How does Pops get Slo-Mo minutes after Kawhi returns?

Post #1 » by **Nolan** » Fri Dec 1, 2017 8:27 pm

Anderson's been excellent for us since the beginning of the season filling in for Kawhi as the starting SF. But with Kawhi's return coming soon how are we going to keep giving one of our more useful players minutes?

Thoughts?

Post #2 » by **G R E Y** » Sat Dec 2, 2017 8:06 am

I think it's more about maintaining the right mental attitude than anything else. Fewer minutes or playing behind Kawhi doesn't in any way diminish Anderson's importance to the team. Guys just understand their roles and accept both roles and opportunities as they come. Kawhi's likely going to be on minutes restriction as Tony is, so Anderson will still get his time. The value for the Spurs is Anderson growing and their knowing he can be relied upon. He just has to stay ready, because Pop rewards players who play the right way. Anderson has thrived in the chance to prove himself, but he's got some room to grow, and who better to learn from and with than the best two-way player in the league?

Leonard's teammates are looking forward to his return and getting players back in their regular roles. Patty Mills is playing with the second unit since Parker's return, and Kyle Anderson eventually will go back to the reserves when Leonard is healthy. "We've been playing together for a long time and we are used to each other," Ginobili said.

http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975074

It's a long season, and having a regular rotation gel, along with players getting experience outside of it, can only help the Spurs. It's about stepping up in whatever way one's called upon in becoming the best team they can be.

Post #3 » by **G R E Y** » Mon Dec 4, 2017 1:10 am

Slightly OT, but I think the bigger challenge, if at all, will be LMA adjusting to Kawhi's return. Again, the biggest challenge will be mental, but with a new attitude this year, I think LMA will be ok. He doesn't really have to adjust his game that much - they'll have to watch the spacing, slightly fewer minutes, and shots.

LMA's play, excellent as it has been, is difficult to sustain not just for the regular season, but for the playoffs. At 32, he's averaging about 32 minutes and 17 FGAs per game. The benefit for LMA is that he won't have to be the only main deadly weapon, and with opponents having to split their attention between him and Kawhi, he'll not have to take as many shots, he'll likely get better looks, and will reserve energy for the duration of the season. Add to this the opportunities that attention to them will get for the rest of the Spurs, and you've got deadly options.

Let's make this a problem for the opponents to worry about.

p.s. There's a thread on the GB, something about whether Kawhi has a weak supporting cast. Many posters feel that the Spurs comprise of Kawhi and a bunch of no-names and has-beens. Don't think they've watched us. Shhhhhhh... better they keep believing it.

Post #4 » by **Nolan** » Mon Dec 4, 2017 1:09 pm

GREY 1769 wrote:Slightly OT, but I think the bigger challenge, if at all, will be LMA adjusting to Kawhi's return. Again, the biggest challenge will be mental, but with a new attitude this year, I think LMA will be ok. He doesn't really have to adjust his game that much - they'll have to watch the spacing, slightly fewer minutes, and shots.

LMA's play, excellent as it has been, is difficult to sustain not just for the regular season, but for the playoffs. At 32, he's averaging about 32 minutes and 17 FGAs per game. The benefit for LMA is that he won't have to be the only main deadly weapon, and with opponents having to split their attention between him and Kawhi, he'll not have to take as many shots, he'll likely get better looks, and will reserve energy for the duration of the season. Add to this the opportunities that attention to them will get for the rest of the Spurs, and you've got deadly options.

Let's make this a problem for the opponents to worry about.

p.s. There's a thread on the GB, something about whether Kawhi has a weak supporting cast. Many posters feel that the Spurs comprise of Kawhi and a bunch of no-names and has-beens. Don't think they've watched us. Shhhhhhh... better they keep believing it.

Agreed. It may be a tough to balance the touches between the two but if we continue moving the ball like we have been it shouldn't be a problem. LMA's been a lot better this year at working quicker and that alone is going to help both him and Kawhi immensely.