Riverwalkman
11-10-2009, 10:46 AM
Happy to see Ginobili had a big night, George Hill played like an all-star, RJ getting in system, but I think those things are bond to happen sooner or later, Spurs main problem is the big men. Here are my thoughts (I'm a Chinese so it may contain awkward phrases, pls ignore those errors and understand my thoughts :toast):
-The last game, finally, Bonner did not start for the first time, he had a career game but you can't count on that everynight. The only reason he did not start is the absence of Duncan, spreading foor is only something for a defense/offense pivot like Duncan, so I think when Duncan's back, Matt will be back to starting lineup, however his defense, which never changes, is still bad.
-Theo Ratliff played center in a small lineup and he looked a bit rusty, his move was right but his physical was obvious not there, and starting brought him some pressure too. Just give him some time and not force the issue, the veteran needs some time to warm up.
-McDyess played about half time and I think he did pretty well, he was showing his quickness and rebounding, this is what I was most concerned, despite lack of length when defend Chris Bosh. He's defensive step is working on a progress, as Spurs ultimate opponent is LA, Dallas, Nuggets, Dice needs to play along with Duncan to make Spurs paint big and strong. Small ball is just a strategy in transition.
Also notice that McDyess delivered some nice pass at high post position, this reminded me of Oberto, who is a very good player along with Duncan. High-low is an effective play to help Duncan when someone is denying in front of him.
I think McDyess will play with his full strength in the 2nd half of the season, then Bonner's playing time will be less. Since Dice can shoot from 22,23 inches away, pass at the high post eara, box out and grab rebounds, play interior one on one defense, he is going to play significant time along with Duncan, Spurs will not be small.
-Blair is a beast on boards again and again, he has a Dennis Rodman's sense on glass, but today's league is much different than 90s, Power Forwards are at least 6'8, Blair's lack of length is clear when playing against player like Bosh, and evidently he can never play SF like other undersized PFs, How is his future like? I can't fighure it out. However, it's good to have such a backup "bigman" on roster.
-The last game, finally, Bonner did not start for the first time, he had a career game but you can't count on that everynight. The only reason he did not start is the absence of Duncan, spreading foor is only something for a defense/offense pivot like Duncan, so I think when Duncan's back, Matt will be back to starting lineup, however his defense, which never changes, is still bad.
-Theo Ratliff played center in a small lineup and he looked a bit rusty, his move was right but his physical was obvious not there, and starting brought him some pressure too. Just give him some time and not force the issue, the veteran needs some time to warm up.
-McDyess played about half time and I think he did pretty well, he was showing his quickness and rebounding, this is what I was most concerned, despite lack of length when defend Chris Bosh. He's defensive step is working on a progress, as Spurs ultimate opponent is LA, Dallas, Nuggets, Dice needs to play along with Duncan to make Spurs paint big and strong. Small ball is just a strategy in transition.
Also notice that McDyess delivered some nice pass at high post position, this reminded me of Oberto, who is a very good player along with Duncan. High-low is an effective play to help Duncan when someone is denying in front of him.
I think McDyess will play with his full strength in the 2nd half of the season, then Bonner's playing time will be less. Since Dice can shoot from 22,23 inches away, pass at the high post eara, box out and grab rebounds, play interior one on one defense, he is going to play significant time along with Duncan, Spurs will not be small.
-Blair is a beast on boards again and again, he has a Dennis Rodman's sense on glass, but today's league is much different than 90s, Power Forwards are at least 6'8, Blair's lack of length is clear when playing against player like Bosh, and evidently he can never play SF like other undersized PFs, How is his future like? I can't fighure it out. However, it's good to have such a backup "bigman" on roster.