Soft, Boring, Dirty, Old, Floppers - The San Antonio Spurs

[BobbyColtrane]

I decided to start a new association after the patch was released to avoid some of the bugs. A big shout-out to Mattlanta - I have gotten a ton of ideas from reading his thread and becoming a big fan of his recaps. I am really new at this, so all suggestions are welcome.

I know most people take up and coming teams when doing these franchise threads. But I'm a huge Spurs fan in real life, I was born and raised in SA, so to me the Spurs are the only team I could do. I will tell the story of winding down Tim Duncan's career and possibly get into rebuilding the team for life after Duncan. Hopefully, I can add a couple of titles along the way. Anyway, thanks for reading! I am looking forward to this.

Association Settings

Season Length - 82 Games
Quarter Length - 12 Minutes
Roster – 2K Jan 23 roster with a few of my own edits
Difficulty – Pro with Pared’s Post Patch sliders
Player Roles – OFF
Team Chemistry – OFF
Real FT% - ON
Clutch Factor - ON
Allow Team Trades - OFF (I will control all 30 teams and make trades for myself and the CPU that make sense)

[BobbyColtrane]

The Spurs begin the 2009-10 season in unfamiliar territory, having been eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round last year. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the Spurs were relying on Tony Parker and a hobbled Tim Duncan, along with a cast of role players. Despite the stellar play from Parker, the team didn't have the manpower to score with Dallas and lost to the Mavericks, 4-1.

In the offseason, General Manager R.C. Buford and coach Gregg Popovich surveyed the NBA landscape and decided that if they Spurs were going to compete over the remaining years of Tim Duncan’s career, there would have to be a talent upgrade. As constructed, the roster just didn't have the horses to compete with the Lakers, Mavericks, Nuggets, and maybe even the up-and-coming Blazers.

The upgrade came in the form of Richard Jefferson, who was traded to the Spurs from Milwaukee in exchange for the retiring Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas. RJ should provide an athletic small forward, the likes of which the Spurs haven’t had since the prime of Sean Elliott. Additionally, once free agency opened, the Spurs signed Antonio McDyess to a three-year deal worth $14.5 million.

In the NBA draft, the Spurs did not have a first round selection, but made their only pick count by selecting Pitt’s DeJuan Blair at 37. Blair was widely regarded as having lottery talent, but was passed on by every team in the league due to his two surgically repaired knees. Pre-draft physicals revealed that he is without ACLs in his knees, the career-implications of which are uncertain at this time. Blair's game of high energy and rebounding seems like a perfect fit for this Spurs team. Even if he doesn't have a long career, he has the opportunity to play and contribute to a championship team over the next few years with the Silver and Black.

In the final move of the offseason, the Spurs signed Keith Bogans in September. The 7^th year shooting guard should provide defensive intensity and a strong work ethic, and may earn a starting job at some point during the season.


Roster


Starters
C Antonio McDyess*
PF Tim Duncan
SF Richard Jefferson*
SG Roger Mason Jr.
PG Tony Parker


Bench
G Manu Ginobili
G George Hill
G Keith Bogans*
F/C DeJuan Blair*
F/C Matt Bonner
G/F Michael Finley
C Theo Ratliff*


Inactive
C Ian Mahinmi
G Malik Hairston


* denotes new acquisition


Players to Watch



Tim Duncan – Duncan is coming off of an up-and-down season in which he averaged 19.3 points and 10.7 rebounds a game, but broke down in the 2^nd half of the year. Around the All-Star break, tendonitis in the 33 year old’s knees slowed him considerably. This offseason, Duncan lost 20 pounds in an effort to reduce wear and tear and be fresh for the playoffs. Look for coach Gregg Popovich to manage his aging Hall of Famer’s minutes very carefully this season, even resting him on some back-to-backs.

Tony Parker – Parker had a career year in 2009, setting highs in points per game (22) and assists per game (6.9) in only 34 minutes per contest. Look for the quicksilver guard to continue his torrid pace as he is now firmly in his prime. His ability to drive and finish in the paint against much taller players is unprecedented, and his refined mid-range jumpshot makes him unguardable at times.

Manu Ginobili – The Argentine slasher has been limited the past two seasons, breaking down in the playoffs in 2008 and playing in only 44 games last year due to a stress reaction in his leg. If the Spurs are going to compete with the Lakers for the Western Conference crown, Ginobili must regain the form he had before his injury in 2008, when he averaged 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.


RJ/McDyess/Blair – Perhaps the biggest key to the Spurs’ season will be the integration of 3 new players into the rotation. Gregg Popovich’s system is notoriously difficult in a player’s first year with the team, and this year will be no exception. Jefferson has the talent to provide athletic wing scoring and take some offensive pressure off the Spurs’ Big Three. McDyess will be counted on for a veteran leadership, post defense, and a money mid range jump shot. DeJuan Blair will bring energy and rebounding off of the bench.

[BobbyColtrane]

Tony Parker and Matt Bonner hound Hornets Guard Chris Paul during last night's 81-71 win over New Orleans.


AT


Duncan leads Spurs' all-around effort in win over Hornets

SCOREBOARD	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT	Total
Spurs (1-0)	16	23	22	22	0	81
Hornets (0-1)	18	16	15	22	0	71

SAN ANTONIO – The New Orleans Hornets made their first trip of the season to the AT&T Center last night to open the season versus the Spurs. San Antonio pulled away in the 4th quarter for an 81-71 win. Tim Duncan earned Player of the Game honors with 16 points and 8 rebounds on 6-11 shooting. Newcomer Richard Jefferson had a strong debut, leading all scorers with 17 points.

Chris Paul was limited all night by foul trouble and the Spurs' suffocating defense. He finished with 12 points on 6-16 shooting in only 24 mintues. David West had trouble as well, totaling just 6 points on 2-11 shooting to go along with his 9 rebounds.

After being down as many as 18 points, the Hornets made a run to get within 11 with 3 minutes left in the game and appeared to be on a run to make things interesting. Manu Ginobili then hit a dagger 3 from the corner to give the Spurs a 72-58 lead. After a made basket by James Posey, Jefferson hit another 3, making the score 75-60, effectively ending the game.

TOP PERFORMERS

T. Duncan 16 pts, 8 rebs
D. Brown 20 pts, 8-11 FGs

Next Game: The Spurs head to Chicago for the Bulls' home opener tomorrow night.

[BobbyColtrane]

The Spurs' Tony Parker looks to score vs. the Bulls Derrick Rose during the 2nd quarter.
AT

Ginobili misses 3 at the buzzer, Spurs fall in Chicago, 85-82

SCOREBOARD	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT	Total
Spurs (1-1)	20	23	20	19	0	82
Bulls (1-0)	17	25	24	19	0	85

CHICAGO – The San Antonio Spurs were unable to overcome a rough shooting night in Chicago, hitting on only 40% of their field goal attempts in an 85-82 loss to the Bulls. The game started well for the Silver and Black, who shot 48% in the first half, including 5-5 from 3 point range.

The 2nd half was a different story, however, as the Spurs failed to find a rhythm and went 0-6 from long range. George Hill kept the Spurs in the game during a cold spell bridging the 3rd and 4th quarters, repeatedly willing himself to the free throw line. He finished with 12 points off the bench, including 8-8 from the charity stripe.

Derrick Rose led the Bulls with 21 points, and added 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 15 points and 13 rebounds, but shot only 5-14 from the field.

With 10 seconds left in the game, Tony Parker missed a twisting layup in traffic that would have tied the game. After an intentional foul, Rose hit only 1 of 2 free throws to leave the Spurs with an opportunity to tie the game. However Ginobili's 3 at the buzzer found the back rim and the Bulls hung on for the win.

TOP PERFORMERS

T. Duncan 15 pts, 13 rebs, 2 blks
D. Rose 21 pts, 6 assts, 4 rebs

Next Game: The Spurs return to San Antonio to take on the 2-0 Sacramento Kings on Halloween night. The Kings are coming off a 99-92 win at New Orleans.

Matchup Preview
POS	SAN ANTONIO (PPG)	SACRAMENTO (PPG)
PG	T. Parker 13.0	T. Evans 16.0
SG	R. Mason 3.5	K. Martin 15.0
SF	R. Jefferson 12.0	O. Casspi 11.5
PF	T. Duncan 15.5	J. Thompson 8.5
C	A. McDyess 3.0	S. Hawes 9.0

[BobbyColtrane]

George Hill handles the ball as Omri Casspi defends during last night's game

AT

Spurs heat up in the 4th, crown Kings 99-93

SCOREBOARD	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT	Total
Spurs (2-1)	27	22	17	33	0	99
Kings (2-1)	25	17	26	25	0	93

SAN ANTONIO – Roger Mason Jr. made his first start of the season last night vs. the Kings, and made the most of the opportunity, scoring 25 points in the Spurs 99-93 win.

After scoring a total of seven points in the first two games, he was caught off guard to get the start against the Kings. "Pop came to me before the game and said I was starting, and honestly, with the way I've started the season, I was a little surprised." The mini-slump he was in appears to be cured, as he hit four of eight three point attempts to lead all scorers. He also played great defense on rookie standout Tyreke Evans of the Kings. When Evans started out scoring 8 of the Kings first 11 points, Gregg Popovich switched Mason onto Evans and put the smaller Tony Parker on the Kings' Kevin Martin. The move payed off, as Evans scored just 12 points the rest of the way.

The Kings opened the 4th quarter with a 12-4 run to take an 80-72 lead with 7:55 left. After a timeout by Popovich, the Spurs went on a 21-6 run and never looked back.

TOP PERFORMERS

T. Parker 22 pts, 4 rebs, 4 assts
T. Evans 20 pts, 5 rebs, 7 assts

Next Game: The Spurs have a rare four-day break before heading to Salt Lake City to face the 4-0 Utah Jazz.

Matchup Preview
POS	SAN ANTONIO (PPG)	UTAH (PPG)
PG	T. Parker 16.0	D. Williams 21.0
SG	R. Mason 10.7	R. Brewer 14.0
SF	R. Jefferson 9.3	C.J. Miles 10.3
PF	T. Duncan 17.3	C. Boozer 16.0
C	A. McDyess 2.0	M. Okur 16.3

[BobbyColtrane]

Carlos Boozer drives around Tim Duncan for 2 of his 19 points.

AT

Jazz, Williams thrash Spurs 108-72

SCOREBOARD	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT	Total
Spurs (2-2)	18	19	20	15	0	72
Jazz (5-0)	31	20	30	27	0	108

SALT LAKE CITY – Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing, as the Spurs found out last night against the Jazz in a 108-72 loss. San Antonio had been off for 5 days since playing the Kings on Saturday night, and the rust showed as the team shot just 35% for the game. "We love having time off, especially being an older team" said Gregg Popovich after the game, "but in this case, this early in the season, I think it affected our rhythm a little bit."

About the only positive thing for the Spurs was that they were so far behind that many of their players rested during the 4th quarter. That will help as they take on theTrailblazers tonight in Portland. Deron Williams shredded the Spurs' defense for 19 points and 14 assists, including 3-5 from 3 point range. Tim Duncan scored 13 points and grabbed 9 boards in 30 minutes.

TOP PERFORMERS

T. Duncan 13 pts, 9 rebs
D. Williams 19 pts, 14 assts

Next Game: The Spurs travel to Portland to take on the 1-4 TrailBlazers tomorrow night.

Matchup Preview
POS	SAN ANTONIO (PPG)	PORTLAND (PPG)
PG	T. Parker 15.5	A. Miller 8.8
SG	R. Mason 11.0	B. Roy 20.4
SF	R. Jefferson 9.0	T. Outlaw 11.0
PF	T. Duncan 16.3	L. Aldridge 17.4
C	A. McDyess 2.3	G. Oden 11.3

[BobbyColtrane]

LaMarcus Aldridge posts up against Antonio McDyess. Aldridge finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

AT

Spurs beaten on the road for the 2nd straight night, 99-85

SCOREBOARD	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT	Total
Spurs (2-3)	22	19	20	24	0	85
Blazers (2-4)	20	19	29	31	0	99

PORTLAND – The Spurs fell on the road for the 2nd straight night, this time to the Trailblazers, 99-85. The Blazers held a 42-30 rebounding advantage and shot 53% from the field to drop SA to 2-3 on the season. Power Forward LaMarcus Aldridge earned Player of the Game honors, scoring 18 points and grabbing 12 boards.

The Spurs held a 2 point lead at the half, with Brandon Roy missing much of the action after picking up 2 quick fouls in the 1st quarter. The Blazers opened the 4th quarter with a 9-0 run, capped off by a 3 pointer from Steve Blake to take a 16 point lead. The Spurs never got closer than 11 after that.

TOP PERFORMERS

T. Duncan 15 pts, 9 rebs, 2 blks
B. Roy 22 pts, 4 rebs, 4 assts

Next Game: The Spurs face the 4-2 Toronto Raptors, who are coming off a 118-117 win over the Mavericks.

Matchup Preview
POS	SAN ANTONIO (PPG)	TORONTO (PPG)
PG	T. Parker 14.8	J. Jack 9.7
SG	R. Mason 10.6	M Belinelli 9.7
SF	R. Jefferson 8.2	H. Turkoglu 19.0
PF	T. Duncan 16.0	C. Bosh 23.8
C	A. McDyess 3.0	A. Bargnani 13.3

[BobbyColtrane]

Game 6: Raptors @ Spurs

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Spurs rookie DeJuan Blair shoots over Antoine Wright of the Raptors.

AT

2nd unit, Duncan's 21 points lead Spurs past Raptors

SCOREBOARD	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT	Total
Spurs (3-3)	27	22	24	20	0	93
Blazers (4-3)	28	18	25	13	0	84

SAN ANTONIO – The Spurs feel that their bench can be the best in the league, and they took a step of earning that title last night versus the Raptors, producing 40 points in the Spurs' win. The 2nd unit doubled Toronto's production 40-20, and led a charge early in the 4th quarter to put the game out of reach.

After ending the 3rd quarter up 73-71, Manu Ginobili, George Hill, and DeJuan Blair ignited a 16-3 run to open the 4th quarter and take an 89-74 lead. For his efforts, Ginobili earned Player of the Game honors with 14 points and 5 assists. Hill finished with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal off the bench. And DeJuan Blar continued his strong play, producing 4 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal off the bench. The 2nd round pick out of Pitt leads all rookies in rebounding at 6.5 per game.

TOP PERFORMERS

T. Duncan 21 pts, 4 rebs, 1 blk
J. Jack 17 pts, 9 assts

Next Game: The Spurs face the 4-3 Dallas Mavericks, for first place in the Southwest Division. Dirk Nowitzki is currently 2nd in the NBA in scoring at 30.6 points per game.

Matchup Preview
POS	SAN ANTONIO (PPG)	DALLAS (PPG)
PG	T. Parker 14.5	J. Kidd 5.0
SG	R. Mason 10.7	J. Howard 14.6
SF	R. Jefferson 8.2	S. Marion 7.4
PF	T. Duncan 16.8	D. Nowitzki 30.6
C	A. McDyess 2.5	D. Gooden 11.1