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For all of those who never gave up hope, for all of those who never stopped asking for a relaunch . . . and for all of those who never knew that I used to do a podcast once upon a time — Superfluous Poppycock is back. Yes, it’s the podcast named after a phrase that Pop casually dropped when he was asked about advanced analytics nearly four years ago.
Pop, on the analytics revolution: "I look at the analytics. Some of it is very worthwhile. Some of it is superfluous poppycock.”
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) January 5, 2016
In episode 40, Charlie Thaddeus and I discuss San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich’s ability to stoneface it while DJ bounces all over the court. The young point guard has started the season with a bang on both offense and defense, but it hasn’t come without its share of growing pains . . . and Pop hasn’t lost his cool once. Is that an impressive feat, or all part of the coach’s bigger plan?
There’s also plenty more to discuss, like how it feels that the starting unit is playing small-ball with Trey Lyles even though he’s 6’10, how LaMarcus Aldridge’s supposed issue with playing center seems to be long forgotten, how Derrick White and Dejounte Murray not playing together will work out, and how San Antonio’s offense continues to score just fine even though it’s not following the league standard space-and-pace format. Plus this episode’s unnecessary foolishness.
For everyone who was previously disappointed that Superfluous Poppycock wasn’t on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, etc — you can set your minds at ease. Find it by searching for “Pounding the Rock.”
Finally, here are the links that are discussed in the episode, or just good backstory to accompany to have for your best listening pleasure.