This is the fifth installment of the State of the Spurs series, and this is going to be the most difficult one to write. It's very easy to analyze what's going on with teams when they are losing, but it's much more difficult to point out what exactly is going right once they start winning- especially to be able to do so without sounding like an absolute homer.
The truth, though, is that we have reason to dance, and if you don't dance, well, you're no friend of mine.
They dance when they want to, they leave the world behind...
via spursworld.files.wordpress.com
I think it's fairly obvious to most everyone following the team closely that the Spurs have raised their level of play over the past two weeks. If I had to pick a particular game where we turned a corner, it would likely be the infamous game in Dallas where the Mavericks nearly got bench-slapped. The defense had started to improve a couple games prior, but was inconsistent.
Now, the defensive improvement seems like it is here to stay. We just held Philadelphia, another team that ranks in the top 10 in offensive efficiency to under 100 points. We did the same to Oklahoma City. Even by advanced metrics, their offensive efficiency was significantly worse playing against us than it usually is. Specifically, I continue to be impressed with Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, and also need to note that Matt Bonner (and to a lesser extent, DeJuan Blair) have taken a break from being absolute sieves defensively and are coming dangerously close to holding their own. Their defensive ceiling will always be lower than that of Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter, but Bonner continues to be almost always in the right spot and Blair has scaled back on his reaching and been in position to take 5 charges over the past two games (only two of the calls went in his favor, however).
Offensively, everyone is finally showing up (Green's recent 10-47 slump notwithstanding). From a statistical perspective, it's the same story as our defense. Philadelphia and OKC are both top 10 defenses (when did the 76ers get this good?!?) and we made their defenses look average at best. If one of our shooters isn't hitting (recently, it's been you, Richard Jefferson) the other ones are. RJ has a cold night? Gary Neal and Bonner step up and knock'em down to keep the floor spread for Tony Parker. Tony has been playing out of his mind, and I've enjoyed watching him dance around screens, crossing people over, and stepping back to hit jumpers in defenders' faces. Every time he does it, this song starts playing in my head:
Not only does Tony's near-MVP-level play give us reason to dance...Manu Ginobili is supposed to return Saturday against the New Jersey Nets. This is nearly perfect timing. The Nets are the first of three ganes that figure to be rather easy games to get Manu back in game shape before the Rodeo Road Trip hits its tougher stretch and we head to Utah, Portland, and Denver. And if that doesn't make you dance, well, you just might get left behind.
Next week: I'm going to be taking a look at the efficiency of our various 5 man units. We should have big enough sample sizes by then to make for adequate analysis.
0 recs | 94 comments
Nice analysis. Oh, and thanks for the ear worm.
quincyscott - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Pop has everybody dancing. This appears to be the main reason. What a great time to be a Spurs fan.
indiancharlie - February 9, 2012
Good stuff, Steve-O. I’m kind of worried with Manu coming back, and for sure someone or two will be negatively affected. There are only so many minutes and shots to go around.
I’m sure overall it will be a net positive, but the guys right now really look like they enjoy playing together. TD is also enjoying a mini-renaissance while TP’s been a legit MVP contender the past few games.
silverandblack_davis - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Good stuff, namesake! I agree, it’s hard to analyze why the Spurs keep winning and why their immediate future looks bright without sounding like a homer (I work with a big OKC Thunder fan, and he continually writes of the Spurs no matter how many times I warn him to keep checking the rearview mirror, so to speak), but I think you pulled it off just fine.
Trey Felder - February 9, 2012
Spurs always give me a reason to dance every year. I’m a Dallas Cowboy fan and there hasn’t been much to dance about for a long time. I’m also a Longhorn fan and there hasn’t been much to dance about lately. The Spurs always have me dancing, love being a Spurs fan, it’s awesome.
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
In Buck Harvey’s column, Tiago mentions that his name is pronounced more like Chee-a-go vs. Tee-a-go and that Tony Parker is about the only one getting it right. Seems he may finally be getting assertive about it, wonder when he might get Sean and Bill to change.
The other interesting point in the column was that Tony Parker was getting on Gary Neal that he needs to feed Tiago more and that it will open up his own outside shot more. Parker says about Tiago: “He’s always in good position. He’s got a good feel about where to be. I don’t even have to talk to him.” It’s mentioned that the coaches feel that Tim has always been a little slow on the pick & roll and that in contrast Tiago is one of the best they have ever seen.
Alamo - February 9, 2012
That goes without saying…
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Nice work SFS. Love the way the Spurs are playing. Of course there is room for improvement from most of everyone, but as a unit the good guys are playing at a very solid level.
Big50 - February 9, 2012
The 3 T’s – Tim, Tony and Tiago
They are kicking serious backside and the rest of the team is doing great filling in the gaps.
Joe deLarios - February 9, 2012
Thanks for the happy song, Steve – I needed this today. Good to know that the bench is finally learning to get the ball to Tiago. I haven’t seen a youngish big man that good at the roll in a long time.
made me GOL. I’m going to steal this for game threads.
CapHill - February 9, 2012
I agree with you concerning the greatness of that line. I think I need to update one of the Fun Pages soon.
J.R. Wilco - February 9, 2012
It seems there’s been talk of possible trades including getting Varaejo. I can’t see that happening as to match his salary would require Cleveland to take someone like RJ or Bonner, and I can’t picture Cleveland doing that.
I think a more realistic possibility would be Anthony Randolph. He doesn’t seem to figure into the TWolves plans, and while his stats haven’t seemed that bad he (like Anderson) is getting a number of DNP’s. He’s only 22, so potentially he has a number of years to continue to develop. I think I might a bit more in return for Blair and Anderson, so maybe ask for Brazilian prospect Paulao Prestes. It’s not clear if he’s playing anywhere this year, but seemed to get some good reviews prior to the 2010 draft and played fairly well last year in Europe. He’s 23 and 6’11", and there might be some advantage to having two Brazilians work together (which would be a nice advantage for Vallaejo as well).
Alamo - February 9, 2012
Interesting, Alamo.
You’ve got quite a few ideas, trade/acquisition-wise. Are you willing to do a fanpost on the subject tomorrow, seeing as it’s another NON-game day. I’ll look at it and see about putting it on the front page if you’re interested. Shoot me an email to let me know when it goes up.
J.R. Wilco - February 9, 2012
Actually I think I tend to shoot down most of the trades I’ve seen proposed. Someone else could offer four possible trades and I’d likely disagree with all of them. I even like Anderson too much to include him in the trade for Randolph without getting something else back in return as well.
Alamo - February 9, 2012
If they were to pull off such a trade, I think the Spurs might initially put Bonner into Blair’s place in the starting lineup until they can figure just how well Randolph works for them. I think they’d offset the loss of Blair enough just by giving Tiago more minutes. If Randolph works well enough to resign him, next season’s Spurs could then be pretty well stocked with bigs with the future potentially including Lorbek, Richards and Prestes. Another possible foreign prospect that the TWolves hold that looks superfluous to the current roster that could be thrown in rather than Prestes might be 6’10" 23 year old Nemanja Bjelica. The Spurs might simply request a draft pick instead, but Minnesota does seem to have the rights to a couple of young foreign prospects that would look as good as a second round pick if not better. They’ve already had a year or two to develop since they were drafted
Alamo - February 9, 2012
This.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
I agree that Varaejos contract is too big. I wouldnt mind trying Anderson for Randolph straight up and see if they would take the deal. Anything to take more minutes away from Blair.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
I still want to trade Anderson, Blair and a first for Varejao. We are playing like contenders and another bruser in the middle would make us scary good. Blair is killing me and is worthless without Manu.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Worthless without Manu? You serious, bro? His level of play has dropped off, sure. But as far as role-playing bigs go, he’s in the top 10-15 in the league.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
I’ll admit, I haven’t been enthused about his play the last couple weeks either, and I’m starting to reconsider my previous position regarding him coming off the bench. He played well in the starting lineup for most of last year. He played well off the bench almost the entirety of his rookie year.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
He’s been hit and mostly miss this year as a starter. That being said, the big rotation right now looks really good, especially on nights Bonner is hitting 3’s and Blair and Tiago both stay out of foul trouble.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
Yes. Blair has flat out sucked. No way he is in the top 10-15 of bigs. Hes not even in the top 3 of bigs on the Spurs. I would rather try out Anthony Randolph and start Bonner. Bonner actually looks much improved in D the last few weeks. Blair is so ineffective on both ends of the court it isnt even funny.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
The problem is Blair doesn’t work well with Splitter. If you start Bonner, then you are stuck with Splitter/Bonner on the bench.
Blair’s versatility is really bad, if you care at all about defense and spacing on the floor.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
In the past week, who has beaten Blair on defense that hasn’t beat Tim or Tiago?
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
Hell, make it two weeks, starting with the Dallas game.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
Put it this way if Tim, Tiago, or Bonner get beat they contribute in other ways that Blair can’t. Block shots, play defense, block their man out so a teammate can grab the rebound and make a shot.
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Block shots? That’s defense. Play defense? That’s what we’re talking about. Starting with Dallas, there has not been a player that put up more points against Blair than against anyone else. In fact, if you look at the Houston game from the same week, Blair did a better job on Scola than anyone else.
Like I said, in the past 2 games Blair has tried to take 5 charges. 1 he was late on, 2 were incorrectly called blocks, and 2 were correctly called charges.
I’m all for criticizing players. I’m all for playing defense. But give some credit where it’s due. Yes, for most of the season, Blair has been a horrible defender. The past two weeks, he, like everyone else, has stepped it up and deserves some credit for doing things the right way.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
I’ve noticed that he tries to take charges. It’s good that he is trying to develop that skill because he is going to need it. His height won’t matter that much as a help defender if he can use his quickness to get in good position to take charges.
Edg5 - February 9, 2012
Exactly. It’s one of the things Tiago got a lot of praise for last year- and rightfully so. Blair deserves some credit for it this year.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
A few games do not make a player a better defender. I’m talking about what he does for a majority of games not a few. Now if he kept having good games playing defense and blocking out, I would be the first to give him credit and become a fan. As of now I’m not a fan of Blair.
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
(and I’m not just saying those two calls were incorrect because I’m a homer, I have access to the footage thanks to mysynergysports.com Blair was clearly in position and clearly outside of the circle)
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
Name dropping already, I see. =]
J.R. Wilco - February 9, 2012
:)
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
I agree.There were a few calls of blocking fouls that should have been charges for blair recently.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
It’s less about “beat”
RJ hasn’t been that good this past week or so, and he hasn’t been beat, but he’s been more meh than good. That’s why he’s seen less minutes.
The team just hasn’t held up that well with him, on a consistent basis. It has less to do with one big beating. It goes the other way too. It’s more than one big game. That would be like saying, RJ is fine after he drops 15 in the next game. His past games were not consistent, for example.
The same goes for Kawhi who has been a little bit more up and down recently. Obviously, Kawhi is a rookie with like no training camp and practice, so yeah, he gets the biggest pass. But just stating that usefulness.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
Bonner has played better team defense to warrant the time. When paired with Tiago, they’ve made those second unit runs without much issue. Yes, Bonner is hitting now, but he’s not hitting at a stellar rate. He’s hitting enough to keep defenses honest though. Bonner’s D is the best its ever been. not saying much, but he’s making Blair look really bad, which says a lot.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
There is a reason we hate watching Blair play. If you watch the games he never blocks out his man with that big body and he doesn’t play defense. When he has a good game it’s not because he does any of those things. He waits around the rim and gets a lot of rebounds because everyone else boxes out our he’s getting spoon fed by Manu. He stands around the rim all game long he’s bound to have some good games. The biggest problem I have with Blair is if he played the right way, defense, blocked out, he would be up there with Z-Bo. He could be that good but for what ever reason he refuses to play the right way.
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Easiest way to sum up what you said. If he played with the effort and intelligence that Bonner put in, he’d see more than 17 mpg. Bonner has no athletic abilities, but he at least plays smart and uses fundamentals.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
And this is why it is super frustrating. He’s like what Shannon Brown was to the Lakers. Potential and athleticism, but everything else was meh.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
I like that… :-)
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Is it a green-skin vs blue-skin altercation?
J.R. Wilco - February 9, 2012
Not as a Spur. As 48minutesofhell said in their post game show, he’s not a good fit for the Spurs. He’d do well on a young team that has a different system. We can say it’s Manu who is missing, but Parker has been doing an awesome job of balancing the offense. Tiago is really benefiting for instance…
10-15 in the league? Perhaps, if you subtract defense from the equation. He doesn’t even play the late 3rd quarters and doesn’t see any 4th quarter action.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
I’m not talking star players. If you’re comparing him to Duncan, LA, Bynum, etc, you’re right.
I’m comparing him to role players- Pekovic, Darko, Maxiell, etc. Guys who are good only at one or two things. Brandon Bass and Glenn Davis are two other examples.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
I’m not comparing him to role players. Honestly, on defense and fitting with the versatility of the team, I compare him to Splitter and Bonner. If Bonner is out doing you more consistently, then something is wrong. Yes, Bonner has improved a lot, but still….
grego21 - February 9, 2012
And so has Blair, and both improvements started in the past two weeks.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
Bonner, sure. Blair, not so much. Pop’s rotational patterns have not changed much since. I’m happy to see he got those charge calls last night. I was happy with his game. The problem is these games are far and few.
And I hope Blair when he gets to another team becomes better. I just don’t think it’ll be on the Spurs based off of what I see. Unless he or Splitter develops a jumper, there is never going to be good balance among the bigs.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
These games have been few and far between. He’s put together a pretty solid two weeks. That’s not enough to say he’s turned a corner, but it’s enough to say he might be turning a corner.
He’s not boxing out consistently. I’m not going to argue that. It’s a definite need for improvement. The rest of his defense, though, is significantly better than it was a month ago.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
He might be turning a corner, but he started off ok, at least offensively. His offense has never been his strong point.
I can’t say his D is significantly better though. In the last few games, it didn’t hurt the Spurs, but he’s doing nothing to earn more minutes.
The only game where he played late into the 3rd quarter and anytime in the 4th was Atlanta (he cleaned up his stats in the garbage time), the blowout game. In the last 5 games, he’s dropped to 19mpg.
Looking at some quick stats on 82 games, his on court time is -1.3 and his off court is +7.3 for a net of -8.6. Compared to last year when he was +3.7 on court and +7.2 on court a year ago.
As bad as Neal’s D has been (and it’s been really bad), only Joseph is worse than Blair, statistically.
Hopefully he turns it around and those stats show better a month or two from now.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
You keep talking about playing time- I’m not arguing that he deserves more. My only argument here is that people are jumping all over his defensive play and it hasn’t been nearly as bad as everyone says, and that he deserves some credit for improved recent play. The team isn’t playing well in spite of Blair- his improvement has mirrored that of the rest of the team.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
He’s taking charges, he’s in position, he’s not reaching. He got beat bad once last night because he got in position late- he was going to front the guy but they had already initiated their offensive play, it was too late, they got an easy layup, and Pop sat him. I don’t think he ever came back in. That was absolutely the right call. Like Bonner, I can deal with Blair’s inadequacies, so long as he’s making smart plays and hustling all the time.
Most of this year, the hustle has been there and the smarts haven’t been. Recently, both have been. The example I just gave, neither were, and he was benched appropriately.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
He took charges in this last game and was successful. That is a new thing. It’s mostly one game where he has had that success in these last few weeks. I am happy to see it. Hopefully a new trend, but I can’t say it’s the standard now when it’s really only one game where he got a rookie to do it. He has time. It’s not like pop can bench him.
My problem with Blair is this. Bonner is out hustling him, way more consistently. That’s not good. He has more athletic ability in his thumb than Bonner has in his body.
The lack of smarts as well, but his hustle is just not there consistently. But yes, the smarts are what will destroy him since he’ll always be in foul trouble without the smarts.
I know RJ is going to be targeted because of his contract and his last week or so hasn’t been that great, but Blair is doing the a lot of the same things this season. Obviously, his contract isn’t a boon, but Spurs depth also doesn’t threaten his play time. He has less incentive.
Pop can bench RJ and once Manu is back go with a huge repertoire.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
The hustle has been there most of the year. He’s consistently, if anything, tried too hard- he’s almost always the first big down the floor going either direction. I don’t see where he’s lacked hustle for the most part. I don’t think his lack of boxing out is a hustle problem. I see that as a fundamentals problem.
He took charges last game- but he’s been in those positions all season. Last game he got the calls. The game prior, he didn’t. My point is that all the things that were complaints a month ago-aside from boxing out- are gone. He’s not reaching anymore. He’s not out of position anymore. That is a SIGNIFICANT improvement.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
Maybe, I’m playing with his “smarts”
To me bad hustle is just the same as not hustling. But I guess I should just lump it all into the “bball IQ part”
So then, yes, you are right. He has hustled. Just horribly.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
He has more athletic ability in his thumb than Bonner has in his body. That is so funny because it is so true. Yup there should be no reason with Blairs talent and athletic ability that Bonner out plays him. To me that screams red flags like crazy.
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
The RJ comparison is a really good point. If RJ wants min. he has to earn them because we are so deep on the wings. Who is threatening to take min. from Blair? I think he would improve leaps and bounds if he had two seven footers in front of him threatening to keep him of the floor for good.
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
I just want to add, I liked Blair at Pitt. I was excited Spurs picked him up.
I just don’t feel he fits, due to his abilities and due to the way the coaching staff uses him. He’s in a similar situation to RJ.
His career will be better off the moment he’s no longer with the Spurs.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
Playing time makes a difference. If he’s playing less, then that’s a bad sign for Blair. RJ for instance has struggled. he’s seen less play time. So has Kawhi when he has struggled. Play time is a big thing. The team has made its strongest surges when the bench was in (well with Parker a lot of times).
The team plays a lot better when Blair is not in. The less minutes, the more productive the team appears to be. That’s why minutes matter. TD was a boon to the team at one point, but has turned that corner, it seems.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
But as I mentioned elsewhere, if Bonner is outplaying Blair, that’s a problem. Even when Bonner is at his best, he still has no athletic advantages over Bonner. Bonner makes up for his “lack” by using his smarts and good footwork. If Bonner is better at boxing out than you, you got problems…
And no, I don’t care about his rebounding percentage or his decline in those stats since he is paired with Duncan 95% of the time.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
It’s so funny, even Hollinger can’t explain why the hell the Spurs are so good.
He actually said absolutely nothing. Besides – Spur’s can draft and develop.
Going back to Manu’s draft is probably his way of telling us he is waving a white flag.
ironm8 - February 9, 2012
BAH! I wish I was an insider.
SpursfanSteve - February 9, 2012
Why? I just told you. All he does is praise, but he doesn’t give any of the usual insightful stats.
I don’t think he is wrong thou, the Spurs are not excelling in anything, so it’s tough to make a point. I think he should have gone the opposite – as the Spurs has NO statistical holes at all. They are average or better at anything.
ironm8 - February 9, 2012
Read the proposed trades/needs Spurs have from their recent post and you’ll know they aren’t well thoughtout as well.
Now if you like ESPN magazine, I think you can get insider for free.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
No you dont. Read there most recent trades on insider. What a joke
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191069
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Much much much lesser extent. I’m sorry, but Blair has been pretty bad even though the Spurs have been streaking. He played decent against Philly, but his decent games are far and few, defensively. If he wants to earn back minutes when the important games come along, he really needs to amp it up.
And learn to box out. I’m not sure how hard it is for him to learn this concept, but it seems to be. I’m going to blame the coaching staff as well as him, but he still has got to stop trying to outjump/out reach guys on the d-boards. It’s ok on the offensive boards, but not on the defensive boards. All I got to say is that Bonner is outplaying him on D, and he has no athletic abilities. So you have to be doing something wrong. Really wrong.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
Jeremy Lin, anyone else glad the Rockets cut this guy? The injured Kyle Lowery suddenly doesnt look like that shiney penny they thought they had, when Lin looks to be the true diamond in the ruff.
Kind of wish they cut him when TJ got hurt(about 2 weeks difference.)
I know its only three games and early, but WOW.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
I’m happy for Lin, but he has got to keep doing it. Small outbursts are what they are. NY is also a really bad team.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
If I had to take a guess as to why the spurs are so good it has to be the way they are run. Were definitely not even top 10 in terms of raw talent. I believe if you put the spurs coaching staff anywhere else in the league the team they coached would be much improved.
The spurs are like a machine, each piece working together to create something better than the individual talent. I do think some of our players would do better statistically on another team like blair or richard jefferson, but it would not translate into wins.
seanthemonster - February 9, 2012
I wonder if we keep rolling with Parker. If we could trade Blair, Anderson, Bonner, and 2 firsts for Howard.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
As much as I would hate to lose Tony I would just to get rid of Blair. Sad that its come to this. Trading Tony just to get rid of Blair…
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Come on man. It hasn’t "come to this". Blair is young, on a cheap contract and is getting less and less minutes as Splitter gets better. He doesn’t seem disruptive on the locker room or anything like that. I know you hate Blair but that’s kind of silly.
Edg5 - February 9, 2012
Im just saying that we could become a stronger team with howard over blair. Its rhetorical. Im saying, i wonder if we approach howard and say if he comes here that theres a strong chance you get a ring.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
I was responding to spurslover. Of course we would be a better team with Howard. Any team with be better with Howard. But it takes two to make a trade and I personally don’t think Orlando has any reason whatsoever to accept that one. Any of the rumored trades would be better for them that the one you mentioned.
Edg5 - February 9, 2012
I don’t hate Blair I hate his game. I hate watching him not do things that Bonner does and its Bonner come on. He should be making Bonner look bad not the other way around.
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
This.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
When did i say anything about trading parker?
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Wow. Really? Toss MVP level play, the team’s top scorer, and top 10 point guard in the league out with the bathwater, eh? And, if Blair is actually bathwater, do you really think Pop would continue to put him in the starting lineup? Really, this whole discussion about Blair hinges on Pop allowing someone who plays defense “like a seive” and lacks hustle to play any minutes at all. If Pop thought Blair was slacking, he wouldn’t be playing. End of story.
ChapRL - February 10, 2012
ant believe someone would suggest trading Parker. Youve lost your fan card.I
Spurs Yoda - February 10, 2012
It was hard to tell if you were implying it. Then spurslover said it, which is what I was responding to. There is nothing like winning, to make you want to start trading your top players…
ChapRL - February 10, 2012
Lol…no no no. We keep rolling the way we are. Parker continues to look hot, so howard might want to play with Parker. And Tim, for a ring.
Spurs Yoda - February 10, 2012
I have never been part of the trade TP crowd unless we could get equal or better value in return for TP which is almost impossible. I’ve been so disgusted with Blair getting out played by Bonner that I was saying I would as much as I wouldn’t want to trade TP, would consider it if Blair went with him in a package.
spurlover - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Say what you want but on PTR everyone says Bonner is by far our worst defensive player and it is true, but when out plays you defensively there is something really wrong…
spurlover - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Honestly, that makes him not the worst and makes Blair the worst. Although I do have to say Neal is pretty bad as well.
grego21 - February 10, 2012
Well now yea… Besides Neal and Bonner block out.
spurlover - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Ha ha ha…
spurlover - February 10, 2012 via mobile
I’ve been very critical of DeJuan for his refusal to box out, but he has showed some improvement on D. He has especially gotten better at denying the entry pass. He sometimes over commits to doing it and ends up giving up an easy basket after the guards lobs the ball over him, but at least it’s something.
I think that aside from the defensive rebounding, the biggest problem for Blair is that he doesn’t throw his body around on offense. He seems to try to avoid contact. Against the Jazz on New Year’s Eve he got to the line 13 times. Where’s that aggression now?
Edg5 - February 9, 2012
Exactly. The last month + has made me sick.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
I actually like Blair. I think he has the potential to be a really good rotation big. If he gets aggressive on offense and attacks hard off the pick and roll, he is going to get to the line. If he learns the fundamentals of boxing out he could be one of the best rebounders in the league. He is really young and I think he can still correct some of his flaws. I remember Splitter playing tentatively last season and this season he is killing it. With more experience and a proper training camp, I think Blair is going to be good. But this season he is clearly struggling.
Edg5 - February 9, 2012
Big hypotheticals and what ifs.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
I think Blair can be good. I just don’t think it’ll ever happen on the Spurs. I agree with the 48minutesofhell assessment from their last post game show.
He does good things from time to time, but the consistency is not there. It’s amazing that if he just did everything that Bonner does, he’d be a decent defender.
If McDyess was still a Spurs, i’d never play Blair based on performance/consistency, except for when you wanted to rest Duncan.
grego21 - February 9, 2012
I wish MD was still on the team and Blair was a bench warmer.
Spurs Yoda - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Blair just need to embrace his role as a role player, he’ll never be Charles Barkley, but he can be a better version Scott Foster or Reggie Evans.
Blair has regressed since his rookie season. Blair needs to work on his boxing out, he can be a real factor on defense if he boxes out, and makes sure that the team grabs the rebound. Forget about his numbers.
The other thing Blair needs badly is a jump shot, and everybody has been saying that since his rookie season.. IT is his 3rd year in the league and his jump shot is still as bad as the day he came into the league, he needs to put in the extra work in the off season. I see a very short NBA career if Blair cant add a jump shot to his game.
spursfan87 - February 9, 2012
In a burger
spurlover - February 9, 2012 via mobile
1. Doug Collins doing a hell of a job. Long way from, Give Jordan the ball and everyone else get the hell out of the way. Dude is smart!
2. In regards to the Poll: I dance because Manu coming back will be the reason why the Spurs will be title contenders. At the moment, they are playoff contenders.
TrooperJoe73 - February 10, 2012
I love the young players the spurs have!
They are really putting in the work.
westtxscrub - February 10, 2012
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