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Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 7:54 am
by Nolan
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/10/burning-questions-on-a-lineup-change/With an eye toward toughening the Spurs’ defense in the playoffs, Popovich awarded veteran Antonio McDyess his first start of the season in Wednesday’s victory over Detroit, replacing DeJuan Blair, who had started at center the first 63 games.
Popovich is one of the few coaches in the NBA secure enough to tweak a lineup (mostly) responsible for 51 wins in 63 games. From some perspectives, it’s a bold move. Unlike two other temporary lineup changes this season, this one seems like it might stick.
“I’m never shocked by a lineup change with Pop,” Ginobili said. “Probably with the record we have right now you probably thought he would hold it. But he thought it was best for the team and he went ahead and did it.”
Orginally I thought the reason Dice got the start was because it was his 1000th game but apparently this is a more permanent move.
Blair's done a great job for us so far this year but I do understand the move. Dice can match up better with some of the bigger teams we're going to have to play this year. Also I think coming off the bench is better suited for Blair and his style of play. He'll be able to play a little more recklessly and he won't have to worry so much about getting into foul trouble.
What do you guys think of the move?
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 2:05 pm
by Stella Artois
I'm fine with it. I just hope Blair also can accept his new role coming of the bench.
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 5:01 pm
by crimsonkb24
Let's face it. You cant Win a 7game series vs Lakers/mavs with a 6'6 Center. If He accepts His Role He can bring reckless Energy off the bench
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 5:26 pm
by Magz50
Gonna be the Biggie and Smalls show off the bench!
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:25 pm
by Nolan
Well apparently Blair's not happy about it. Hopefully Manu will have a talk with him, if anyone can give him some good advice right now its Manu.
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:10 am
by Donald Kaufman
We got the best record in the league with Blair starting, so I understand if he's pissed about it. In Pop we trust I guess. He knows what he's doing.
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Fri Apr 1, 2011 4:04 pm
by co_laper
Honestly, I'm not especially pleased with the result so far. I don't feel our bench is as good, and I think in a lot of ways it limited Dejuan Blair.
Before, we get the luxury of playing blair the first 5 minutes which usually determines whether he's going to have a big game or average game. When he plays well, he usually keeps it up for a very good night. When he doesn't, his minutes get limited and Dice/Bonner gets more playing time than usual. Not to mention I think the second unit of Blair/Bonner is a much weaker defensive team than Dice/Bonner.
I just think it hasn't generated the result I was hoping.
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Fri Apr 1, 2011 8:09 pm
by Nolan
co_laper wrote:Honestly, I'm not especially pleased with the result so far. I don't feel our bench is as good, and I think in a lot of ways it limited Dejuan Blair.
Before, we get the luxury of playing blair the first 5 minutes which usually determines whether he's going to have a big game or average game. When he plays well, he usually keeps it up for a very good night. When he doesn't, his minutes get limited and Dice/Bonner gets more playing time than usual. Not to mention I think the second unit of Blair/Bonner is a much weaker defensive team than Dice/Bonner.
I just think it hasn't generated the result I was hoping.
Completely agree with you. Dice works better off the bench and we need Blair to playing a bigger role if we`re going to go far in the playoffs.
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Sun Apr 3, 2011 7:27 pm
by Blame Rasho
Blair had great chemistry with Manu in particular and him coming off the bench really has put a damper on his play. Pop overracted on the Lakers loss. Blair is solid. He knows his limitations and that is why we were good with him starting. I get the sense that he tries far too hard to make a difference and plays outside of his abilities off the bench to make the most of his time on the floor.
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Sun Apr 3, 2011 8:59 pm
by Nolan
Blame Rasho wrote:Blair had great chemistry with Manu in particular and him coming off the bench really has put a damper on his play. Pop overracted on the Lakers loss. Blair is solid. He knows his limitations and that is why we were good with him starting. I get the sense that he tries far too hard to make a difference and plays outside of his abilities off the bench to make the most of his time on the floor.
Bingo, he's doing what he did at the start of the season. Trying to face up and make plays on offense and trying to a shot blocker on the other end instead of doing what he does best. Drawing charges, putting in work on the boards, and finishing in the paint with that wicked floater and his up and under move instead of trying to make plays for others. He's a finisher not a creater.
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Mon Apr 4, 2011 3:12 am
by Donald Kaufman
Blair needs to start. We were the best team in the league with him in the starting lineup. Why Pop tinkered with things toward the end of the season is a mystery to me. DeJuan hasn't been the same since his minutes got limited and the team is paying for it.
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Tue Apr 5, 2011 10:34 pm
by wizardg
Blair is 20lbs heavier than when the season started. I'm dissapointed.
Re: Blair out of starting lineup?
Posted: Wed Apr 6, 2011 4:07 pm
by co_laper
Where did you read that?