nikd
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Thank you for this article. With the Spurs you see the development of players and relationships in a way that you don't in other organizations. Tony Parker was visibly yelled at and brought to tears in games at the beginning of his career. He was benched most fourth quarters. He had a hitch in his shot, had poor decision making, and couldn't pass. The offense of the Spurs was ill-fitted for a shoot first point guard w/ limited defense. Parker reworked his shot after the Spurs hired Chip. Now you hear him discuss how that relationship with Pop made him a better player. He had meetings with Pop before every game discussing strategy. Popovich after trading his "favorite player" in George Hill and after all those years of yelling at Parker decided to reinvent the offense so it fit Parker's game like a glove. Parker's game revolves around decisions now. They are now a completely different team. The Spurs aren't about explosive talent but about the sculpting of basketball ideas into human form.
The last game of the regular season has become must see TV. I wonder if this was in the works prior to Jackson being waived. I am not used to these lightning moves by Spurs. As @poundingtherock points out, T-mac is younger and he needs to play a minor role here. I don't know how much playing time he would get. It usually takes a long while for players to learn our system. That being said it's been unfortunate to see lineups where only Gary Neal can get his own shot and that's only barely. This adds a new wrinkle to our bench. It's pretty low risk move. If he gives anything in the playoffs it would be worth it. I don't think though he'll play almost at all.
I feel bad for Blair who has really worked on his game and conditioning, but languishes at the end of the bench. If we could get something for him before he bails in free agency that would be advantageous.
Mr Royce White has a unique opportunity to help people understand mental illness, but I agree that so far he may be adding to the prejudice and stigma. It is sad to see.
@cbmeadow no.
@josespurs Pop will intentionally foul all the time. It will be hilarious.
@AaronWatters This series has been so bizarre. I have no idea what will happen. Clippers in 9 is my best guess.
The Mavericks winning the title remain as one of the most fortuitous things I have ever seen in sports. Good luck getting through the first round, Cuban.
@dannyholloway it was funny that people thought he would learn. People have been telling him this for a decade. A few games on the bench was not going to change that.
As Jalen Rose says, in the NBA sometimes you are open for a reason. Spurs can live with Kobe's multiple pump fakes, off balanced shots with Bynum and Gasol boxed out rather than Bynum/Gasol in the paint volleyballing at the rim. Spurs can live with your shots because it would is our game plan.
Some of my favorite Spurs moments were watching the game to game adjustments the Spurs and Duncan made when facing up against Shaq in the early 2000's. Reminiscent of those series, the Spurs completely exposed Bynum's weaknesses with their swarming defense, Duncan's post play, and pick and roll offense. Duncan won the offensive and defensive matchup decisively. Is there another big man better at studying film to exploit matchups and weaknesses? I'm looking forward to another Spurs win on Friday!
@spursfan80 This suns win is worth 20 wins.