This edition of "State of the Spurs" was originally the second half of the last one, but I decided it deserved a post of it's own. Unlike the previous editions, this one is actually more closely related to my studies in political philosophy (and one of my favorite memes.)
While it has already been written about a couple of different times, and seems a bit like ancient news already, I thought I'd weigh in on Pop's reliance on the bench, specifically in the Dallas game. This is a trend that, from what I can remember, started after Phoenix swept us out of the playoffs a couple years ago - in large part because their bench outplayed ours. During that offseason, it's been reported that Pop went to RC Buford and said that he needed a bench. Last season, there were several times our bench kept us in games that in previous years we would have had to rely on our starters more.
via cdn1.staztic.com
I recognize a striking similarity between Pop's actions towards his bench and a line of thinking made popular by one of the most brilliant political philosophers of all time. And, considering his background, I'm sure he's read some of Niccolo Machiavelli's work. For those who haven't read The Prince, I recommend it- if you're into philosophy. Without spoiling everything, one of the "morals" that everyone takes from the work is that "the ends justify the means." When it comes to basketball, I think Pop would agree. It is better to think long term than short term. This is not a team in danger of missing the playoffs, even without Manu. At this point in the season, win/loss records are irrelevant. The Spurs are not stupid enough to allow themselves to be dug in a hole so deep record-wise that they can't get out of it. We are going to lose a few (more) games we should win, and that's OK as long as our young guys are getting experience in pressure situations. It's also OK if we lose a couple because Pop wants to try out some wacky lineups that don't make any sense to us at all. Don't panic. Even without Manu, this is one of the 10 best teams in the league. When Manu returns, if he plays like he did before the injury, we'll win our division by at least 5 games.
If the bench outplays the starters...
Should they start starting?
via t2.gstatic.com
Maybe I'm looking through Sean Elliott's Spurs colored glasses. But we've played one of the toughest schedules in the league so far. We've done most of it without our best player. And we're doing well. The defense is improving. I see no reason to be anything but optimistic at the moment. We've played 8 of the top 10 most efficient offenses and John Hollinger has our strength of schedule overall rated in the top 5. By all advanced overall (counting both offense and defense) metrics, we are at worst a top 10 team- and we have accomplished this without Manu Ginobili and without a back up point guard. When Manu returns, if he plays well (and by well I mean career average and not the level of play he'd attained right before his injury) we should be the top offensive team and will likely finish in the top 10 defensively. Statistics back up this kind of optimism. Of course, statistics are famous for being flexible in regards to interpretation, so feel free to take this analysis with a grain (or five) of salt.
I'll leave you with one final quote from Machiavelli. Read it and then evaluate the organization from the front office to the players: "The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him." If you look at the players and the assistants Pop has chosen to surround himself with, it's pretty obvious he's one of the smartest men in basketball.
1 recs | 24 comments
Great write-up.
It’s not hard to find logic behind ‘the decision’ to stay with the bench during that Mavs game. However, it does require balls, or in layman’s terms – ‘Not giving a damn’ .
Pop is probably the only coach in today’s NBA that can allow himself to not give a damn, and it really help.
I do believe that any coach not named Pop is reconsidaring every movehe makes with how it will be reflected. Also, i feel that this alone,as in being ‘on the safe side’, can be accounted for 50% of coaches’ mistakes during games.
ironm8 - February 6, 2012
jeez, sorry about the spelling.
ironm8 - February 6, 2012
while i’m unsure about the percentage, I would say that I agree with you. NBA coaches do have it quite bad, damn.
the little o - February 6, 2012
There are three, maybe four, professional coaches I’ve seen have similar attitudes. Phil Jackson has always been in a situation similar to Pop in relation to job security. The other one that immediately came to mind was Don Nelson, who Pop worked for for a time. The one I don’t remember very well but likely was similar was Larry Brown, who Pop also worked for.
SpursfanSteve - February 6, 2012
I don’t like the Mavs, but I like Rick Carlisle. That guy has real ability and some Popovich in him.
silverandblack_davis - February 6, 2012
Can you tell me which is which?
SpursfanSteve - February 7, 2012
I didn’t know “requiring balls” wasn’t a layman’s term. I learn something new everyday.
Big50 - February 6, 2012
;p
ironm8 - February 6, 2012
“it takes balls” would be a layman’s equivalent of a sophisticated expression “it does require balls” ;)
Kondor - February 6, 2012
Ok, that cracked me up.
Funny stuff, Kondor.`
J.R. Wilco - February 8, 2012
The (morals of the?) prince is a pretty fascinating essay.
It’s interesting that you would choose it to parallel the spurs.
That article was written as instruction on how to unite, and keep united, a country in turmoil.
We all know Pop is the unquestioned ruler of this franchise, but is it because he already put machiavelli’s practices to work?
Trapped in O.C. - February 6, 2012 via Android app
While Pop is guarded and protective in terms to the media, psychology major Tim and Pop would never be as close as they are if Pop was truly Machiavellian in all his ways.
indiancharlie - February 6, 2012
perhaps…but Machiavelli makes it clear that you are to appear benevolent at all costs while at the same time getting your way
Joe deLarios - February 7, 2012
I would guess so. Welcome, by the way.
Big50 - February 6, 2012
Great write-up, Steve. It’s always nice to read your posts.
Just a thought I’m throwing out: does anyone else feel bad for JA?
I mean, the guy plays well in Dallas, then goes back to basically being our HVC. And every time he comes in, he tries very hard. Which almost always results in a bad play. I remember him making a travel or an offensive foul (let’s just call it a turnover) in his first possession at the end of the Thunder game.
The potential is there, but it’s just not coming out…
Bakkie009 - February 6, 2012
Nice work SFS. I love the optimism. I share the rosy outlook due to all the reasons you mentioned along with the fact that the loss of T.J. Ford hurts our bench more than most realize and yet they’ve been playing strong of late.
I think things are looking up in all of Spursdom.
Big50 - February 6, 2012
Congrats to Tony Parker being named Western Conference player of the week,
Go Spurs Go!
BlazingDeath - February 6, 2012
im surprised this hasn’t made the PTR cover yet.
Spurs Yoda - February 6, 2012
Great write up, enjoyed it. Not to mention, Manu made Looney Tunes!!
TrooperJoe73 - February 6, 2012
I wouldn’t be too surprised to learn that Pop actually wrote some of his works.
Kondor - February 6, 2012
Poppolo Popiavelli
TDzilla! - February 6, 2012
Brillian
J.R. Wilco - February 6, 2012
Always enjoy reading your stuff, SFS!
Trey Felder - February 6, 2012
This series is great, SfS. I may not often agree with your views (but for this one, I am in full agreement), but you always have something interesting to say.
Rec’d to Philosoraptor’s philosophies.
silverandblack_davis - February 6, 2012
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