Bleacher Report - Articles by Juki Mol

Suddenly, San Antonio Spurs Look Deep and Dangerous

Juki Mol — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:06:38 -0500

Tony Parker is back from an ankle injury that kept him sidelined and his team sputtering. Parker distributed the ball, finished plays with cuts and weaves in the paint and perhaps more importantly, he created some great movement and momentum when he was on the floor.

"It's always very important to get your best players back into the fold," Gregg Popovich said after the game. "Tony did a great job during rehab, as did Manu and we're slowly getting back in with their minutes. That will continue."

Parker joined Manu Ginobili, who himself returned from an extended stay off the court two games ago, on the active roster in San Antonio. With both players coming in off the bench, the Spurs bench players outscored the Grizzlies' reserves 62-4.

The level of consistent play and offense was on display all night across the entire team. Even as fans were digesting Tony Parker's first game back, one thing became obvious right away. This Spurs team suddenly looks like the deepest squad in the league.

The ball movement was nearly flawless and the ability to finish plays with penetrating drives and far-out jump shots was enough to send shivers through anyone who had written off this team earlier this month.

When Memphis began to make a run, the Spurs kicked up their defense and second chance rebounding. It was enough to take away any confidence from the young Grizzlies.

The real test for this team comes tonight when the Spurs play the second contest of a back-to-back against the division-leading Rockets in Houston.

Roger Mason took over in the third quarter with 14 points during that 12-minute stretch. Finishing with a total of 20 points for the night, Mason moved well without the ball and shows that he has quickly integrated into the Spurs offensive system by not only hitting shots, but creating opportunities for others. He destroyed Memphis' defense almost single-handedly.

This was easily the most balanced game the Spurs have played all year. Ten Spurs players played at least 13 minutes and the Spurs had six players in double figures. The only player who didn't score against Memphis was Bruce Bowen.

It begs the question: What will Popovich do to keep all these talented players happy and productive?

For the first time in many years, Popovich will have the ability to reach deep into his bag of tricks and put all kinds of different line-ups in the game as adjustments are needed.

Popovich, who is known among other coaches for his ability to make in-game adjustments, now has an arsenal of player weapons to choose from.

"Right now, we have no idea," Popovich said. "As far as who should start, who's coming off the bench, what the minutes are going to be."

The Spurs suddenly go from a team who were just trying to keep things together when Ginobili and Parker were out, to one that will be playing for their Division's first-place standing against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Look out, NBA!

[video highlights of Parker's first game back here]

Gregg Popovich Credits Defense for Spurs' Surge

Juki Mol — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:35:40 -0500

Roger Mason and George Hill have added a young, one-two punch that the Spurs' offense haven't enjoyed for some time.

Hill led the team with 20 points against the Grizzlies, a nice follow-up to his 23 point game against the Jazz on Friday night.

The rookie's quick start has Spurs fans asking whether Tony Parker has now become expendable. That thought seems every bit as extreme as Hill's speed. Many of his points have come via slashing cuts straight to the basket.

Roger Mason has started eight consecutive games. During the past two games, he's found that sliding over to the point guard position has allowed him to control the tempo and facilitate a comfortable rhythm for his own offensive game.

In Utah, Mason shot 70 percent from three point land. Against the Grizzlies, he hit five of seven from beyond the arc. That's light out shooting from a player who relies on cadence and uniformity for his shot.

"Yeah, you definitely get more of a rhythm," says Mason. "Starting off with the ball in your hands it helps, especially when you're a rhythm player like myself."

Interestingly, the Spurs have done better without Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili than they did when just Ginobili was out. The team went 5-2 without both of its star guards, as opposed to 1-4 when only Ginobili was on the mend.

The team's response during the difficult early stretch was satisfying to coach Gregg Popovich.

"Defense is sustaining us," Popovich explained. "We've played pretty solid defense."

Even if the Spurs start a game playing sloppy offensively, Popovich always teaches his squads that defense can keep them in games. Once they find their shot, like they have during the last two games, they can pull away from their opponents.

"Defense is what allows that to happen for us," Popovich says.

It didn't hurt that Manu Ginobili has found his scoring touch right away. After convincing everyone not to expect too much his first game back from injury, he scored 12 points in 11 minutes.

"I felt pretty good about it. I didn't rush it a lot," Ginobili said. "I took my time, found the open seam, made a couple of shots. I wasn't thinking about a great game on my first one, so I'm happy with what I did."

Parker Update

Tony Parker continues to take steps in his recovery from a sprained left ankle. He joined the team recently for some light shooting. Coach Gregg Popovich said Parker is improving rapidly, but other than saying he's ahead of schedule gave no timetable for his return.

Analyst Sean Elliott has already gone on record predicting that Parker will return to the lineup sometime next week. Parker suffered his injury Nov. 7 against Miami.

San Antonio Spurs Get a Fresh Injection of Manu Ginobili

Juki Mol — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:28:04 -0500

Someone looking at today's box score will see that Manu Ginobili scored 12 points in 11 minutes of play during his first game since his ankle surgery this past summer.

They'll see that he also contributed four rebounds and one assist, but what they'll never see is that which can not be measured.

"Manu Ginobili brings something you don't know that you missed until you see how he lifts everyone around him," said one television analyst. "The Spurs just play so much better when he's on the court."

In point of fact, it didn't even look like Ginobili had missed any time away from the lineup. Even the Spurs' new players looked like they had been playing with him for years and that must give the Spurs reason to feel great today.

His facile control of the ball and flowing movement was something the Spurs sorely missed.

Some had worried that he might not be the same player he was before his ankle surgery. His uncomplicated performance made his shooting, cutting, and dunking look like child's play.

"He really picked us up in a time when we were struggling," said Tim Duncan. "It's great to have him back. I can't wait to see his minutes continue to grow."

"He made a great contribution," added coach Gregg Popovich. "I think he looked as good as he has during the last couple of practices going five-on-five."

It was obvious that Ginobili was ready to play. If anyone was cautious, it was his coach.

"I didn't want to play him too much, but I was pleased to see that he got his rhythm back so quickly," said Popovich. "I didn't want to over do it. he's too important to us. We'll see how he comes out of it tomorrow."

If you ask Ginobili, it was probably too few minutes on the floor. Even his coach admits that he's spent much more time running full court scrimmages during practice, but in the end, Ginobili will take playing over sitting any day.

"I was very excited to be out there instead of just having to just run, lift and do abs," said Ginobili. "It was a great feeling and I'm happy that we got the win."

If there was one thing that may have been lacking during his first game back, it may have been his explosiveness. But, the smooth fluency of his body control certainly masked it well.

"I don't feel explosive yet," Ginobili admitted. "I'm still a little out of shape. Out of game shape. I've been running and stuff like that, but game shape is something you get the more you play."

He says he hopes to expand his minutes a little bit at a time. His target is to play at least four more minutes when the Spurs play the Bulls in San Antonio on Wednesday. Post game stiffness will be something team trainers will keep an eye on, but in this league, that's always something they keep an eye on.

"Right now it's a little stiff, but I think that's normal," said Ginobili in the locker room. "I feel good. A little slow, but good."

No doubt, the Spurs feel better too.

Ginobili Returns To Action Tonight For San Antonio

Juki Mol — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:13:57 -0500

It had been widely speculated that San Antonio's Manu Ginobili, who had surgery on his left ankle in September, could return this week.

It appears that Gregg Popovich finally agrees.

The Spurs guard is scheduled to make his season debut tonight at Memphis.

"It's great to hear," Ginobili told the Express-News. "It's been enough time."

The Spurs will try to get over the .500 mark (6-6) for the first time this season when they face the Grizzlies in Memphis.

This is likely, the best news involving Ginobili that the team has had since Ginobili’s injury kept San Antonio from advancing to the Finals last season.

Gregg Popovich Still Experimenting on a Nightly Basis

Juki Mol — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:22:37 -0500

Asked if he thought his team had experienced good or bad fortune in managing to achieve a .500 record while two All-Stars have been held out with injuries, coach Gregg Popovich said it was simply all part of the game.

"It's a situation where every team gets injuries, and you have to continue to perform as best as you can. And we've done a decent job. We could have done better in some areas, but it could have been better, it could have been worse.

The Spurs have used five different starting lineups through the first 11 games. Three players—Matt Bonner, Ime Udoka and Kurt Thomas—have managed at least one start and at least one DNP.

Popovich is candid about his methods—he's experimenting on a nightly basis.

"I see some combinations out there, and I wonder, 'Why did I do that?'" Popovich said. "We're getting a lot of looks at a lot of different combos, that's for sure."

"I think we're pretty much on course, learning. Young kids are learning the system and everybody's getting into shape. Hopefully, as we become whole we'll just become better and better."

Fans, of course, are less patient. They can't wait to see Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker back in the line-up for the Spurs.

They got their hopes up late last week when Ginobili spoke to the media at practice, telling them that his rehab was ahead of schedule. In true Ginobili fashion, he ramped up the stakes.

"I feel I'm very close," Ginobili said Friday. "I had a good practice yesterday. The ankle is not swelling. We're going to practice tomorrow and the day after. If it goes as well as yesterday, I think I'm ready to go."

Asked specifically which game he targeted for his return, Ginobili replied, "The next one. I would like to play the next one."

Popovich stepped in this weekend and put the brakes on the mounting expectations.

"He's getting more and more ready every day. Exactly when he'll play I'm not sure. [Tony Parker] is also improving on a day to day basis, but there's no date set on when he'll come back. When they're ready, that's when we'll play 'em."

The Spurs play four games this week, facing Memphis twice—once on the road (Monday) and once at home (Friday). In between those games, the Chicago Bulls come to San Antonio on Wednesday night. Then, the Spurs head to Houston to face the Rockets on Saturday.

Odds are Ginobili will beg his way back into the lineup for limited minutes during one of those games.

More In-Depth Spurs Coverage at SpursReport.Com

Is P.J. Carlesimo Headed Back To San Antonio?

Juki Mol — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:53:13 -0500

With the Oklahoma City Thunder off to a league-worst 1-12 start, P.J. Carlesimo was fired as coach Saturday and replaced on an interim basis by his assistant coach Scott Brooks.

The firing came after a 105-80 skid to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night, the Thunder's tenth straight loss.

General Manager Sam Presti, who worked with Carlesimo in San Antonio and later hired him said Brooks would finish the season.

"This isn't about one person," Presti said. "There's accountability for everybody involved — players, coaches, myself and anyone involved with our basketball team. We understand that."

Carlesimo had some pressure to produce a winner around Kevin Durant, but he never really stood a chance after inheriting a roster shredded by the trades of stars Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis after a decision to rebuild.

"We have to get better no matter who the coach is," Durant said. "To start off like we did my first year and now this year is tough to deal with. If we continue to work hard, things will start to turn around for us."

Almost immediately, Carlesimo was making news with fans in San Antonio. As soon as the firing hit the news wires, the official team roster at Spurs.com listed Carlessimo's name. [see screen capture and comments here]

The listing was dismissed as a typo by team officials and was later removed.

It had led to excited speculation that Carlesimo could wind up back in San Antonio where he helped the Spurs win championships alongside Gregg Popovich.

Developing...

Manu Ginobili: "I'm Ready"

Juki Mol — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:22:29 -0500

Manu Ginobili said on Friday that he is ready to play, and could possibly see action as early as Monday night in Memphis.

He has missed the first eleven games this season after offseason ankle surgery

But before Manu plays, he must convince head coach Gregg Popovich.

"I'm kinda proving myself in the last week," Manu said. "He (Coach Pop) watched me play one-on-one, and he saw that I'm doing pretty well."

Manu said he hasn't had any swelling in his foot the day after practice, and if he doesn't play on Monday he should be able to make his season debut on Wednesday against the Bulls, or Friday against the Grizzlies. Both games are at the AT&T Center.

Listen to an Audio Clip of Manu Ginobili At SpursReport.Com

Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker Close to Returning According to Greg Popovich

Juki Mol — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:27:01 -0500

The media, having peeked into the Spurs' practice facility on Wednesday, had their interests piqued at the sight of Sean Elliott—who, as previously reported, has been hooping it up with Manu Ginobili.

"I don't know what the hell he's doing," said Gregg Popovich jokingly. "He got lost today. Once a Spur, always a Spur, I guess. He wanted to come shoot around."

The mood around the facility was less heavy than it was just a week ago. Since that time, the Spurs have racked up three straight victories, albeit close ones. Popovich has reason to feel better, and he thinks his team does too.

"I'm sure it makes them feel better when they wake up in the morning," said Popovich. "But they're all pros and the next game is the most important one. Those three games don't matter."

Win or lose, it seems the thing on most people's minds is the health status of injured All-Stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

"Tony's moving the ankle around," said Popovich. "He's been lifting on it and he's on the court, taking a few shots here and there and trying to get it back in shape. He looks pretty good. He's progressing very well."

As for Ginobili, Popovich says the shooting guard's progress has been quite steady and improving.

"Absolutely. Basically, I believe he's ahead of schedule and he's been going two-on-two and we've got to get him to five on five here in the next week or two."

Walter Pasacrita, A.M. Drive Sports Anchor for WOAI & Ticket760, contributed to this report.

More at SpursReport.Com.

Stephon Marbury Would Love to Play with Tim Duncan in San Antonio

Juki Mol — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:08:27 -0500

Stephon Marbury visited San Antonio yesterday and said he would be interested in playing for the Spurs if he is cut by the Knicks, a team that has benched him permanently.

The New York Post reported in Wednesday's editions that Marbury felt another snub from Coach Mike D'Antoni when injured player, Eddy Curry, was activated instead of him for last night's game against the Spurs.

Curry himself had been the subject of a trade rumor involving the Spurs earlier in the week, which was an idea most Spurs fans reacted negatively to.

"Who wouldn't want to play for San Antonio?" Marbury said. "To play with Tim Duncan... who would complain about that? That's a great organization. They win championships. They have a nice system and I like Popovich as coach."

Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford has said he might look for a point guard after losing Tony Parker for a month, because the only point guards on the roster are rookie George Hill, who started last night, and Jacque Vaughn.

A trade is unlikely because Marbury is scheduled to earn $42 million over the next two seasons, but the Knicks' history does suggest they might be inclined to negotiate a buyout for Marbury who would then become a free agent.

Knicks GM Donnie Walsh has indicated that he is not ready to waive Marbury.

"It's a situation where the Knicks are trying to make his stay miserable so he asks for a much less expensive buyout," said one insider. "It's a textbook play."

D'Antoni has taken some heat from Knicks fans who feel Marbury has been slighted.

"I know, but we get back to the same thing. I just think it's better that I'm going to play my guys, and that's who's going to play," said D'Antoni. "So there's no reason to change course right now."

Marbury wasn't surprised.

"Mike said he's going forward and not playing me," Marbury said. "I'll wait the whole year if I have to."

Apparently Marbury isn't the only Knick who'd love to find his way to South Texas. Former Spur Malik Rose told WOAI-TV's Don Harris that he'd love to play for the Spurs next season after he becomes a free agent.

More on that in the SpursReport Fan Forums.

Bruce Bowen Benched For The First Time In 550 Games

Juki Mol — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:26:23 -0500

SAN ANTONIO—Bruce Bowen didn't start Tuesday night in San Antonio's game against the New York Knicks. It was the first time in 550 games that he played for the Spurs in which he was on the active roster and didn't start. He was replaced in the starting lineup at small forward by Ime Udoka.

Being the professional he is, Bowen didn't complain. He checked into the game with 2:22 left in the first quarter and contributed to the all-around defensive endeavor. That caused coach Gregg Popovich to proclaim the victory the best defensive team effort of the season.

"This is a time when you have to trust in the things that the coaches say," Bowen asserted after the Spurs found themselves off to their worst start since Tim Duncan arrived. "We know where we're trying to get. In the process, if people start second guessing, then it gets really disruptive.

"We're not a group that second guesses things. We understand that it's a process in the season and unfortunately, we're the cause of a lot of the things that are happening right now."

The defensive specialist, who had been the subject of criticism from Spurs fans in recent games, had a streak of 500 straight games played and started for San Antonio end on March 14 when he served a one-game suspension at Detroit. Bowen had been suspended for kicking Chris Paul.

Roger Mason started in place of Michael Finley, who also jumped into the game off the bench and contributed 14 points and six rebounds in a very energetic fashion and rookie George Hill got his first career start in place of the injured Tony Parker. Hill finished with 12 points, one assist, one steal, and five rebounds.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Before Injury, Parker Was Leading the League in Scoring

Juki Mol — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:28:03 -0500

The San Antonio Spurs canceled practice Saturday, a day after All-Star guard Tony Parker sprained his left ankle. He is expected to miss at least two weeks.

Parker was injured during a 99-83 loss to the Miami Heat on Friday, two nights after scoring a career-high 55 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was expected to have an MRI examination Saturday.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Friday that he expected Parker to miss two to four weeks. X-rays taken Friday were negative, but Popovich said Parker's ankle showed plenty of swelling.

The Spurs are 1-4 and off to their worst start since going 1-5 in 1996. They play Tuesday at home against the New York Knicks, but Spurs fans are not taking the news well.

Rookie George Hill and 12th-year veteran Jacques Vaughan will be fighting for Parker's minutes while he is sidelined.

Vaughan, 33, was inactive, though no injury was listed. He dressed but did not play Wednesday at Minnesota. He averaged 10 minutes in the Spurs' first four games this season.

Hill has played 35 minutes as a pro. The 26th overall selection out of Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis played 10 minutes after Parker left Friday and missed three shots from the floor but scored one point, had one assist and a turnover.

According to some reports, Hill will start in place of Parker when the Spurs take on the Knicks on Tuesday.

Peter Vecsey of the New York Post raves that Tony Parker became the first player in league history to hit the double-nickel without emitting a single bead of sweat in last Wednesday's double-OT Spurs win against the Timberwolves.

Before he went down, Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal Constitution had Parker on an early list of MVP candidates, stating the following:

"Move over, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. The Frenchman is challenging two of his All-Star teammates for the leadership mantle of an aging Spurs team. Parker’s 55-point, 10-assist, seven-rebound outburst in the Spurs’ win over Minnesota on Wednesday is the perfect exhibition of his ability to outshine his more celebrated teammates.

Duncan had 30 in the same game, but Parker, whose motor-never-stops energy never seems to wane, seems best suited to carry the load while Ginobili recovers from his ankle injury. He made two of his three shots from beyond the 3-point line against the Spurs, showing that expansion of his game continues. He is leading the league in scoring (27.4)."

Gregg Popovich's Beard Is Cursed!

Juki Mol — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:58:21 -0500

There have been times during past seasons when Spurs players, in bunches, have refused to shave because their beards have brought them luck.

In fact, win streaks have started and players did not shave again until they lost.

The opposite seems to be true for their coach.

Since Gregg Popovich grew his beard out, the Spurs are off to their worst start since 1996, the terrible season which led to Tim Duncan being drafted.

Some say it's a living tribute to just how "old" the Spurs are and that it should be gotten rid of!

Should Popovich shave the "cursed" beard?

Vote now!

Oberto Bounces Back From Irregular Heartbeat Scare

Juki Mol — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:21:58 -0500

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich expects to have center Fabricio Oberto back in the lineup on Tuesday when the Spurs take on Dallas.

Oberto hasn't played since feeling an irregular heartbeat during a weightlifting session six days ago.

Doctors used a cardioversion procedure to return normal rhythm to his heart.

“I've only talked to Fab,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said on Sunday to the San Antonio Express Newspaper. “But I haven't had a chance to talk to the doctors. (Oberto) seems to think everything's been in order."

"They've had him with one of these modern little gadgets that tests him every day, and then he sends it in, somehow or other," Popovich said.

Popovich also said "That's all been good, and if he's good today and tomorrow, he feels he's been released to play Tuesday."

Oberto had the same condition back in April of 2007.

Then, Oberto had to sit out practice and miss a handful of games, but returned for the playoffs after having the cardioversion procedure.

Without Oberto, the Spurs have suffered season-opening setbacks to Phoenix and Portland.

Spurs Schedule Doesn't Get Any Easier

Juki Mol — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:05:46 -0500

It doesn't get any easier for the Spurs as they continue to look for their first regular season victory.

They join the Wizards, Kings, and Clippers as the only teams who have yet to find a "W" on their record.

The Spurs have been working on improving their transition defense after Gregg Popovich harped on the team the other night during a film session.

"It was ugly on the court, the way we did certain things," Ime Udoka said.

The "older" Spurs have to do a better job of getting back on defense as they face some younger teams this week. Up first is Dallas on Tuesday at the AT&T Center followed by a late night trip to Minneapolis, where they'll face the Timberwolves on Wednesday, and then they fly back on Thursday in order to meet the Miami Heat at home on Friday.

Gregg Popovich missed a chance to get into the record books the other night when he came up short in a bid to set the all-time record for consecutive opening-game wins in North American major sports history. Popovich came into the season with 11 straight victories in season openers, tying Bill Fitch (NBA) and George Allen (NFL).

Tom Landry, the legendary head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, holds the record with 17 wins in a row from 1965-81. Popovich's streak ran from 1997-2007, but was snapped by Phoenix on Wednesday night. San Antonio's skipper remains tied with Allen and Fitch for second place.

Hopefully, the Spurs will get some help in the front line as they look to win their first regular season game of the year in Dallas. The Spurs say Fabricio Oberto and Anthony Tolliver are scheduled to return after missing the first two games.

Tim Duncan had to work extra long and extra hard as the Spurs found themselves lacking depth in the frontcourt the last couple of games. Some fans think Tim may not survive the season if he has to keep playing the way he has been.

Our guess is that Tim will be okay. He owns the most regular season wins since he entered the NBA in 1997. In fact, it's not even close. The former two-time MVP went into Friday with 669 wins over that span. Steve Nash was second with 541.

Rasheed Wallace is next with 539, followed by Robert Horry's 527. Duncan's teammate, Bruce Bowen, rounds out the top five with 526.

Kobe Bryant Graces Cover, Spurs May Steal the Show

Juki Mol — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 22:34:21 -0400

The brand new double issue of Sports Illustrated's NBA Season Preview has hit the magazine racks.

On the cover: Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Superstars like Kobe bring marketable style and ratings to the league, but it may be the San Antonio Spurs who may add the substance, and another ring, according to the magazine.

No word, yet, on how well the television ratings might fare for an NBA Finals featuring Kevin Garnett (Celtics) and Tim Duncan (Spurs), but that is exactly what the magazine's staff is predicting for the upcoming season.

Although the predictions place the Spurs as finishing at the number three spot in the Western Conference standings, the magazine predicts that San Antonio will defeat Los Angeles in the Conference finals before facing and eventually defeating the Celtics in the NBA Finals.

Senior writer Ian Thomsen explains SI's predictions and offers expanded versions of Enemy Lines for all 30 teams in the latest issue; it is definitely worth picking up if you aren't already a subscriber.

Here is a glimpse at the predicted order of finish.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION
Houston Rockets
San Antonio Spurs
New Orleans Hornets
Dallas Mavericks
Memphis Grizzlies

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Spurs over Lakers

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Celtics over Cavaliers

NBA FINALS
Spurs over Celtics

Spurs' fans are deep in discussion about the prediction at SpursReport.Com's Fan Forums.

In the meantime, Lakers' fans need not feel completely disrespected. SI picks Bryant to repeat as MVP, picks Lamar Odom to win the Sixth Man Award, and picks Andrew Bynum as the NBA's Most Improved Player.

Not Everyone Hates Avery Johnson's Guts

Juki Mol — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:05:52 -0400

Just one day after Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban was making headlines slamming the franchise's former coach, Avery Johnson showed up in San Antonio—where he still gets plenty of love and respect from Gregg Popovich.

Whether it was planned or not, the message sent by the visit was simple: Not everyone hates Avery Johnson's guts.

Cuban laid the Maverick's troubles last season squarely on Johnson earlier in the week, before taking some of the blame himself.

"The struggles that we had, as much of that was my fault as anything else," Cuban said speaking to the media during the Mavs' practice yesterday.

"It was my choice at the beginning of the year to say, 'OK, Avery, we went to the Finals, you won 67 games. Rather than me being involved on a continual basis in management style decisions, take some rope and you take some more of the responsibility and I'll back off.' Responsibility is not the right word. But, 'You do what you want to do, and I'll back off.'"

The way Cuban tells it, Johnson became an out-of-control control freak who tuned out his assistants and lost tune with his team. Cuban told the Dallas Morning News that half the Mavs, at some point last season, asked to be traded or informed him they wouldn't return if Avery was back on the bench.

Johnson showed up to San Antonio's second day of training camp to observe the team's practice and the Spurs welcomed him with open arms.

"I like to have Avery here, because he's special to all of us here in San Antonio," Popovich told the Express-News. "It's good to get a chance to talk basketball with him, talk family and just laugh and have a good time. But I'd rather he was coaching somewhere."

Johnson's reputation may have taken a hit after Cuban's comments, but some have said similar things about "no-nonsense A.J." even before the criticism.

While he was in San Antonio, "The Little General" managed to rub a few players the wrong way. He was a coach while still playing and was always the first one to yell at his teammates when they slacked off. That works well in college, but arguably not so well in the NBA, where players play and coaches coach.

True or not, statements like Cuban made can keep a coach off of hiring lists for a long time. Ask P.J. Carlesimo about that. How many times did Popovich sing Carlesimo's praises just as he does about Avery now?

True or not, would a former employer in the business sector...

Read the rest of this article at SpursReport.Com.

Salim Stoudamire: San Antonio Spurs Steal Sharp-Shooter from the Atlanta Hawks

Juki Mol — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:27:44 -0400

The Arizona Daily Star is reporting that Salim Stoudamire, the ex-Arizona Wildcat, has left the Atlanta Hawks and now will play for the Spurs. The wire report comes late Sunday evening. The Spurs have not confirmed the signing with an official announcement.

Still, Greg Hansen reports that the shooting star has signed and is expected to replace the three-point shooting threat of Brent Barry and perhaps Robert Horry.

Stoudamire is the cousin of former Spur, Damon Stoudamire. He was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round (31st overall pick) of the 2005 NBA Draft. At the University of Arizona, Stoudamire led the Wildcats to an Elite Eight appearance in 2005 (he and Channing Frye were the first four-year players at UA not to make a Final Four appearance since the 1980s).

Stoudamire broke the individual three-point percentage record (shot 50.4%), previously held by former Spur and Arizona alumnus Steve Kerr.

"In three years with the dismal Hawks," writes Hansen, "Stoudamire averaged just 17 minutes per game and was often slowed by a chronic ankle injury. His career average is eight points per game.

"Perhaps an organization as effective as the Spurs will change Stoudamire’s career path..."

Read more and see video at SpursReport.Com

Tony Parker Shows Up on Microsoft's New "I'm A PC" Ad—Seriously

Juki Mol — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:31:04 -0400

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker shows up on a Microsoft ad that replaces the Jerry Seinfeld campaign that pretty much fizzled out.

Check out the story and watch the ad at SpursReport.com.

Tim Duncan Is Still the Best Power Forward in the League

Juki Mol — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:05:51 -0400

Tim Duncan stands out because he doesn't stick out. He is a selfless, fundamentally sound all-star in a league that thrives on pomp and flair.

The position is a modern-day amalgam that requires old-school skills. You have to be a scorer, rebounder, facilitator, shot blocker, passer and team defender.

Some players meet more than one of those requirements; Duncan has mastered them all.

Last year, Utah coach Jerry Sloan, who coached Jazz great Karl Malone told USA Today that Duncan "is probably the best player to ever play the position the way he plays it."

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Darryl Watkins Looking Forward to Playing with San Antonio Spurs

Juki Mol — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:45:12 -0400

From SpursReport.Com:

After playing for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA's Las Vegas summer league and then joining the Dallas Mavericks' summer league team in the Rocky Mountain Review in Salt Lake City, Darryl Watkins could have gone home and hoped for an NBA team to call.

Instead, Watkins started commuting between his home in New Jersey and San Antonio. Four days a week, the Spurs held open-gym workouts. For Watkins, it was just another chance to put himself in front of NBA executives.

On Wednesday, Watkins' agent said the former Syracuse University center was on the verge of signing a two-year partially guaranteed deal with the Spurs.

"I think it's a great situation for him," Reggie Brown of Chicago-based Priority Sports said Wednesday. "San Antonio is a great organization from top to bottom. It's the perfect situation for Darryl to realize his NBA dream."

Watkins' NBA dream took a couple detours last season. Watkins, who played for Syracuse from 2003 to 2007, was an undrafted free agent after his senior season. He signed with the Sacramento Kings and appeared in nine games for the Kings, averaging 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds. But Sacramento released him on Dec. 10.

Watkins spent the rest of the 2007-08 season in the NBA's Development League, splitting the year with the Los Angeles D-Fenders and the Iowa Energy.

Watkins hit the summer league circuit in search of another NBA opportunity, but it was the decision to spend the second-half of his summer in San Antonio that resulted in the contract with the Spurs.

"It's been a great experience," Watkins said by telephone from San Antonio Wednesday night. He said he has gone up against Tim Duncan on a couple occasions. "I came down here for an open gym and it ended up turning into something else. It's been a real positive for me."

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Darryl Watkins Will Sign with Spurs This Week

Juki Mol — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:36:57 -0400

From SpursReport.Com:

Darryl Watkins, the former Syracuse University center, is set to sign a two-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs, according to his agent.

Reggie Brown, of Chicago-based Priority Sports, told the Post-Standard Wednesday that Watkins would sign the deal with the Spurs within the next few days. The contract is partially guaranteed.

Watkins, a 6'11" center, was undrafted after his senior season at Syracuse. He signed with the Sacramento Kings as a free agent prior to the 2007-08 season.

He played in nine games for the Kings before being released. He split the rest of the season with the Los Angeles D-Fenders and the Iowa Energy of the NBA's Development League.

Known primarily for his defense, Watkins was used as a back-up for his first two seasons in college. Watkins became Syracuse's starting center in his junior year. He registered 99 blocks that season, and ranked 16th in Division I blocked shots per game (2.8). He finished the season averaging 7.1 points and 7.3 rebounds.

A first-team all-state pick as a senior, Watkins was a four-time all-county selection and earned all-area his final two seasons.

Tony Parker Not Getting It Done for France

Juki Mol — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:08:30 -0400

When Tony Parker announced he would show up late and play for his country in this summer's EuroBasket qualifying games, there was unbridled joy in France.

Parker cannot win games for the French on his own, though.

He couldn't on Saturday when pouring in 30 points in a 78-77 defeat at Ukraine. He couldn't on Wednesday when unbeaten Turkey overcame his 32 points to hand the French their second straight Group C defeat, 77-65.

Bogdan Tanjevic's Turkey, desperate to reach EuroBasket 2009 in Poland as they prepare to host the 2010 FIBA World Championship, trailed 24-21 in the second quarter but reeled off 15 consecutive points and never trailed again.

Parker, the San Antonio Spurs' guard, hardly took a misstep. He made 13 of 19 shots from the floor but his output wasn't nearly enough to overcome Turkey, who have also claimed wins against Ukraine and Belgium.

No other French player...

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Manu Ginobili Discusses Surgery and Challenges of Recovering at Home

Juki Mol — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:47:59 -0400

"Truth is, I am surprised of how I have reacted so far," writes Manu Ginobili in his native tongue on his official website.

While recovering, the self-described "hyperactive" personality is trying his best to take it easy and rest at home as he recovers from arthroscopic surgery on his ankle.

"They made several cuts in order for a camera, light, and surgical tools to get in and correct things. Despite the fact that I was under complete anesthesia and I couldn’t see what they were doing live, they gave me a DVD and the following day I sneaked a peek to see how everything was done.

"The thing that made me very calm was that the doctor (Richard Frenkel) told me that, apart from the injury, the ankle is fine. He told me that many times they open and they find surprises because of other problems. Luckily it wasn’t my case.

"They advised me to have lots of rest and to try to have my leg up as much as I can and that’s what I have been trying to do. When not in that position, I use the crutches and every once in a while I go to my PC to surf on the Internet."

Ginobili says that he is still far playing any hoops, but...

You can read the rest of the story at SpursReport.com

Tony Parker "Annoyed" by Lack of Starting Role at EuroBasket Tourney

Juki Mol — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:16:29 -0400

Tony Parker has admitted he was "annoyed" to be left out of France's starting lineup for their opening EuroBasket 2009 qualifier against Belgium.

The San Antonio Spurs guard is easily Les Bleus' most celebrated player, but he started on the bench in their 82-63 victory on Wednesday.

With Parker only recently returning to the international fold after a self-imposed exile, coach Michel Gomez placed his trust in the players he has had at his disposal throughout France's warm-up games prior to EuroBasket qualification.

Although he came off the bench to great effect in the comfortable win in Nancy, Parker was left slightly puzzled.

"You can be sure that...

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Manu Ginobili Undergoing Surgery in Los Angeles

Juki Mol — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:16:32 -0400

Spurs guard, Manu Ginóbili is in Los Angeles with specialists who will perform arthroscopic surgery on his injured left ankle on Wednesday.

Speaking to Argentina-based newspaper Olé, Ginobili says the Spurs' medical staff were convinced that surgery was the only way to definitively resolve the injury.

The subject of recovery time and how long Ginobili might be out of action has been widely debated among Spurs fans and experts alike, but some with knowledge of the injury say that no matter what, Manu will not be allowed to return to action until he is completely healed and ready—"no matter how much he begs and pleads."

"I do not know what the recovery time might be," explains Ginobili. "I do know that I'm going to undergo rehab and therapy in San Antonio, and that the timeline for a return is, at best, inaccurate at this point. First I was told six to eight weeks, now seems to be between ten and twelve (weeks). I do not know...I reckon two months or two and a half months before I start playing again.

Asked if he noticed any change in the way he was treated by coach Popovich or any other executives with the team after returning from the Olympics injured, Manu was adamant: "No, not at all. Pop went to pick me up at the airport. I know that all is well and there is no sort of resentment or anger towards me. Obviously they would have preferred to have me healthy and ready to start the season, but injuries happen. Now it's happened to Monta Ellis while he was training. He'll be out three months, so simply things are going to happen."

Interestingly, Ginobili has revealed that negotiations to extend his contract in San Antonio, which expires in two seasons, have been on hold since the moment he decided he was going to be playing in the Olympics. "They were cancelled, postponed, I suppose. I think we will talk again when I return to action."

That revelation is interesting, given the published report by a newspaper columnist in San Antonio, who expressed a controversial opinion that the Spurs would wait to extend Ginobili's contract the afternoon after Ginobili went down during the Olympics.

"Ginobili's fragile status will be part of the equation," wrote Buck Harvey. "Tim Duncan and Tony Parker will be the only Spurs under contract in 2010, not counting Ian Mahinmi's minimum deal. That means there's a lot of cap room." The article caused an uproar among fans.

This article also appears at SpursReport.Com

Manu Ginobili's Surgery Now Scheduled

Juki Mol — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:23:47 -0400

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili will undergo ankle surgery next week, a team spokesman said on Friday.

The 31-year-old was a member of Argentina's Olympic bronze medal-winning squad in Beijing.

The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year was originally injured during the NBA playoffs and aggravated things in a semifinal loss to the United States during the Olympics. He did not play when Argentina downed Lithuania in the bronze medal game.

"He re-aggravated the injury in the tournament semifinal versus the U.S. on Aug. 22," the Spurs said in a statement.

"An MRI (scan) earlier this week confirmed he had re-aggravated the injury and that there was no additional damage to the ankle or ligament."

The Spurs did not know when Ginobili would be back in action, although the player said that the recovery period would be six to eight weeks.

San Antonio opens its regular season against Phoenix on Oct. 29.

Spurs fans are discussing the news and potential impact to the team's season and Ginobili's career at SpursReport.Com.

Tony Parker Looks Impressive Leading France at Riga Tournament

Juki Mol — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:22:06 -0400

Tony Parker poured in 30 points as France claimed their second win of the Riga Tournament with an 89-66 victory over the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

The San Antonio Spurs guard, back after a self-imposed exile from the international stage, was 9-for-15 from the floor and flawless in 10 shots from the charity stripe in his 23 minutes on court.

Tariq Kirksay piled in with 18 points in a match watched by just 15 spectators, as Les Bleus avenged their 84-67 loss to Latvia on Tuesday.

On Monday they beat Georgia 90-69, so it was a topsy-turvy three days for the French, who begin their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign on Sept. 3 with a match against Belgium in Nancy.

From SpursReport.Com

Manu Ginobili: "They're Going to Perform Surgery on My Ankle"

Juki Mol — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:27:17 -0400

"Here I am, back in San Antonio, happy with the bronze medal we won at the Games and ready to tackle a new season of the NBA," says Manu Ginobili in an exclusive report to Argentina's Spanish language newspaper, La Nacion.

"I had imaging studies done on my ankle and basically, the studies indicate that the ligament is just as it was two months ago, when I had the first resonance. It is not worse, that's important. Now the issue is that it's not better either and it seems that the only way to recover fully is to have surgery."

According to Manu, no date has been set. He doesn't even know which doctor will perform the procedure, but the reality and severity of the situation is sinking in.

"Today, I am not hurt the ankle while walking," explains Ginobili, "but when I try to run or jump it does."

Ginobili expects that the recovery period from surgery will be six to eight weeks, although he has not been told if he'll be ready to play or simply return to rehabbing the injury that has haunted him since last season's playoffs. The Spurs guard says he's fully prepared to miss a few early games.

"I understand the frustration," says Ginobili. "I understand that I may miss some games, but participating in the Olympic Games was very important. Any athlete who has the possibility to experience the Olympic Games should not reject it. There will be people who understand you and other people who don't."

And that has definitely been the case in both the blogosphere and in fan forums. The topic has been highly debated since Ginobili was urged by Spurs coach Gregg Popovich not to go to Beijing.

"I had the chance to read a column in San Antonio, in which I was criticized by for my decision to participate in the Games," said Ginobili.

Read the rest of the story at SpursReport.Com

Roger Mason Was the One That Got Away

Juki Mol — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:26:45 -0400

Last year, Roger Mason turned down the Spurs' offer to come to San Antonio, but this year his addition to San Antonio's lineup is one of the most discussed and anticipated ones.

That's interesting given what Miami Heat President Pat Riley said on Thursday. Speaking to the Sun Sentinel, Riley said that only one player targeted by his team got away this summer.

The surprise was that that player was guard Roger Mason, Jr. who left the Washington Wizards to sign as a free agent with the Spurs.

Riley, addressing his team's personnel for the first time in weeks, said his goal had been to add both Mason and forward James Jones, but ultimately he had to settle on adding Jones as a free agent from the Portland Trail Blazers.

"The only player that we didn't get in free agency that we wanted was Roger Mason and we couldn't. It was going to be either/or, really," Riley said shortly after a ceremony at AmericanAirlines Arena that saluted Dwyane Wade's gold medal success at the Beijing Olympics. "We tried to convince one of them to take the $1.9 (million low-level salary-cap exception). But everybody else we wanted, we got."

More Spurs News and Fan Discussion at SpursReport.Com

Michael Finley Will Stay with Spurs Despite Other Offers

Juki Mol — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:32:13 -0400

SpursReport and ESPN are reporting that even though a few top contenders were interested in signing him, Michael Finley has elected to re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs.

NBA front office sources are reporting that Finley and the Spurs have reached terms on a new deal that has been submitted for league approval.

The news comes hours after it was revealed that Jannero Pargo, who the Spurs had been courting for some time, has decided to play in Russia next season. It is not known if Finley's deal was in limbo due to that development.

Gregg Popovich, in particular, had said that they wanted Finley back earlier this summer, but there had been little said since. One report had Finley turning down offers from Europe.

Contract specifics were not immediately available, but sources say Finley's decision came down to a choice between staying with the Spurs or joining the Boston Celtics. Had he gone to Boston, it would have been as the reigning champs' replacement for James Posey, who signed with the New Orleans Hornets earlier this summer.

The two-time All-Star also drew strong interest from the Hornets and Cavaliers.

The Spurs have made no official announcement about the signing.