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  1. #1
    5. timvp's Avatar
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    Before ever stepping onto an NBA court, Brazilian bigman Tiago Splitter is already a man, myth and legend. For many, the San Antonio Spurs will sink or swim this summer based on whether the franchise is able to get his autograph on a contract.

    On the NBA radar for nearly a decade, Splitter likely would have been a top five pick in the 2004 draft. However, due to contractual issues with his Spanish club, he decided to stay out of the draft. It was the same song and dance the next few years as Splitter was unable to get a lottery promise due to his ironclad deal in Spain.

    By 2007, Splitter's age made him automatically eligible for the draft. The Spurs drafted him with the 28th overall selection in the first round. Originally, San Antonio hoped to bring Splitter to town for the 2008-09 season. Unfortunately, the Spurs weren't able to compete financially with what Splitter could get overseas and the Brazilian decided to sign a two-year extension in Spain.

    This summer, things are different. The Spurs are now able to pay Splitter up to approximately $6 million per season. Additionally, Splitter has been quoted numerous times saying he's ready to make the jump to the NBA. Now it appears as if it's simply a matter of the two sides reaching an agreement.

    For Splitter, the negotiations couldn't come at a better time. A few weeks ago, his Caja Laboral team stunned heavily favored FC Barcelona to win the championship of the Spanish league. Splitter was named the MVP of the regular season and the MVP of the finals. Most scouts agree that Splitter is the best bigman outside of the NBA. In fact, some scouts say he's the best overall player in Europe.

    What will the Spurs be getting if they are able to sign Splitter? Recently, I've been watching complete games Splitter has played in spanning the last five years to get a better idea.

    Physically, Splitter is a bigman with a good amount of length. In 2004, he measured out as 7-feet and 233 pounds with a wingspan of 7-foot-2. Today, Splitter is listed at 245 pounds.

    Offensively, Splitter's two best attributes are his hands and his passing ability. Off of pick-and-rolls, Splitter is great at diving to the hoop and catching any type of pass -- whether it be a bounce pass, a hard pass in close quarters or a lob over the defense.

    His passing is an area where he has really improved over the last two seasons. When he catches the ball at the high post, Splitter can hit cutters in the lane with ease. When he's double-teamed on the block, he quickly finds the open man -- even if it requires a pinpoint cross-court pass. Most impressive is Splitter's interior passing. His ability to make short, quick passes around the rim is elite.

    Due to his hands and passing being his biggest strengths on offense, it's no surprise that Splitter's bread and butter is the pick-and-roll. Caja Laboral ran countless pick-and-rolls on the way to their championship. When Splitter catches the ball off the roll, he's a threat to finish at the rim, shoot a floater or make the smart pass to the open man.

    The other go-to offensive play for Caja Laboral was posting Splitter up on the low block. Splitter's game on the low block is quite unique. If he doesn't have good position, he likes to deliberately back his man down (a la Charles Barkley) to get closer to the rim. Once he's within about five or six feet of the rim, Splitter almost always utilizes one of two maneuvers: a hook shot or an up-and-under move.

    Statistically, Splitter is coming off of a successful offensive season in Europe. In the Spanish league, he averaged 15.7 points in 28 minutes per game on 58.3% shooting from the field. In 16 Euroleague games in which he played 26.6 minutes per contest, Splitter averaged 13 points with a shooting percentage of 53.5%.

    Despite those numbers, there are a number of areas on the offensive end where I question Splitter's ability to translate that success to the NBA. His jump hook is releaed with almost no lift and he doesn't get good extension, which makes it much more defendable than a traditional hook shot. Physical post defense has also given Splitter trouble. Not only because his post moves depend on backing his opponent closer to the rim but also because his up-and-under move requires a bit of space to unleash.

    The fact that he even attempts floaters on the offensive end is odd for a seven-footer. When he's driving to the bucket, he's not opposed to utilizing a Tony Parker-esque tear drop. Honestly, I'm not sure what to make out of this habit. While it's almost always preferable for a bigman to finish strong near the rim, Splitter has good touch and may avoid offensive fouls by being able to pull up from five feet rather than going all the way. That said, the Spurs could very well urge him to take the floater out of his repertoire so that he can draw more fouls and improve his conversion rate in the paint.

    While Splitter is fully capable of authoring thunderous dunks, he does tend to use softer shots whenever possible. He's good at moving the ball around in the air to get good angles on layups. He also likes to shoot quick flip shots to catch the defense flatfooted. Though those softer tactics in the NBA can work, it usually comes with a transitional period to adjust to the superior athletes.

    In Spain, Splitter rarely shot jumpers. When he did, he was usually off the mark. His jumpers don't have much arc and come with a relatively long windup. Having a non-shooter next to Tim Duncan hasn't worked out well in recent years, so Splitter's lack of a jumper is a concern. However, oddly enough, Splitter shoots jumpers with much more frequency and accuracy when playing for the Brazil national team. With his Spanish team, he rarely shoots outside of 15 feet. When in the Brazilian uniform, he connects rather consistently from 18-to-20 feet. Obviously, the Spurs will hope that the jumper he shows in international play is the one he'd bring to the NBA.

    Off the ball on the offensive end, Splitter is constantly setting screens. Technically, those screens he sets in Europe would be called moving screens in the NBA -- so that's another area of adjustment he'll have to make. Since he doesn't have a wide body, Splitter's screens are only average. But what he lacks in quality he can make up with quan y. His back picks and weakside screens are very useful in halfcourt situations.

    Though I would rank his end-to-end speed as only slightly above average, his willingness to run both ways is an asset. He won't make a living on the fast break but he'll run enough to get some fullcourt buckets from time to time.

    His running of the court is more obvious on the defensive end. Splitter is a conscientious defender who picks up his man early. He bodies his man and rarely lets the opponent get good post position on him. When his man does get the ball on the post, Splitter does a good job of being physical without fouling -- he keeps his arms up and only contests shots outside of the paint after the shooter has committed to his shot.

    Where Splitter shines on the defensive end is defending the pick-and-roll. He hedges very well and is able to pester point guards and then quickly return to his man. While I said he's not fast, Splitter is quick on his feet. That quickness is most apparent when he's switched onto a smaller defender on the perimeter. He wouldn't be able to defend small forwards on a full-time basis but he can do the necessary job when rotating out of the paint. Since Europe has a lot of bigmen who can shoot, Splitter has experience defending bigmen who like to hang out around the arc. He's not great at doing so but he's certainly far above average for a seven-footer.

    Flopping is another strength for Splitter. Although not quite the master of flopping like his countryman Anderson Varejao, he's not too far away. When either setting a pick or trying to get through a pick, Splitter is good at flailing and drawing fouls. He is willing and able to sacrifice his body under the rim to draw offensive fouls. To the future chagrin of NBA fans, Splitter is also good at taking a World Cup quality dive and fooling referees after pretending to get hit with an arrant elbow or forearm.

    Rebounding-wise, I think he'll crash the boards at a respectable rate on the NBA level. He's good at getting rebounds in his area due to his length, timing and good hands. However, Splitter doesn't have much a natural instinct to hunt down rebounds. If the ball doesn't come toward him, Splitter rarely is the one to come down with the carom. In other words, he doesn't have that innate rebounding ability that someone like DeJuan Blair possesses.

    When playing for Caja Laboral, Splitter didn't block too many shots (0.8 blocks per game in the Spanish league this season, 0.5 blocks in Euroleague). The shots that he did block were usually when opponents attacked his body in an attempt to draw fouls. Splitter doesn't show much of a desire for blocking shots from the weakside. That said, Splitter won't have to worry as much about foul trouble when playing for the Spurs so he may become more aggressive in this regard. He definitely has all the necessary tools to be at least a decent shot blocker.

    Overall, Splitter has good fundamentals on the defensive end but, again, there are concerns. His team defense needs work. When he's not involved in a play, he has a tendency of becoming a spectator. Splitter rarely hustles to protect the rim or help teammates who have lost their man. To put it bluntly, he needs to bust his ass a lot more on the defensive end if he's going to earn consistent minutes under Popovich. As is, Splitter only gives maximum effort when he's in the mix.

    The inability to hold his ground hurts him on the defensive end of the court as well. Splitter can get pushed around when facing stronger opponents, which could lead to foul trouble and a sub par defensive rebounding rate. To play center in the NBA, he probably has to gain another 20 pounds or so to balance out his body. Right now, I'd classify him as top heavy with a skinny lower half. The good news is that Splitter doesn't back down from physical play and routinely returns the punishment when he can. And since he'll be joining Duncan and the Spurs, his inability to play center isn't a huge worry because Duncan is the team's center -- despite what you may hear from the PA announcer. Splitter should have no problem playing power forward … and that may actually end up being a better long-term fit for him.

    Since the Spurs drafted Splitter in 2007, the biggest difference between then and now is his basketball IQ. He's gone from making bonehead plays in clutch situations to becoming a steely-eyed winner. He understands the game on both ends and is great at knowing when he needs to impose his will and when he needs to give his teammates the needed space to produce. Will his basketball IQ translate successfully to the NBA? Spurs fans should hope.

    One thing that should be noted is Splitter's injury history. He has had a number of injuries through the years. Though most of the injuries were minor, the fact that Splitter is at least somewhat injury prone should factor into his projections to the NBA level.

    Speaking of his NBA projection, part two will take a statistical look at what we can expect from Splitter next season if he signs with the Spurs.

  2. #2
    Believe.
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    Excellent analysis as usual. Thanks timvp

  3. #3
    Believe. Jlowd21's Avatar
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    Nice post, I feel like I know a lot more about Splitter's game now. Thanks

  4. #4
    Veteran Thompson's Avatar
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    Thanks for the writeup. There's been a lack of any solid Spurs info recently, and I needed a fix.

    Okay I'm Jonesing again, come on part 2...

  5. #5
    Thanks Tim Vic Petro's Avatar
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    please sign this guy already

  6. #6
    Believe.
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    timvp,
    I think that his floater is a good thing for 2 reasons:

    1) Avoid offensive fouls- since being a rookie he won't get many calls his way
    2) Even if he get calls, he's not a good free-throw shooter.

  7. #7
    WiCkEd Co Slydragon's Avatar
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  8. #8
    @Kap10Jack Blackjack's Avatar
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    He's actually improved quite a bit on his free-throws but that should revert back to form once in SA . . .

    Pretty on point, timvp.

    I think the passing has been one of the more impressive things to stand out and I think your assessment about his defense is almost to a T what I believe -- especially the effort or activity level when he's away or out of the play. I've called him white-collar to Varejao's blue and that's about the best I can explain it with words. More talented and his play seems to show that he knows it in those facets of the game.

    And, yes, he's a power-forward. I don't think there's any way of getting around Tim's status of being a center anymore and I think we could even see it on the All-Star ballot this year. Tiago's light in the ass and mobile, Tim's now the anchor physically and in team standing.

  9. #9
    Five Rings... Kori Ellis's Avatar
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    Ahh... this answers my question of "Why are you watching Splitter AGAIN?" for the last week.

  10. #10
    Believe. Juanobili's Avatar
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    Ahh... this answers my question of "Why are you watching Splitter AGAIN?" for the last week.
    haha

  11. #11
    One of the most best jag's Avatar
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    Haven't really had a chance to watch his old games so this was a solid read.

    Sign him up already!

  12. #12
    Ghost of Mr. K SenorSpur's Avatar
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    Another excellent write-up.

    I feel like I actually know much more about the guy now - even though I've never seen him play.

    Very much appreciated.

  13. #13
    Habeeb it! completely deck's Avatar
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    Great writeup, timvp

  14. #14
    PRICELESS SPURS FAN polandprzem's Avatar
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    Ahh... this answers my question of "Why are you watching Splitter AGAIN?" for the last week.
    It would be a devastating punch for timvp if Splitter would not signed with the spurs then, I assume

    GJ btw

  15. #15
    Govt, stay away!
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    In short, hes a more offensively talented, quicker, longer Fabricio Oberto.

  16. #16
    Thanks Tim Vic Petro's Avatar
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    It would be a devastating punch to all spurs fans.

  17. #17
    Pump Bacon Cane's Avatar
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    Great stuff like usual

    I've only seen a handful of his games but even in that small sample size, Tiago's NBA-ready passing and unique post game was on display. I too am not sure on how his signature moves will translate to the NBA, especially that awkward hook shot. Seems like if you scout him out you can get an easy block in the NBA on that move. Still during the regular season a competent and young 7 footer like Tiago should be a huge asset for the Spurs especially when paired with Duncan. Teams that don't have competent 7 footers can find themselves in a world of hurt against the Spurs with Tiago.

    Hopefully his defense and quickness will help handle the likes of David West, Dirk, and Lamar Odom since they have been significant mismatch problems in the past but thats a lot to ask for anyone in the NBA. Now that Amar'e is out of the West the Spurs thankfully don't have to worry about defending that kind of crazy athleticism.

    And while Duncan has declined athletically to defend younger PF's, on offense I think thats still going to be his role in the sense that he can help space the floor with his midrange shot especially if he's paired with Tiago. Spurs have tried to deter Duncan from sacrificing his body in the post game during the regular season by asking for more jumpshots IIRC.

    Here's hoping that Tiago and Blair will help keep Duncan healthy and rested.

  18. #18
    Govt, stay away!
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    Agreed.

    While not coming in 08 hurt, i wasn't a damn that sucks. it was a f'ing Splitter oh well he's got his reasons I suppose.

    This would be nonsensical. He's said he's coming, CL said he's coming, everyone in the league is expecting it.

  19. #19
    Govt, stay away!
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    The thinking the hook shot wouldn't translate is like saying Ginobili's jumper wouldn't translate.

    Smart bball players like Splitter, Ginobili, Horry figure ways out to get their shots off in efficient ways.

  20. #20
    Ruffy RuffnReadyOzStyle's Avatar
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    Thanks timvp, great analysis as always.

  21. #21
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    He throws up a lot of junk that I don't think will translate well at all. That's how I would describe his offense: junk shots. And it's a shame that he doesn't really play above the rim. Yes, he'll get occasional dunks, but he's barely clearing rim on those. Lots of Oberto-esque layups too.

    His passing is awesome. Him and Blair together should be a treat.

    I've always thought he was a PJ Brown type defender, and there's nothing wrong with that. , it's a great thing.

    I'm not concerned at all with how a non-shooting big man plays next to Duncan. I feel that's been the most overrated supposed flaw of the Spurs. Oberto played a lot of crunch time minutes in 07 without being a shooter, and guys like Robinson, Nazr, and Malik won les with the Spurs being inconsistent shooters. But recently the Spurs have basically had nothing but shooters when the playoffs were around. They've been so-so results wise playing heavy with mid-range guys like Kurt Thomas and Antonio McDyess, and had their biggest disaster when making Matt Bonner the big man next to TD.

  22. #22
    Emperor Duncan>>>>>King James tim_duncan_fan's Avatar
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    Edit:

    Damn, the days of summer kinda melt together so you're not sure what the date is.
    Last edited by tim_duncan_fan; 07-07-2010 at 02:42 AM.

  23. #23
    Killer Dolphin jcrod's Avatar
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    Nice! If your right on his offense and defense with the picnroll he is everything the Spurs need. He just needs to work on his jump shoot and help defense and he'll be perfect fit.

  24. #24
    Killer Dolphin jcrod's Avatar
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    He throws up a lot of junk that I don't think will translate well at all. That's how I would describe his offense: junk shots. And it's a shame that he doesn't really play above the rim. Yes, he'll get occasional dunks, but he's barely clearing rim on those. Lots of Oberto-esque layups too.

    His passing is awesome. Him and Blair together should be a treat.

    I've always thought he was a PJ Brown type defender, and there's nothing wrong with that. , it's a great thing.

    I'm not concerned at all with how a non-shooting big man plays next to Duncan. I feel that's been the most overrated supposed flaw of the Spurs. Oberto played a lot of crunch time minutes in 07 without being a shooter, and guys like Robinson, Nazr, and Malik won les with the Spurs being inconsistent shooters. But recently the Spurs have basically had nothing but shooters when the playoffs were around. They've been so-so results wise playing heavy with mid-range guys like Kurt Thomas and Antonio McDyess, and had their biggest disaster when making Matt Bonner the big man next to TD.
    You had me till here. Robinson was a very good jump shooter.

  25. #25
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    Thank you timvp

    I'm a euro-guy myself and have watched him play a bit. I must say I agree with everything you wrote. Just to add another very importan positive thing about him: his great character and "team spirit". It's apparent he is popular among his team mates and doesn't seem to have a big ego (it's no coincidence he is such a good passer since he has practised it so much).

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