huge, huge blow. The playoffs are not the same without Manu being Manu.
Printable View
huge, huge blow. The playoffs are not the same without Manu being Manu.
Sucks. Lakers are going to have a much easier time knowing this.
[QUOTE=Rockets(T-mac)]Sucks. Lakers are going to have a much easier time knowing this.[/QUOTE]
You mean they weren't going to have an easy time? The Lakers have a cake walk to the Finals this year.
[quote=iTruWarrior]You mean they weren't going to have an easy time? The Lakers have a cake walk to the Finals this year.[/quote]
Yeah and they won't have to really worry. They can be on cruise control all the way to the finals.
[QUOTE=craiye]For the Nuggets? Yeah Ginobili has something to do with it. The Jazz couldn't beat the Spurs if they sent the player's grandmothers out there. It's a mental thing with the Jazz.
The Nuggets would have a shot, but with Melo's playoff struggles and Chauncey's recent playoff struggles (he hasn't looked like he's had much left in the tank come playoff time the last few years) I'm not sure they beat the Spurs with or without Ginobili.[/QUOTE]
We'll see, but I'm looking at it more from the Spurs perspective. Ginobili has been a huge part of their success since he came into the league. He's been a key cog in what makes them "The Spurs" that gives everyone trouble. Take him away and saying they'll still be giving teams trouble because they are "The Spurs" is no different than saying the same thing if Duncan or Parker were out.
As for the Nuggets, everyone and their grandmother is assuming by default that the Nuggets are no different than they have been the past five seasons. Which is fine. It's going to be up to them to prove differently... I really don't know if they will or not.
Fuuuuuuukkkkk that sucks!
:banghead:
So, with this new info coming out...Do the Spurs finally make massive changes to their team during the offseason?
I think its time.
Im wondering if this is the beginning of the end for Manu. Manu has been hampered with injuries for the past few years. He seems to be getting more and more injury prone in the past few seasons. If so, its a real shame bc he is a very talented and gifted player. People may call the Spurs boring, but Manu is/was one of the most entertaining players to watch. A few years back, he was up there in talks with Wade and Kobe for top shooting guards.
He really does so much for the Spurs, and those who think they will be OK in the playoffs are mistaken. They are a team who works as a group, as a whole. Manu brought a different element that no one, not Roger Mason, could bring on that team. He could break down offenses, spread the floor, and lead the Spurs offensively from stints.
Spurs have a great system, and are well coached, so they will always keep things competitive. But they are in trouble w/o Manu.
[QUOTE=iTruWarrior]You mean they weren't going to have an easy time? The Lakers have a cake walk to the Finals this year.[/QUOTE]
Over confidence will get the Lakers a first round exit man, the Lakers better hope somebody puts the Blazers out the playoffs because everybody know that's the last team the Lakers wonna see.
[QUOTE=#1SportsFan86]Over confidence will get the Lakers a first round exit man, the Lakers better hope somebody puts the Blazers out the playoffs because everybody know that's the last team the Lakers wonna see.[/QUOTE]
Even if they face the Blazers which they won't, Lakers would win the series still because they have homecourt.
Wow, i think thtas prety much it for the Spurs then. Damn that really sucks, i was really looking forward to Spurs playing in a series with the Lakers, with newly acquired Gooden, and a healthy Ginobli together. O well. At least i can have more confidence in my Nuggets again. I think they really have what it takes to be in the WCF now.
[QUOTE=iTruWarrior]You mean they weren't going to have an easy time? The Lakers have a cake walk to the Finals this year.[/QUOTE]
:wtf: Nuggets, Rockets, Blazers...cake walk??
:cry:
[QUOTE=shortlunatic]:wtf: Nuggets, Rockets, Blazers...cake walk??[/QUOTE]
Yes...Cake walk. The only team that has any chance at stopping them is the Nuggets. Even then, I would suppose the Lakers would destroy them since the Nuggets are still more of an offensive team than defensive.
Lakers can outscore anybody in the NBA and they can break apart any defenes thrown at them. The East is where the Lakers' challengers are at.
[QUOTE=iTruWarrior]Yes...Cake walk. The only team that has any chance at stopping them is the Nuggets. Even then, I would suppose the Lakers would destroy them since the Nuggets are still more of an offensive team than defensive.
Lakers can outscore anybody in the NBA and they can break apart any defenes thrown at them. The East is where the Lakers' challengers are at.[/QUOTE]
ok than say that, dnt say its gonna be a cake walk. a cake walk is like when they played the Nuggets last year in the first round. But in no way are they gonna sweep every single team and play like thay dint need to put effort in any of em. You shoud learn how to use terms properly.
And the Nuggets have become one of the better defensive teams in the NBA this year, yea there better parts are on offense, but they shouldnt be regarded as a team that doesnt need to be carefully prepared for.
[QUOTE=shortlunatic]ok than say that, dnt say its gonna be a cake walk. a cake walk is like when they played the Nuggets last year in the first round. But in no way are they gonna sweep every single team and play like thay dint need to put effort in any of em. You shoud learn how to use terms properly.
And the Nuggets have become one of the better defensive teams in the NBA this year, yea there better parts are on offense, but they shouldnt be regarded as a team that doesnt need to be carefully prepared for.[/QUOTE]Lakers cruised in last year's playoffs... Yeah they practiced, but they still cruised it and had a cake walk.
Lakers are going to lose at the most 2-3 games, facing Western Conference teams in the playoffs.
[QUOTE=BallPhunk]This is going to be nothing compared to the news that KG is out for the year (coming sooner or later).[/QUOTE]
This is exactly what I was thinking earlier.
Not good for the Spurs(or those rooting for them to win it all this year)
[QUOTE=ihatetimthomas]Im wondering if this is the beginning of the end for Manu. Manu has been hampered with injuries for the past few years. He seems to be getting more and more injury prone in the past few seasons. If so, its a real shame bc he is a very talented and gifted player. People may call the Spurs boring, but Manu is/was one of the most entertaining players to watch. A few years back, he was up there in talks with Wade and Kobe for top shooting guards.
[B]He really does so much for the Spurs, and those who think they will be OK in the playoffs are mistaken[/B]. They are a team who works as a group, as a whole. Manu brought a different element that no one, not Roger Mason, could bring on that team. He could break down offenses, spread the floor, and lead the Spurs offensively from stints.
Spurs have a great system, and are well coached, so they will always keep things competitive. But they are in trouble w/o Manu.[/QUOTE]
I'm a Spurs fan through and through, have watched almost every Spurs game the past 4 years or so... and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Roger Mason cannot fill the void left by Manu, as much as anybody would like to think he can, he can't. Hell, even this season he was talked about as a top-5 shooting guard, let alone a few years back. Manu is the most unpredictable, sneaky player, and the toughest competitor I've ever watched in the 00's. And his tenacity didn't stop on offense, which is why he will be hard to replace, if at all possible...
That's not to say I don't have any faith that the Spurs can rise up and truly compete (there is Duncan, Popovich, and Parker after all) but damn their chances just dropped [I]significantly[/I], and Spurs fans know this as much as anybody.
[QUOTE=iTruWarrior]Lakers cruised in last year's playoffs... Yeah they practiced, but they still cruised it and had a cake walk.
Lakers are going to lose at the most 2-3 games, facing Western Conference teams in the playoffs.[/QUOTE]
well i beg to differ. Especially the way they have been playing recently, i would expect the Blazers, Rockets, and Nuggets to give the Lakers a decent amount of competition in the playoffs, at least if they end up running into any of those teams.
I feel terrible for Manu, but maybe this means Portland can get the game in San Antonio... I dunno... it's possible this will drop the Spurs to the 4-5 seed, and I'm not sure if I'd rather face Houston or a Manu-less Spurs.
[QUOTE=shortlunatic]well i beg to differ. Especially the way they have been playing recently, i would expect the Blazers, Rockets, and Nuggets to give the Lakers a decent amount of competition in the playoffs, at least if they end up running into any of those teams.[/QUOTE]
They would only be seeing 2 out of the 3. Blazers would be the only team that would give them any trouble anyways.
Kobe owns the Rockets and any team in Texas. Kobe and Gasol would have no problem against the Nuggets either.
Phil Jackson is the smartest coach in the NBA right now and probably all-time. Nobody can out-coach him, if you give him enough talent on his side.
We have Duncan, that is all that needs to be said.
[QUOTE=iTruWarrior]They would only be seeing 2 out of the 3. Blazers would be the only team that would give them any trouble anyways.
Kobe owns the Rockets and any team in Texas. Kobe and Gasol would have no problem against the Nuggets either.
Phil Jackson is the smartest coach in the NBA right now and probably all-time. Nobody can out-coach him, if you give him enough talent on his side.[/QUOTE]
i will stay that i think the Rockets would give them some trouble, and Nene is a very underated defensive player. I take you havent watched very much Nugg b ball recently. J.R. is much less of a liability on defense, and k-Mart is a very solid all-around player now. I think it will take more than Kobe and Gasol to get by the Nuggs. The only teams i honestly think they would have a "cake walk" with, are the NOH, Jazz, Mavericks, and possibly the Spurs, now that they dont have Ginobli.
I dnt get ur last part, but Doc sure out coached Phil last year in the Finals. If he can do it, i think other coaches can.
[QUOTE=shortlunatic]i will stay that i think the Rockets would give them some trouble, and Nene is a very underated defensive player. I take you havent watched very much Nugg b ball recently. J.R. is much less of a liability on defense, and k-Mart is a very solid all-around player now. I think it will take more than Kobe and Gasol to get by the Nuggs. The only teams i honestly think they would have a "cake walk" with, are the NOH, Jazz, Mavericks, and possibly the Spurs, now that they dont have Ginobli.
I dnt get ur last part, but Doc sure out coached Phil last year in the Finals. If he can do it, i think other coaches can.[/QUOTE]
As for the Rockets, I am a Rockets fan and Phil has been outcoaching Rick since Day 1 of his coaching job. Phil Jackson is smart enough to expose Yao's pick n roll defense and with Kobe and Gasol in the pick n roll that's unstoppable right there. Especially since Kobe is probably the best pick n roll shooting guard in the NBA. They would also do the same to Kenyon Martin and Nene and the Denver Nuggets.
Nobody can defend Kobe on the Nuggets. Nuggets even had to resort by putting Kenyon Martin on Kobe last year. That was just how terrible they were defensively.
[QUOTE=SCdac]I'm a Spurs fan through and through, have watched almost every Spurs game the past 4 years or so... and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Roger Mason cannot fill the void left by Manu, as much as anybody would like to think he can, he can't. Hell, even this season he was talked about as a top-5 shooting guard, let alone a few years back. [B]Manu is the most unpredictable, sneaky player, and the toughest competitor I've ever watched in the 00's. And his tenacity didn't stop on offense, which is why he will be hard to replace, if at all possible... [/B]
That's not to say I don't have any faith that the Spurs can rise up and truly compete (there is Duncan, Popovich, and Parker after all) but damn their chances just dropped [I]significantly[/I], and Spurs fans know this as much as anybody.[/QUOTE]
He def. is elusive and sneaky with the ball. I'd call him unorthodox on offense. He has a very unique game and is really good at all aspectsof the game. He is a true winner, and he has proven that internationally and on the Spurs. This is why I really hope he can heal and play a few more years. But as of now, I havnt really even heard of an injury like that. Best of luck to him
I would never count them out bc like you said Pop, Parker, Duncan...but it will be tough. Parker is going to have to step up big time and Duncan will have to turn the clock back if they stand a chance in the west
Wow this is a huge blow to the Spurs. I think their title chances are done.
[QUOTE=iTruWarrior]As for the Rockets, I am a Rockets fan and Phil has been outcoaching Rick since Day 1 of his coaching job. Phil Jackson is smart enough to expose Yao's pick n roll defense and with Kobe and Gasol in the pick n roll that's unstoppable right there. Especially since Kobe is probably the best pick n roll shooting guard in the NBA. They would also do the same to Kenyon Martin and Nene and the Denver Nuggets.
Nobody can defend Kobe on the Nuggets. Nuggets even had to resort by putting Kenyon Martin on Kobe last year. That was just how terrible they were defensively.[/QUOTE]
last years nuggets D wasnt as good as this years team.
[QUOTE=NugzFan]last years nuggets D wasnt as good as this years team.[/QUOTE]
I realize that.....But they are still more of an offensive team than a defensive team. Again, who is going to guard Kobe? Jones? Melo? Either way, Kobe is going to torch them..... and If Kobe can't get it going they are going to go to Pau Gasol.
They have the best 1-2 punch in the game right now.
[QUOTE=iTruWarrior]As for the Rockets, I am a Rockets fan and Phil has been outcoaching Rick since Day 1 of his coaching job. Phil Jackson is smart enough to expose Yao's pick n roll defense and with Kobe and Gasol in the pick n roll that's unstoppable right there. Especially since Kobe is probably the best pick n roll shooting guard in the NBA. They would also do the same to Kenyon Martin and Nene and the Denver Nuggets.
Nobody can defend Kobe on the Nuggets. Nuggets even had to resort by putting Kenyon Martin on Kobe last year. That was just how terrible they were defensively.[/QUOTE]
again, you must not have watched any nuggets b ball at all this year to be bringing up the 8th seed nuggets team of last year n comparing them to the 2nd seed nuggets team of this year. Not only has billups helped this team defensively, but Nene is now fully healthy, and J.R. is really starting to emerge as a solid player. I dint get to watch the game this year against LA, but last i heard, J.R. did a good job of guarding Kobe. Not saying Nuggets will beat LA, but u are really snoozing if you think they are anything like they were last year.
manu doesnt care!
[IMG]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ylGYiT8FAIM/SCg7oB5etfI/AAAAAAAAAgw/24kY9U3UtRE/s320/pinocchio.jpg[/IMG]
I never underestimate the spurs , but realistically speaking they have NO chance against the Lakers. Manu was a huge piece to their system which Mason is far from filling given his relative lack of playoff experience yet. Kobe will destroy the spurs again due to the mismatch
[QUOTE=hito da god]does manu get the "injury prone" tag yet?[/QUOTE]
When you've helped your team win 3 championships you can never be labeled that. :mad:
[QUOTE=ScolaFan]When you've helped your team win 3 championships you can never be labeled that. :mad:[/QUOTE]
He's helped the SPurs big time but the guy seems like he cant stay healthy for the past few season. Even int he playoffs last year he was playing injured
I still dont believe that san antonio is done.. They have two finals mvp in their roster in Tim Duncan and Tony Parker... no they don't have their big three, but spurs have always worked with less in terms of established names and talents... I wouldn't put their title chances at a high possibility but i would not count them out either...
[QUOTE=Jordandunk23]I still dont believe that san antonio is done.. They have two finals mvp in their roster in Tim Duncan and Tony Parker... no they don't have their big three, but spurs have always worked with less in terms of established names and talents... I wouldn't put their title chances at a high possibility but i would not count them out either...[/QUOTE]
When they won their last few titles, Manu was a very integral piece to the puzzle and they likely would not have won any of those without him. I still think they will keep things competitive, but in the end they just wont have enough
[QUOTE=shortlunatic]again, you must not have watched any nuggets b ball at all this year to be bringing up the 8th seed nuggets team of last year n comparing them to the 2nd seed nuggets team of this year. Not only has billups helped this team defensively, but Nene is now fully healthy, and J.R. is really starting to emerge as a solid player. I dint get to watch the game this year against LA, but last i heard, J.R. did a good job of guarding Kobe. Not saying Nuggets will beat LA, but u are really snoozing if you think they are anything like they were last year.[/QUOTE]
Yes, he did a great job defending Kobe. Just look at his averages in last year's playoffs.
35+ PPG, Just because you love the Nuggets doesn't mean you have to be delusional and say J.R Smith shut him down.
This season
[url]http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=281101007[/url]
[url]http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=281121013[/url]
[QUOTE=iTruWarrior]Yes, he did a great job defending Kobe. Just look at his averages in last year's playoffs.
35+ PPG, Just because you love the Nuggets doesn't mean you have to be delusional and say J.R Smith shut him down.
This season
[url]http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=281101007[/url]
[url]http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=281121013[/url][/QUOTE]
I think JR smith is a mediocre defender at best. However the nuggets also picked up Donte Jones at SG and he is a fantastic defender. He completely shut down Roy a few times this season.
I doubt he can shut down Kobe though
Wow, bad news for the Spurs...but he was banged up last year as well and they still made it to the WCF.
[QUOTE=KeylessEntry]I think JR smith is a mediocre defender at best. However the nuggets also picked up Donte Jones at SG and he is a fantastic defender. He completely shut down Roy a few times this season.
I doubt he can shut down Kobe though[/QUOTE]
Mediocre is a good word to describe his defense. I'm not saying he's sub par defenisvely, I'm just saying he's not that good. He's probably an average defender.
Again, average defense doesn't shut down Kobe. As a matter of fact elite man to man defense doesn't even stop Kobe.