48MoH: Training Camp Head Games

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Training Camp Head Games
Timothy Varner



During the season, we often concern ourselves with the psychology of the team. But during training camp, I find myself thinking about the psychology of individual players. How will the psychology of each player integrate into the fabric that is the Spurs.

There are big questions: Is Tony Parker up to the mental challenge that comes with being an elite player? Can he negotiate the tricky juggling act of leading the Spurs without upsetting Tim Duncan’s role as “The Franchise.” Can Manu Ginobili temper his Gunfight-at-the-OK-Corral playing style for the greater good of self-preservation? Is Richard Jefferson willing to man up to the task of lock down defense?

And there are the smaller questions: Did the signing of Keith Bogans deflate the confidence of Marcus Williams? How will Ian Mahinmi respond to the weight of years long anticipation, the emergence of DeJuan Blair, and the omnipresent Halloween deadline on his contract extension? Does Malik Hairston have the wherewithal to close out the preseason with as much determination as he began it?

You learn a lot about players based on how they handle the terror that is training camp.

And then there are the curiosities. Did you see this?

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