Splitting Open the Draft

#28 Tiago Splitter, Brazil, TAU Ceramica. (PF/C, 22 years old, 6’11” 240)

Scouting Report:
(+) Splitter is, by all accounts, a skilled low post player with soft hands and all the tools to succeed. He has strong footwork, understands the game well, and gets easy buckets by running the floor well. Splitter is able to use his long arms and athleticism to get a lot of easy tips and put backs and possesses great speed at his position. Good court vision for a guy his size, enabling him to play the high post. Good overall defender with long arms and quick feet (Draft Express calls him one of the best defensive big men in Europe). He should be growing accustomed to upper level basketball, having spent the past season at TAU Ceramica of the Spanish ACB league (Luis Scola’s club).

(-) Not quite the bully you want a guy his size to be. Although he plays with intensity, he has yet to show consistent physical and mental aggressiveness. Could improve on his mid range shooting, something that has held him back considerably. Has a history of mild injuries, a red flag for a guy that is only 22.

How He Fits on the Spurs:
Splitter is a prototypical “dirty work” guy for TAU, and that won’t change in the NBA. Playing alongside the likes of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, Splitter should find a place by just working hard, making cuts, and playing off of the All-Stars in San Antonio. If he can ever learn the game the way Fabricio Oberto has, than the Spurs are in great shape.

Splitter has played the high post and low post, and his versatility should help him play alongside Duncan. If he ever develops a midrange jumper it would do a lot to free up Timmy down low.

Unfortunately, the Spurs could be flirting with Scola version 2.0. Splitter is stuck in a buyout situation and won’t come to the NBA anytime soon. Spurs director of media services Tom James has already announced Splitter won’t come over this season and will not be part of the Spurs’ training camp.

He can develop into a scorer over time, but for the moment he’ll be asked to be a defensive presence, run the floor, and work the boards.


#33 Marcus Williams, Arizona (SG/SF, 20 years old, 6”7” 210)

Scouting Report:
(+) At 6’7” and a 7 foot wingspan, he’s got excellent size for a SG/SF. Like most rookies, he’ll need to put on some muscle, but the Spurs don’t exactly focus on bodybuilding-type wing guys. Great ballhandler and individual talent (several sites claim that he shined in 1-on-1 workouts). Very smooth with the ball, able to make his own shot off a solid crossover or create shots for others with his court vision. Instinctive type of player who improved his attitude from one year to the next at Arizona. Has put in a lot of effort to improve himself in the “hustle” parts of the game, working without the ball and getting out on the break.

(-) Williams may have a big upside, but he’s not as NBA ready as wing players the Spurs passed on such as Alando Tucker or Derrick Byars. He’s got a funky release on his shot, giving him an inconsistent and slow jumper. Despite his length, he isn’t extremely quick, and isn’t as solid a defender as he probably should be. More of a finesse guy who doesn’t show much toughness. He also tends to make questionable decisions in the clutch.

How He Fits on the Spurs:
At only 20 years old, he’s a project, but youth is definitely served on the perimeter. If he has the maturity and patience to learn from professionals like Michael Finley and Bruce Bowen, he could turn out to be a starter-type player down the road. More than anything, he has to learn that defense comes first with Popovich and company, and he’ll be a role player in the Spurs’ system.

He’ll have to work himself onto the roster in training camp and over the summer. Alongside James White, the Spurs suddenly have two long, finesse wing guys that could be key components 2-3 years down the line, but Williams will definitely have to earn his place. He’s shown the willingness and effort to improve, which is probably why the Spurs chose him over other talented wing players in the draft.


#58 Giorgos Printezis, Greece (SF/PF, 22 years old, 6’8” 210)

(Traded to Toronto for a 2008 second round pick).

Most of the information for the scouting reports came from NBAdraft.net and Draft Express. Both are worth checking out for more info.

Spurs Draft Preview

(The post below is an expanded version of a draft preview published at RealGM.com.)

Even championship teams need to reload, and the Spurs are no exception. The Spurs are the oldest team in the NBA, and have to start looking towards a youth movement, especially on the perimeter. Backup point guard Beno Udrih was never able to find a groove with the Spurs coaching staff, averaging a career-low 37% shooting in mostly mop up duties. Jacque Vaughn isn’t the long term answer as Parker’s backup, and their wing players are mostly in their twilight years, including Brent Barry (35), Bruce Bowen (36) and Michael Finley (34). (Of course, we said the same thing last year, and they benefitted from not pulling the trigger on a midseason trade.)

Retaining the services of Michael Finley and Oberto (who just opted out but is expected to return) in free agency is a must, but the Spurs have to become younger and more athletic through the draft. While they’ve proven that they can win with their current formula, the Spurs’ front office is well aware that they need a young, bullish 3-4 hybrid player to put out on the floor when they want to go small (rumors had circled about the Spurs trading for Corey Maggette all season). Bowen and Ginobili have difficulties guarding bigger small forwards such as Carmelo Anthony and Bonzi Wells, but the Spurs are usually able to overcome the size mismatches with team defense.

Rookie James White, a highlight reel type of player picked up midseason of 06-07, could be the long term answer at the small forward slot, but the Spurs need more than one player to mold for the future. The list below is compiled taking into consideration how likely the player is to be available around the 28th pick, so Oden and Durant won't be on there (it's not a wish list, but a practicality one). Most fill positions of need and have intangibles the Spurs organization would like. So, without further ado...

The Silver and Black's Top Ten 2007 Draft Prospects

1.) Marco Belinelli, Italy >
It would be a surprise if Belinelli got by Phoenix at no. 24, but if he drops the Spurs shouldn’t pass him up. He could ultimately supplant Brent Barry in the lineup with his outside shooting and heady playmaking abilities. He’ll probably play more off guard in the NBA, but has the ballhandling and passing savvy of a point guard. Maybe the best sniper the draft has to offer (the Spurs love long distance shooters), but he’s also a solid athlete who will take it to the rim. Probably won't contribute immediately, but could be a solid 6th man two seasons from now.

Watch Belinelli Video

2.) Morris Almond, Rice

Almond is a pure scorer, but his high basketball IQ is what could help him fit in nicely on the Spurs. He gets to the line, finishes at the basket, and knocks down contested shots. If he can adjust to being a role player rather than “the man”, he could be a steal at #28. Having an explosive scorer like Almond could allow the Spurs to move Ginobili back into the starting lineup over time, a role Ginobili performs better in. Almond’s off-court characteristics…he’s intelligent, well spoken, and a team player…make him a great candidate to pair with the likes of Duncan and Popovich.

3.) Rudy Fernandez, Spain

Everyone is looking for the next Manu Ginobili, and Fernandez is only this far down the list because the odds are he'll be snagged around 19-24. A solid overall talent with a great first step, Fernandez is well liked for his ability to improve in almost every facet of his game. A great 1-on-1 and open court player, so the Warriors (pick 18) and Suns (pick 24) could have a lot of interest. Fundamentally sound, but still uses his explosive athleticism and offensive creativity to get around defenders. Can be a little careless at times, but so was Manu coming into the league.

Watch Fernandez Video

4.) Petteri Koponen, Finland

A crafty, tall point guard with eyes in the back of his head, Koponen could be everything that Spurs have been missing in the backup PG slot. Originally slated to be a second round pick, Koponen has apparently dazzled scouts at workouts and camps, perhaps warranting a late first round pick (if he does drop, the Spurs own pick #33 as well). Even though slight of frame, Koponen has got guts, and should be receptive to the tough attitude of the Spurs’ coaching staff. Whether he or Gabe Pruitt is drafted will dictate the fate of current backups Beno Udrih and Jacque Vaughn.

Watch Koponen Video 1
Watch Koponen Video 2

5.) Alando Tucker, Wisconsin

Tough, rugged perimeter guy that could contribute right away (not that the Spurs would need him to). Tucker's a mature player that could develop a great NBA midrange game over time, and has potential to be a decent three point shooter. He won't be the scorer he was in college, but he's the type of guy that can adapt to become a defensive specialist in the NBA, like a Lindsay Hunter or Raja Bell. There will never be a Bruce Bowen-like talent coming out of the draft, which makes it hard to replace a guy like Bowen. Bowen's skill set is built on work ethic, desire, and practice, not simply talent. That being said, Tucker seems to have the drive and tools to become a good defender in the NBA, and he's already worked out with the Spurs.

Watch Tucker Video

6.) Derrick Byars, Vanderbilt

He'll probably come off the board before the Spurs pick, but he could slide. A "total package" kind of guy with a nice touch from the perimeter and a great ability to get to the rim, Byars was the SEC player of the year in a league that featured a few notable guys from Florida. Has a high IQ and is a great ballhandler. Coach Popovich and company would need to instill some defensive discipline in him to make sure he's more than just a scorer at the next level. Lanky, athletic wing guys are all the rage in the league right now, abd Byars fits the bill.

Watch Byars Video

7.) Jared Dudley, Boston College

Slow as mud on the perimeter, so he could be a defensive liability. He's tough as nails inside though, and plays with heart night in night out. He could be the 3-4 Bonzi, Carmelo, Josh Howard type of guy the Spurs could use in their small lineups, taking pressure off of the likes of Bowen, Manu, and Finley. The only question is whether his defensive shortcomings would nullify his interior presence on a team this defensive-minded.

8.) Aaron Afflalo, UCLA

Like Tucker, Afflalo is an experienced player that will look towards defense to find his place in the league. Also, like Tucker, Afflalo should be around in the mid to late 20's and has already worked out for the Spurs. He is a smart, tough player that can easily transition from being a star in college to being a role player on an NBA club. Not a great 1-on-1 talent, so he'll have to invest some time in his jump shot to be a good offensive contributor. That being said, he's shown every indication that he'll do what it takes to improve.

Watch Afflalo Video

9.) Reyshawn Terry, North Carolina

People have been very high on Terry as of late, but the Spurs will always be tentative to draft a guy who has trouble keeping his head in the game. Despite his focus issues, Terry is a defensive gem: long, instinctive, tough and quick. He won't contribute much offensively, despite his athleticism, but could carve himself a place in the league on his defensive talents alone. That being said, he'll have to make sure he can do it for a full 48 minutes, rather than showing up from time to time.

Watch Terry Video

10.) Gabe Pruitt, USC

If the Spurs look for a backup PG, rumors are that it will be Koponen or Pruitt. Pruitt is more NBA ready, while Koponen may not even come over from Europe this coming year. However, the Spurs still have Beno Udrih on the roster for another year, and could bring back Jacque Vaughn, who was consistent on both ends of the court on their way to the 2007 championship this season. If they choose to bring Vaughn back, they won't want a 4th point guard on their roster, and may decide to draft Koponen. Otherwise, they could draft Pruitt, a quick, smart point, to fill in behind Parker immediately. Pruitt isn't a "true" point guard yet, but should be able to adapt to become a playmaker at the next level. His jumper is questionable and he needs to work on his point guard instincts, rather than penetrating at every opportunity.

Watch Pruitt Video

Submit your own list under the comments section, or email at elliot.cole@yahoo.com

The New Style of a Dynasty

(Article Published at Realgm.com)

The Spurs dynasty has been the topic of debate since the Spurs took down the overmatched Cleveland Cavaliers to earn their 4th title in 9 years. Could a team be a dynasty if it had never repeated? Can a team be a true dynasty in the modern era, or has expansion changed the dynamic of the idiom?

Maybe labeling the Spurs “team” as a dynasty is misleading in the first place.

Yes, the San Antonio Spurs are a modern day dynasty, akin to the Yankees, Patriots, or Red Wings. Champions transcendent of the ebb and flow of the free agent market or the ever-changing style of play in the NBA, an organization capable of maintaining a winning pedigree despite changes in league rules, their competition, and their roster.

But it’s not a singular team that has garnered the “dynasty” identity for the Spurs. And perhaps that last part is what separates the Spurs from other NBA dynasties (no doubt the Celtics of the 60’s and 80’s, MJ’s Bulls or the Showtime Lakers). The Spurs dynasty is really as much a testament to an organization as it is a spectacular group of players.

Whereas Kobe and Shaq formed a great core, and the MJ/Pippen tandem held several great teammates, every dynastic team to this point has been just that; a dominant team, a group of players simply better than everyone else. Those teams would have several holdovers each offseason and maintain their stars. The teams would only lose their stride by outside influences (retirement, age, in-team fighting).

But the Spurs have reshaped the dynasty image, most notably because they haven’t won 4 championships in the last 9 years through one dominant team. Instead, the Spurs have been ever-versatile, reacting to the unpredictable free agent market that has forever altered the shape of the NBA. The 1999 Spurs share little in common with the 2007 version, which is no mirror image of the 2003 or 2005 teams. In fact, every subsequent Spurs team has been drastically different from the previous incarnation, something no other dynasty can claim. Here’s a breakdown of the Spurs’ 4 championship teams, and a few of the differences in each, including the starting lineups):

1999 (Avery Johnson, Mario Elie, Sean Elliott, Tim Duncan, David Robinson): The ‘99 Spurs were a defensive monster with little offensive prowess outside of Tim Duncan and David Robinson. A team built around aging veterans like Sean Elliott and Mario Elie to flank the All-Star centers, the Spurs featured little slashing perimeter play, instead opting to dump it inside on nearly every possession. They allowed…ready for this?....84.7 points per a game on 42% shooting, making them not only the best defensive team of that year, but arguably the best defensive team of the last decade. They went 15-2 during the playoffs with their slow style, sweeping the powerful Lakers and Trailblazers. While Spurs teams had certain inalienable themes (Duncan, defense, and discipline), this team took their defensive play to a new level, masking their offensive limitations.

2003 (Tony Parker, Stephen Jackson, Bruce Bowen, Duncan, Robinson): The era of David Robinson had come to an end, and in his final year he was no more than a solid role player for the Spurs. Duncan was the MVP of the league, but the entire team had changed around him. Other than Robinson, Malik Rose and little used Steve Kerr were the only holdovers from the 1999 team. Out were Elie, Elliott, and mini-coach Avery Johnson, in were young inexperienced players like Stephen Jackson, Tony Parker, and rookie Manu Ginobili…the last two still adjusting to the league. Again, the Spurs won with defense, but a younger core led to more fast break opportunities and a different style of play.

2005 (Parker, Manu Ginobili, Bowen, Duncan, Nazr Mohammed): The first championship without Robinson featured another huge change for the Spurs: Manu Ginobili became a star. The inconsistent rookie of 2003 was an unstoppable force in the playoffs, and earned a trip to the All-Star game during the regular season. The ’05 Spurs were versatile, and held only 1 carryover from 1999: Tim Duncan, who suddenly was looking his age, but a dominant player nonetheless. For the first time, Duncan had a perimeter star to play with, and a veteran core of shooters like Robert Horry and Brent Barry served to replace departed players like Jackson. The Spurs had become more flexible than ever, able to run with the Suns or body up with the Pistons en route to a championship.

2007: (Parker, Michael Finley, Bowen, Duncan, Fabricio Oberto): Again, a new ripple in the Spurs’ lineup. Aside from free agent additions and subtractions, Tony Parker emerged as a two time All-Star, winning the Finals MVP and becoming a consistent force in the playoffs after struggling in the clutch in previous years. The Spurs had reshaped themselves yet again, utilizing a new starting center (Fabricio Oberto) and a new starting two guard (Michael Finley) while bringing Ginobili off the bench. Duncan was still the core of the firepower-laden team, but they didn’t need him to score 20 points to win…an attribute the Spurs had never previously had.

(So which team is better? If I had to choose an order, the recent 2007 team would take top honors, followed by the 1999, 2005 and 2003 teams, respectively.)

But the point is that each team is considerably different. No team had the same starting lineup as the previous championship team did, and the Spurs have featured a revolving door of bench players over the years, from Terry Porter and Malik Rose to Brent Barry and Fransico Elson. Whether a new star emerged (Ginobili, Parker) or an older star departed (David Robinson), the Spurs’ front office has been versatile in their roster decisions, reshaping their core through foreign draft picks and veteran free agents to react to the changes of style in the NBA. The 1999 team couldn’t run with the 2007 NBA, but during that time the Spurs have adjusted appropriately, and made subtle alterations to an extent that no other NBA dynasty had to.

That’s what makes the Spurs dynasty so unique (and, in turn, so hotly contested), they haven’t had one identifiable team take over the last 9 years of the NBA. Outside of Duncan, no player that started the Spurs’ championship run has been on the roster since the beginning of 2005. The 2007 Spurs aren’t a version of any of their other previous championship teams, but rather an independent reflection of the perfect organization, constantly remaking themselves and restructuring their style of play around Duncan, creating different paths to the same result: the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Four Down: Champions

Three Down: Downtown

You will not find any statistics in this article.

Not the score, not the meager shooting or pathetic free throw percentages. I won’t type a single word about rebounding digits, missed layups, or assist to turnover ratios. We all know it was ugly, you don't need me to tell you that.

But a number did decide the game…(in your best Count von Count voice)…”3”. As in game 3, and more importantly the 3-point shot.

While the storylines echo the notion that Cleveland is trying to emulate the Spurs on the court and in the front office, the Cavaliers have failed to integrate one pivotal element, a subtle aspect of basketball that many NBA teams remarkably neglect in their rosters: shooting. Consider it a slight oversight on their part.

The Spurs, fortunately, know the value of long distance specialists.

In their dominance of the first two games these Finals it has been easy to overlook the fact that the Spurs’ shooters had yet to find their rhythm. They were riding Manu, Tony, and Timmy for all they were worth, and with their ease in getting at the basket there was almost no need for the snipers. But for Michael Finley, Brent Barry, Robert Horry and Bruce Bowen, you knew it was only a matter of time before the shooting showed up.

With Duncan in foul trouble, Parker picking his spots, and Ginobili still on the team bus, the team’s outside shooting became the unspoken 4th star to step up. Finley made his first appearance in the series, and Bowen actually carried the offense for stretches. Barry provided a lift from the bench that Manu couldn’t. Veteran players that you can count on finally arrived…players that the Cavs simply don’t have.

Did anyone actually expect Daniel Gibson to carry them from the outside line? Was Donyell Marshall going to open up their offense and give Lebron space to operate? Not likely. That’s the difference playoff experience makes; players can have bad games, but seldom have a bad series. While Marshall and Pavlovic hang their heads, Barry and Finley have the confidence to let the ball fly.

But the Cavs saw this coming. The knock on them all season was their lack of shooting. Yes, a combination of a hot Gibson and Lebron got them past Detroit, but maybe we should consider that a fluke. They didn’t have to perform from the perimeter to get past New Jersey (terrible interior defense) and Washington (terrible… well, everything after their injuries). The East is so weak that Lebron carried them through it almost single-handedly.

Remember the rumors about them trading for Mike Bibby or signing Michael Redd? Remember how everyone said they were a few shooters away? That hasn’t changed, the Cavs just got timely (or lucky). Gibson got hot at the right time against Detroit, and Marshall caught fire at the right time against New Jersey. With those shooting performances, people seemed to forget that they had terrible outside shooting for the rest of both series. And when they needed a 3 the most, the best they could muster was a 28 foot heave from Lebron.

(Who yes, was fouled, but no, would probably not have made 3 free throws.)

R.C. Buford and the Spurs, on the other hand, placed an emphasis on finding veteran shooters to surround their stars, and rightfully so. Time after time the Spurs knocked down open shots, while Cleveland’s role players froze with the ball in their hands. The 3-point shooting wasn’t there for the Spurs all series, but it showed up at the right time. In game 3, the 3 made the difference, and it could affect another “3”…the amount of trophies in the display cases of the AT&T Center.

Two Down: Poetry in Motion

Second verse, same as the first.

(A little bit louder and a whole lot worse).

One Down: The Fresh Face of Tony Parker

Yes, the all-around team defense on Lebron James will eat up most of the headlines tomorrow morning. Rightfully so, since his 4-16 performance was a big part of the Cavs’ offensive struggles (not to mention his terrible shot selection. I don’t care if he did hit back-to-back threes, they were bad shots).

But amidst Duncan’s domination and Lebron’s ineffectiveness, the underlying story of game 1 is the development of Tony Parker on the biggest stage. Parker consistently took over game 1of the 2007 Finals, carving up the defensive interior of the Cavs and making a living in the lane. He pushed the ball when they were sluggish, and picked the Cavs apart on the pick and roll in the half court set. Cavs coach Mike Brown admitted Parker “had us on our heels” the entire night, and he could make few adjustments to stop him.

That’s right, Tony Parker controlled the game. A game in the NBA Finals.

Sound surprising? It should. Amongst the Spurs faithful, Parker’s pension for fading in the limelight has been well documented. It wasn’t just that he was inconsistent, but that he had his worst games at the worst possible times, putting more pressure on Duncan and company to pick up the slack:

- In the clinching game of the 2003 NBA Finals, Parker’s notorious 4 point, 3 turnover feat would lead to his 4th quarter benching in favor of backup Speedy Claxton. He would average a paltry 7 points a game in the final three games of the series.

- Parker would continue to improve, but in the 2005 Finals his tendency to disappear remerged. In game 7, Parker would shoot a pedestrian 3-11 and finish with 8 points. He would average 12.3 points a game over the last three of the series.

So when the Spurs signed veterans like Nick Van Exel to back him up and looked to sign Jason Kidd in the 2003 offseason, it made perfect sense. The young point guard seemed to vanish in the clutch, and he would abandon his offensive aggressiveness at the first sign of trouble.

But this isn’t the same Tony Parker.

In game 1 of the 2007 Finals Parker would finish with 27 points on 12-23 shooting to go with 7 assists and 4 rebounds. When the Cavs took the lead, it was Parker that earned a quick bucket with a foul. After missing the free throw, it was Parker that sped to the rebound and got the putback amidst the Cavalier bigs.

The new Tony Parker wasn’t hesitant when things got tight. Instead, he came out with fire. He came out with responsibility on his shoulders, and delivered. When things got tight, it wasn’t that Parker stopped shooting…Pop screamed at Parker for not shooting enough. This Tony Parker didn’t back down, he stepped up right when the Spurs needed him to the most.

Next time down the court, Parker shot a laser pass to Francisco Elson in the open floor to put the Spurs up for good.

A high risk pass? Absolutely.

The best part? He did it anyways.

More Duncan Than Jordan

Originally published at RealGM.com.

The storylines surrounding the 2007 NBA finals will inevitably focus on how these two organizations are so closely intertwined; a relationship fostered by similar principles, fortune, and, perhaps above all else, a surprisingly similar pair of superstars.

Yes, we know Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown was an assistant under Gregg Popovich. We also know that Cavs GM Danny Ferry won a championship with the Spurs in the 2003 Finals. But perhaps the greatest similarity between the two teams is in their franchise players: Tim Duncan and Lebron James.

I know what you’re thinking…the two players couldn’t be more dissimilar. Comparing the full court athleticism of The King to the inside dominance of Duncan is apples and oranges (or, in this case, tejano and rock and roll). Duncan’s kiss off the bank resembles little of Lebron’s high flying maneuvers. Lebron’s speed and quickness won’t remind anyone of Duncan’s methodical, fundamental footwork and poise.

All of the above is true, their similarities may not be evident on highlight reels or boxscores… but it’s what they have in common, not their differences, that have landed their respective teams in the NBA finals.

Both players were the can’t-miss players of their decade; Duncan was an unstoppable college player who was the next great big man in the NBA while James was billed as the savior of a franchise (and perhaps the NBA). Both players have always had games mature beyond their years, Duncan favoring the fundamentals of a wily veteran while James has the poise and mentality of a point guard.

But their connections are rooted in more than on court play. Their similarities are fixated in the intangibles of the game, the smaller aspects of basketball both on and off the hardwood. Both James and Duncan will be the first player on their team to help a teammate off the court. They are the guy that puts his arm around his teammate when he misses the game winning shot, and the first to congratulate him when he makes it. Maybe most importantly, both players are of the rare superstar mold to actually pass up the game winning shot to that teammate in the first place.


Duncan and Lebron don’t get too down when they slump, and they aren’t satisfied with their success. They are mild-mannered off the court, rarely drawing attention to themselves in the national headlines for anything that isn’t basketball-related, and that professional tone helps craft the character of their flourishing organizations. At the early age of 23, Duncan appeared in the NBA Finals. James will do so at 22.

How many other superstars have their combination of leadership, competitiveness, a complete game and a total trust in teammates? Kobe and Iverson don’t. Dwayne Wade, though leading by example, isn’t the vocal leader on a team with Shaq and Pat Riley. Dirk and Nash don’t have enough dimensions to their game, notably on the defensive end. Kevin Garnett may be the closest thing to them, but he hasn’t had the success of Duncan or James, and doesn’t have the same cool, calm and collected demeanor. James and Duncan have a unique breed of humility, trust, and dominance that few, if any, can match.

No, they don’t mirror one another on the court, but while everyone is trying to make James into the next Jordan, perhaps the things that make James unique have more in common with another NBA legend.

A legend he’s about to face for the right to be a champion.

Cuatro: Spurs Dismiss Jazz and Return to Finals

“The day the music died” may be a little cliché, but the Jazz never had a chance in their 109-84 game 5 defeat. They were outwitted, outworked, and outmatched from the first quarter on. It wasn’t a matter of X’s and O’s, but rather determination, focus, and all the other intangibles that separate the Spurs from, say, the Mavericks.

The statistics can be thrown out the window, but this much we know: Fab was fabulous, Parker had no trouble getting to the bucket, and Sloan had given up by the middle of the 3rd quarter, when he had three rookies in the game at the same time.

At one point, I looked at the scoreboard and realized that the entire Jazz offense was running through Rafael Araujo. That’s not just throwing in the towel, that’s heaving the entire bath and beauty section at Target.

Like Matt Bonner, we’re going for 5 points:


- Manu Ginobili is like those physical, rugged 4th quarter running backs. As the season goes on, he just gets tougher, better, and harder to defend. By the time the series is over, you’re just exhausted from dealing with him on every play.

- Derek Fisher may have deserved his 2nd technical in game 4, but not his first. I can see why Jazz fans are livid. Still, they wouldn’t have won this game even if a few of those questionable calls had gone their way. They got beat, and the Jazz fans (who aren’t exactly known as a classy bunch) look like fools for throwing things on the court.

- For how outspoken he was about his teammates already planning vacations, Boozer was a no show on both ends. You can’t blame it on foul trouble, either. He just wasn’t there. Lead by example, and then call out your teammates. It wasn’t as if he left his heart and soul on the court in game 5.

- Horry averaged 1.4 points a game for the series, but forced a few turnovers in game 5 that really broke the Jazz spirit. He tends to hang around the backcourt to swipe at passes…call it crafty if you want, but I think he just really wants to avoid running all the way down court to play defense.

- Oberto and Finley earned their chance at a ring. They are a big part of why this Spurs team may be their best ever.