Web Posted: 10/25/2009 12:00 CDT
A scout’s take on the Spurs
One NBA advance scout gives Express-News NBA writer Mike Monroe his report on the Spurs, player by player.
Tony Parker
All-Star who mixes drives and jumpers. Must take away transition and drives, No. 1; then, honor the perimeter shot. Keep him off the foul line. Mainly, try to make him give up the ball.
Manu Ginobili
Containment is the name of the game defending him. No matter what you do, no matter how hard you play, don’t forget he is always, always, always going to come back left. Very dangerous on dribble-handoff plays, especially with Duncan. Very dangerous, herky-jerky dribbler who keeps you off-balance. Jury’s out on how explosive he is, post injury.
Tim Duncan
Has lost weight, which I presume is for durability reasons; anxious to see how that affects his game. An aging superstar who still must be respected. Won’t see the shot volume he once did, but still effective when he does touch it. Big threat to pass out of double teams, but we’ll try to play him straight up at first, then see if he makes us double and give up stuff on the perimeter.
Richard Jefferson
Can shoot it, but also loves to drive and get to foul line. Not a great finisher, but gets to the line because refs respect him. Solid mid-range shooter, who gives Spurs juice they haven’t had for years.
Antonio McDyess
Used to be most athletic big in game; now uses IQ more than strength and athleticism. Settles for jumpers instead of post-up and banging down low. Will still do damage on boards. Still a good defensive banger.
Michael Finley
Still looks to be in excellent shape and still has that perfect stroke on the jumper. Might have lost some of his explosiveness, but he’s mostly a jump shooter anyway.
Matt Bonner
Great pick-and-pop 3-point shooter. Can’t close out on him too hard, because he likes pump-fake-and-drive. Simply, a very good shooter.
Roger Mason
Seems he could get lost in their shuffle on the perimeter with additions; still dangerous in clutch; a combo guard, but a sketchy ball handler. Will get into you defensively and likes to pressure ball.
George Hill
One of the most improved players I’ve seen in preseason. Grew leaps and bounds in confidence over summer. Doesn’t look like same player. Looks like he knows he belongs, we expect him to get significant minutes.
DeJuan Blair
Could be an animal. Surprised at how easy he scored in preseason. Has nastiness and bravado and wants to compete. Only question is the (pre-draft) physical, but doctors have made plenty of mistakes in the past turning down players.
Theo Ratliff
A solid support role player. Can still block shots from weak side.
Keith Bogans
Another defender in Spurs’ mold; can make mid-range jumper; knows what’s expected of him.
