

60 votes | Poll has closed

A Few More Photos from the Thunder Game

2009-11-15T17:58:08Z

Wayne can't always work into the recap all the shots I send him. Some I take just for fun and others are taken to give the folks in Argentina and China who follow Manu's website an idea of what is going on at the game. Anyway, here are some other photos from last night. Enjoy!

Tony went down hard, and somehow he was called for the foul. He then proceeded to make his case with Mr. Kennedy, with predictable results. He must have been polite, as the conversation continued for several minutes. I expected a technical any minute.

This game was very physical. There was blood, more than a few drops, on RJ's jersey. While no one could figure out whose blood it was (not RJ's) the NBA has a rule that the jersey has to be treated to remove the blood, so the trainer's used their magic potion to get it out of the white jersey. I wonder how they know if blood gets on our black jerseys.

This one might invite captions. Tony came over, I guess, to console RJ after he lost the ball under our basket with 15 seconds to go. We had fouled and we were awaiting their free throw shot. RJ looks ready to cry!

All I could think about as I watched us line up for an in-bounds play was the Broadway show Chorus Line.

If Manu had a good night, this would have made the recap. I'm including it to let you guys know what a lucky shot it is. I've been trying for two seasons to catch someone on the dribble with the ball still in their hand. Usually I catch the ball on or near the floor. With the shutter speed and the zoom I have to use I can't do what the pros do and just hold down the shutter and then pick the best moment. I think I may ask him to autograph this one.

Last one kinda symbolizes Manu's game: the ball was never quite in focus for him ( but you gotta love that face anyway).

Arranging Acronyms: My Thoughts on the Line-Up

2009-11-15T15:35:17Z

After a tough defeat to the Thunder where we had Parker and Duncan back, my mind began to wonder about what might be wrong with our lineup.

Now I'm not on the "Bench Parker and Duncan" wagon yet, but you have to wonder how we went from locking down a Mavs team loaded with offensive talent like Marion, Howard, Terry, and Nowitzki; to getting aced by the Fighting Durants.

Yes there was a lot of bad calls (9 Durant free throws in only the first few minutes), but there was definitely some problems with the way we played. Yes we had some good defense going early on and we forcing high 30's to low 40's in shooting percentage, but we weren't much better. While the Thunder were throwing all their defensive aces at us, we should have been able to get something going on offense.

Ginobili was suffocated to the sound of 0-8 from the field, Dyess had no offense game for most of the game, and Parker was on lockdown in the first half. But the most startling stat of all?

4 points for Richard Jefferson. The same RJ who dropped 29 on the Mavs just one game earlier. The same RJ who was supposed to come in here and be "our fourth star". Only in two games has he impressed me, and those were the two that Duncan and parker were out. Is it just a manner of there being too many stars on the court? That can't be it if Wallace is getting good numbers in Boston where there's arguably four stars already on the court (I don't count Rondo as a star but many do)

Perhaps.............it's his position. Yes he was brought in to be that great offensive SF we'd been lacking for so long. But let's face it, he's not getting much offense from the SF spot. But from the Power Forward slot, he drops 29. So is there perhaps a way we could get some sort of lineup where Jefferson can play PF but the team wouldn't be missing anything from the SF spot and still be good on D?

Indeed I do believe there is.

C: While this move will spark some controversy on here, the center spot would belong to Duncan. His home is PF I know that, but he's played a lot of center in the past (mainly last year) and he can still keep his low post spot while Jefferson spreads the court with his athleticism and mid-range shooting touch.

PF: Jefferson obviously. I think his problem with SF is that in the scheme he's forced to stick to the perimeter, which completely misuses his best quality. His elite speed. Speed that catches the opponent off-guard and allows him to get the great penetration we saw versus the Mavs. Dare I say, it is Ginobili-esque. However, going from the three-point line all the way to the rim gives the defense more time to react and cut him off forcing a difficult shot or forcing him to pass.

From the Power Forward spot, he's closer to the rim, can penetrate faster, take the D off guard, and get better mid-range shot opportunities.

SF: Yet another move of controversy, but why not put Bonner at SF? He already struggles with close-range shots and layups (though we are seeing some definite improvement). His home is the 3-point line, aka the perimeter from which he would be based. And with his size versus opposing SF's, he might be able to muscle his way close to the rim for the occasional non-3.

SG: Though Manu will obviously get the most time here, I'd like to see Bogans and Hill get a nice split at this spot when Gino isn't on the floor. Both are defensive experts, with Bogans being the better of the two in my book, and Hill can bring offense to the spot for when Ginobili takes a breather. It's really just based on the situation as to when either plays. Trying to protect a lead or limit the opponent from extending a lead, play Bogans. Trying to keep offensive momentum with Ginobili going to sit, play Hill.

PG: Obviously this is Parker's spot and Hill will be the primary backup and Mason should never ever set foot on the court.

Now then, for all you defensive fans who say that Bonner playing the athletic SF's of the league and Jefferson at a size disadvantage, fret not. Have Bonner play the big men and Jefferson keep defending small forwards. Just make sure that Jefferson and Bonner are in their correct spots on offense.

As for when Jefferson would go the bench for a rest, have Duncan return to the PF slot, Finley go in at SF, and Bonner or whoever else play C. If Bonner needs to sit before Jefferson swaps out, Finley would then be charged with SF. The one major flaw to the plan I suppose, but Finley still has some good D and his shot isn't all that bad.

Your all's thoughts?

Poll

Who would you rather have on the court?

Badder than Ace Ventura

2009-11-14T11:20:02Z

Quirky Bam

I remember as a kid, it was just around Halloween when I had a up & close encounter with a bat.

It was early morning when I walked around our garden when I saw this tiny bat hanging on the branch of our guava tree. Initially I was spooked. But when I came closer I saw it was sleeping. So I took a long stick and lightly tapped it. The creature of the night woke up from it slumber, bared its fangs, gave a shriek and flew away.

Boy, that scared the bejeebus out of me. I thought I was a goner. On hindsight, it would be cool to have Bella. Then again, It's barely legal.

D SILVERLINING ON TIM ANKLENEES

2009-11-14T10:47:43Z

Without question, more than any other Spur, the most important player on the roster is Tim Duncan. It is upon his shoulders that our championship hopes rests upon. He is consumate franchise player. The foundation of San Antonio Spurs is no other than the Big Fundamental. What happens if there fundamental issues?

It is why considering Timmy's imminent retirement and health condition, the Spurs front office went all-in by going over the luxury tax just to get the pieces they deemed necessary to contend for the title. And if there is anyone with doubts on how valuable he is, one just have to push the playback on the 2000 play-offs against the Suns when they were ousted coz of Tim Knees.

So it is with concern we received the news that the injury bug first Parker then Duncan (allegedly Manu also but that's another story). In the case of the former, Hill ably played the back-up role with Manu sharing play-making duties. But in the case of Duncan, we will are hard-pressed to find someone who can fill his out-sized rubbers. (Can anybody in the NBA compare?) Still, all is not lost for this is where that our recent additions come into play.

Foremost among them is Blair. The rookie prodigy that has shown amazing talent especially on the boards. Like a thouroughbred horse, he was given a handicap to more or less level the playing field. Then we have the steady McDyess, an easy double double night and night out and finally Ratliff d human eraser who will gain more playing time.

Also waiting on the bench are quality players in Hairston & Haislip, the MH twins. Depending on the match-ups they have much to gain in showcasing their ability if they ever crack the rotation. With these fresh talents, we maybe able to witness the renaissance of our offense and maybe rid off the boring tag for good.

Another welcome news for old Spur followers like someone we know (he who must not be named) is that these talents are so eager to prove themselves that we can expect the hustle plays and great effort in defense to make up for the shortfall from Tim's absence. (Was also mentioned in the editorial about Parker, at the time of writing I have not seen the Mavs game)

All the credit goes to the FO that forsaw this and adequately prepared for the future. Though initially Timmy's injury hurts the team but in the long run it will serve its interest in the development of the bench talents consequently making us more formidable and better prepared for the great battles ahead.

And if this brief episode brings a bonanza of dividends then could it be such a stretch that TD can come off the bench at least until post-season nears or for non-crucial match-ups? A franchise player as a bench player? Once again, the old boring Spurs might set a trend here. Now, who would have thought?

Where else but in San Antone.

Friday Night Loser Thread

2009-11-14T02:28:11Z

NIne games tonight. Utah has already dispatched the Sixers and the Magic putting the finishing touches on the Nets. The Lakers vs Nuggets headlines the late games. The Hornets are playing their first game without Byron Scott, and they are playing terrible. Fortunately for them, so are the Blazers.

New LaNacion article by Manu: I'll be the father of twins; Many and I are very happy!

2009-11-13T05:09:44Z

Here's what I think is a reasonably correct translation of an article Manu wrote tonight for La Nacion, the Buenos Aires newspaper: Continued after the jump.

First, I want to confirm the great news: I'll be the father of twins! Many and I, of course, are very happy. We are thrilled because we had been looking forward to this for a while. It is a very important moment of life, and I wanted to comment before talking about basketball. They say these things will change everything. I hope it will go very well. Last Tuesday we did the ultrasound, and we had the confirmation that they are twins. Many is two and a half months pregnant and we estimate that births may not be in Argentina because it would be in early June, a time when I'll be here playing the playoffs or, if we don’t go far, just not going to travel to Argentina with a pregnancy of 8 months. We do not have names yet. In addition, you must play with four variants, ha, ha. We just started thinking. Of course our families already know and are as happy as we.

A different month, right? Including all the implications of the bat, the improvement of this team and the reality show that is being prepared. I want to clarify that the bat was absolutely unthinking. I never imagined doing what I did and that it would be seen by almost 3,000,000 people on the Internet. It was an instinctive reaction. He had bothered us once, twice, and the third time he appeared, I tried to down it and I did. I did not expect it would generate much excitement. I did not know many details that bats can spread rabies. There is no study that can detect if you have the virus and, therefore, I had to have the injections. Even if I had a one in a million chance to catch it, I had to. In fact, bats are very important in the ecosystem and only 1% are carriers of the rabies virus.

I have already had six injections, and only the first was a bit painful. On Monday, I receive the 7th and will be finished in a week. The truth is that I never had disgust or fear of bats. Once, when I lived in Bologna, I was eating at the house of Hugo Sconochini and one entered the kitchen. Also in Bahiense del Norte there are a lot. At night when we went to eat asados, they would fly around. Also in Andino, La Rioja, I found bats. Not that I lived with them, but I'm not impressed. The funny thing is that now the Coyote, the mascot for the Spurs, has begun to dress up as a bat and leaps about, pretends to be scared (of me) and runs away. It's amazing all that this subject hasgenerated! Not to mention the things I saw on Twitter and Facebook. Photos of all types, related to Batman. Without doubt, kids do not imitate me. If a bat touches a wound or bites you, it can be very dangerous, you should know.

Well, let's talk basketball right? Actually we played horrible in Portland and Utah, and we started with a losing record 2-3. Now, despite the absence of Tim (Duncan) and Tony (Parker), we got better. Against Toronto won because we played very well offensively and last night, with Dallas, because the defensive intensity appeared. It makes sense that we had to enhance and multiply the effort because of the lack of Tim and Tony. Luckily Richard Jefferson scored at a great level and was instrumental in the final game. We needed a small forward with his strength and ability to penetrate. I think Tony and Tim could come back tomorrow and we have to get used to playing together again. In particular, I feel good, healthy, and happy to bring things to the team. I'm still a little unsure physically and mentally, but I have to have patience and move forward.

Regarding the reality show, my role is relative. While I am the image of the program and lend my name, I do not organize it and can only be with the boys when they come to San Antonio. I'll talk, we will have some meetings and they are going to see one or two of our games, but I'm not the one who runs things like I do with the Foundation, the marathon In Bahia Blanca, or the camps with the children. I'm like a guest star ...

Thursday 11/12/09 Loser Thread

2009-11-13T03:53:22Z

Hello fellow PTR friends, we've got two games tonight. D-Wade and the Miami Heat (6-1) are currently duking it out with Shaq, Lebron and the rest of the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers (5-3). Anyone else think Lebron is on another 'recruiting' visit? After that, we journey to LA to watch the Lakers (6-1) host the red hot Phoenix Suns (8-1), in a Pacific Division showdown. Now think long and hard about who you vote for below. Enjoy!

Poll

Who do you want to win?

Manu News

2009-11-12T22:40:06Z

Manu posted this on his facebook page

Hi everybody!! Just wanted to let u know that my beautiful wife got even more beautiful becoming pregnant 4 the 1st time. We r THRILLED & wanted to share this moment w/ all of you! Thanks!

Congrats to Manu and his Wife. Let us hope Manu has one less thing to worry about for the next few months and think only of basketball. I know I'm selfish. Sorry!!!

Bella's quirky musings... allas version

2009-11-12T07:05:22Z

Mr. Ginobili has asked Bella to accept all apologies from the nitwits that failed to worship at his altar prior to the Toronto game. Please schedule your acts of contrition with Ms. Bella's people and she'll absolve you when and if she has time.

* I walk into the AT&T Center and the first thing I notice WTF?!... the trophies are missing? What? Why? Doesn't the Spurs organization realize the enormous psychological damage those shiny, round domes impart on the souls of Mavs fans? (Shiny, round dome... hmmm... reminds me of something... it'll come to me... give me a minute). ;-) Anyway, those suckers better be back before the next game or heads (oooh... a hint) will roll.

* A couple of lovely moments of recognition for our veterans. Including the half time military jazz band, an injured soldier recovering at BAMC and a group of really adorable soldiers walking onto the court and being serenaded by the huge standing ovation of the appreciative crowd.

* Our own retired favorite player and former naval officer being show on the big screen. Thunderous applause and Mr. Robinson looks up to see why the crowd is cheering. It takes a second and then the recognition... it's for me. Big huge, beautiful smile and a friendly wave of acknowledgement to the crowd. I still love this man.

* There are way too many allas and Laker fans that attend games in San Antonio. Thank goodness the Mavs never really gave their followers anything substantial to cheer for, because there was a considerable contingency from pretentious land. (Yes, I'm looking at you, Mr. Cuban).

* Holy cow... did we really rediscover our Defense? Little ol' us? Momentary lapse or the beginning of a beautiful relationship? Who knows, but I can't wait to view the next chapter.

* Manu was wearing some sort of black strap under his jersey... apparently it was irritating him and he threw it to the bench. Any clue what that might be? Do you think it had a rose in the front of it?

* Crappy-Doo step aside, we have a new best flopper acting nominee.... may I present Mr. Jason "I've fallen and I can't get up" Terry. Truly, I have not seen a more over the top performance since the poopy-doo 360 in the 2006 playoffs. I laughed, I cried (from laughing), Mr. Fallen... that was pure genius.

* When playing the mavericks, there is nothing better than watching Dirk Nowitzki get discombobulated. His frustration was palpable and with each possesion he grew more and more agitated. The whole allas team started heading to the locker rooms as soon as Manu held the ball for the last possession. Love to see that.

* Holy cow, the old get off my lawn Pop is back! Dayum, he was chewing on everybody and calling plays and coaching and stuff. Who thought the wino still had it in him? Me... that's who! I love this man.

"You don't need those forearms, do you Dirk?"

* How much do we love McDyess' enforcerer attitude in the game? I can't remember the last time I saw a veteran player who's physically intimidating as well as being a smart, savvy player. (savvy in a good way). Love him.

* Tony honey, just a little advice... when the camera is on you and you're appearing on the big screen in front of the home crowd, a little tiny bit of an acknowledgement to the loyal followers would be appropriate. Okay? Good... did the wife not teach you anything? Cheese Whiz. Oooops, sorry. That was supposed to say Bless your heart.

* The coyote was dressed as a huge brown bat. People with large nets were awaiting him on the sidelines. He started to back off when he came into Manu's view. Manu had to turn away, but you could see he was laughing. It was a pretty funny bit. However, not funny was the timing of the stunt... it was immediately before a critical point in the game. Seriously.... could you ummm work on your time... ummm... timi.... Timing. kthxs.