It was ugly, but San Antonio reigns again
The San Antonio Spurs have won their fourth title in nine years. I can’t say that is a dynasty, but they are definitely a true team and organization in every sense of the word.
The Game 4 sweep went as expected. Although the Cavaliers made a nice run in the fourth quarter, it was obvious based on their inept shooting that it was just a matter of time before the Cavaliers came back to earth. This was the ugliest Finals I have ever seen. We experienced no great plays to talk about, no unbelievable performances from individual players, no physical confrontations that you should see when a title is on the line, no complaining about the officiating and jockeying from game to game. Just plain boring. The only fans in the country that thought this series lived up to Finals were probably Spur fans.
The shooting in this series was the worse I have ever seen in any series, not just the Finals. Tony Parker won the MVP, but his performance was not the star quality that we expect on the biggest stage. I marvel at how consistent and smart the Spurs play year after year. But if you just focus on their leader, Tim Duncan, I think you learn to realize why they are so consistent. He has given the Spurs a foundation that has sprouted players like Parker and Manu Ginobili and there is no reason to think it will not continue.
During this playoff run, the Spurs were like a runner going up hill starting with Denver and Phoenix and then they just cruised down hill against Utah and Cleveland. I thought that should be the other way around. But when Dallas got upset and Detroit underachieved against Cleveland, the clean easy road was laid out for them and they took advantage just like great teams do.
I do applaud the Cavaliers and what they accomplished this year as a team. I don’t care what conference you are in, you have to have total team effort to get to the Finals and they did. The Cavaliers will learn from this loss and hopefully continue to grow because they have perhaps the best basketball specimen that has ever played the game, but the challenge for LeBron James and the Cavaliers is to get better both individually and as a team.
COACHES
Gregg Popovich simply outcoached his pupil Mike Brown in every facet of the game. I don’t think one time in this series did the Spurs have to make an adjustment to what Mike Brown did with his strategy. Popovich has the respect of his players to the point they should call him surrogate dad. I have never heard or seen a dispute among Popovich and his players since he has been coach and that in itself is unbelievable. Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan and Popovich are the three best coaches in the league and any player should want to play for them.
Mike Brown did not fight enough for his team, in my estimation. He praised his former employer too much in this series. He respected Duncan, Ginobili and Parker too much as well. The reason I make that characterization is because I never saw him complain and ride the officials from game to game, especially about how they were manhandling LeBron, or anything the Spurs did whether it was wrong or not. I would have complained big time about the foul attempt by Bowen on LeBron in Game 3. He looked intimidated and it was obvious to anyone that Brown’s friendship with the Spurs brass hindered him. I still applaud him for what he accomplished this season and he definitely has the ability to bring them back. I am pretty sure he hopes the opponent is not the Spurs.
PLAYERS
Tony Parker proved that he is fast becoming one the most unstoppable point guards ever at getting to the basket. He has a toughness that equals Isiah Thomas and that right there is the best company he could ever be in. He took over this series from the start and had his imprint on it until the sweep was complete. He also has become Duncan’s equal in terms of leadership and that should make David Robinson proud of Duncan in that the transfer of leadership that he started when TD was drafted has continued.
Tim Duncan is a model for any young basketball player wanting to emulate an NBA player. He is the consummate pro, although he has a minor flaw of complaining too much with officials. But it does not even amount to a visible dent in Duncan’s armor. His footwork and ability to create any shot off the post is so far ahead of most players that it is not even comparable. Add his unselfishness and you have a coach’s dream. I rate Duncan and Karl Malone as the greatest power forwards ever and Duncan gets the edge because of four championships to Malone’s zero.
Bruce Bowen is the most important player on the Spurs regardless of the Big Three. He guarded Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Deron Williams and LeBron James during the playoffs and still found time to concentrate and knock down open jump shots consistently. Bowen gets a lot of attention for his defensive tactics, but he is one the classiest players in the league and is well respected off and on the court. The Spurs would have been beaten if they did not have Bruce Bowen before they got to Cleveland.
LeBron James is without a doubt the future of the NBA, but only if he continues to work at the feverish pace his predecessors did. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and now Kobe Bryant had and have a tremendous desire to be the best. James can be them and more with continued hard work. I have never seen a player with his size and speed ever in an NBA uniform. He can become virtually unguardable, but as I have said during these playoffs, James has to work on his mid-range game. He has serious mechanical issues that can be corrected, but only if he is committed to getting it done. The memory of shooting 10 for 30 in Game 4 and not making a mid-range shot until after 60 attempts in the series is reason enough for James to seek help and change his bad habits. When he learns to shoot the ball, watch out NBA!
Zydrunas Ilgauskas looked very old in this series. His ability to jump is gone and foot problems over the years obviously are the culprit, but Z did not have enough fight for me – especially when he guarded Duncan. He had one good game with 18 rebounds, but his shooting went south and that’s something the Cavaliers needed in this series.
Larry Hughes was hurt most of the series, but he struggled this year even before the injury. I wrote when they signed Hughes that it was a mistake because Hughes needs the ball and that will not happen with LeBron. They will try and shop Hughes this offseason, but foot problems and contract will not allow Cleveland to get rid of him.
FUTURE
Look for the San Antonio Spurs to go after Grant Hill and a backup point guard to bring more versatility to their team. They are the oldest team in the league and it will surely start to show next year. Robert Horry wants to come back and I surmise they will allow him to, but only out of respect because Horry was not a factor during this championship run other than starting the confrontation against the Suns that led to Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw being suspended. The Spurs realize it will be extremely hard next year with Dallas, Phoenix, Houston, Utah, Golden State and Denver around, but they are the champs and everyone wants what they have consistently gotten over the last nine years.
Cleveland should have one mandate and one only. Go find shooters. Heck, I honestly thought about flying to Cleveland and hanging around the locker room after the first three games. James will become a magnet for shooters now that he has shown an ability to carry a team to the Finals. The Cavaliers have all the other ingredients except that ability to make open shots. I think Daniel Gibson and Sasha Pavlovic will continue to grow, but the Cavaliers should not invest all their stock in those players just yet. I look for Cleveland to win 50-plus games and make another run next year and James hopefully will have at least improved that mid-range jumper, thus becoming the most unguardable player in the league.
Richard Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 7:24 am
Coach Pop is the driver, Tony Parker is the steering wheel, Tim Duncan is the engine, Manu Ginobili is the transmission and the rest are the tires. This car is fastly become an antique but a classic one. Love the Spurs and what they bring to the table. Can’t exactly say I was excited about the Finals but when they played Phoenix, that was good. Here’s to Parker riding 2008 on an MVP high, and the SPurs finally repeating in 2008, oh I know you all will hate that, lol.
Lupe Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 9:26 am
I am now saddened that the season is officially over.
I hope Phoenix does not get weaker, because of the rumors that they need to get under the cap. If they do trade someone sadly it needs to be Marion due to age, plus I think he always disappears against good defenders (i.e.-Bruce Bowen, 05′, 07′ playoffs). I have been a huge LeBron fan since he came to the league, hopefully he adds a jump-shot, and continues playing his heart out. Well congrats to the Spurs, and I expect LeBron to go to the Finals again very soon. Laters.
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 9:43 am
I was really curious about how you are going to write about Amare’s and Diaw’s suspensions after this game.
Thanks for not surprising me…
thegreatest Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Lebron needs to emulate who?
MJ—Yes; Magic—Yes; Bird—Yes, but emulate KOBE?!? the most selfish and non team oriented of the greats he is so prematurely mentioned with? Increasingly I realize that intellect is not the beacon that guides many so called NBA fans — the ability to score 50 points every other night is nothing to be to proud of when it comes at the expense of the team you should be leading and the players you should be making better. Kobe simply refused to include his teammates in the game when they were eliminated inthe first round this year…I can still see kobe dribbling baseline and looking off a completely alone teammate who broke under the rim for an easy two…Kobey looked right at him and could have made the easy assist…but no…that was too much.
Edin Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 11:30 am
Eddie, I’m just curious … how many rings did you win?
cam Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 11:44 am
I guess all the Suns afficionados will cry about that call forever. Never mind their star did not have the maturity to follow the rules. As far as the finals being boring–EJ may think so–everyone has an opinion. I’m not a Spurs fan, but I truly enjoyed the finals, and watched every game. I thought Tony Parker’s performance at points was spectacular. But EJ is a Suns fan, so everything that he writes should have an asterisk beside it. Lack of complaining about the game 3 foul–somewhere I read that the team policy is no complaining–I guess EJ didn’t read that bit of info.
Dan Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
Classic blog Eddie. I only had to read one line of “I wouldn’t call them a dynasty” before I realized that you still had your Suns blinders on. Stop trying to act so unbiased all the time, you obviously dislike the Spurs, seeing they beat your Suns once again in the playoffs this year. How is 4 titles in 9 years, 3 in 5, NOT A DYNASTY! If your Suns ever get to one it’s going to be a miracle.
RilkI Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
I can’t agree with your analysis. Your article about the Spurs gives me the impression that someone asked you to write something good about the four time champions, you refused, and then they put a gun to your head and forced you. That’s how it sounds.
I think if the Spurs fooled around and played less fundamentally sound basketball in games 3 and 4 and lost only to win in game 6, you’d actually like them more. Your complete lack of enthusiasm for the classiest organization in the NBA is strange.
I hope all Suns fans get therapy this summer to get over their loss. But don’t watch replays of Kurt Thomas grabbing Duncan’s shorts or Raja playing exactly like Bowen, because it will ruin that “we are angels and everybody else cheats” complex that you all seem to have.
Alex Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
You know this Blog entry is tainted when you talk about the 3 best coaches in the league and Pat Riley isn’t in the picture. Never mind coaching, I’ll put Pat Riley’s record as a GM over Popavic’s. If the Spurs don’t cag out the Tim Duncan this conversation is completely irrelevant.
Boooo Eddie Johnson.
Alex Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 12:57 pm
If the Spurs don’t *cag out the Tim Duncan draft*If the Spurs this conversation is completely irrelevant.
And Tim Duncan is stuck in Boston wasting away 10 years of his career.
Rashidi Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
Maybe Suns fans wouldn’t complain as much if Horry were suspended for more than a pathetic two games. He has had a history of bad behavior, and look at what players in the Knick/Nugget altercation got. How many of their punishments fit the crime?
Mae Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
I would like to state to all of the people who are slightly in a way com-plaining about the finals between San Antonio and Cleavland. Most
people found it boring because there weren’t any flashy, attention
seeking players on the winning team. The San Antonion Spurs are
truly classic as well as disciplined young men. Even, if they had
tatoos, they were not visable. I think that anyone who is regarded
as a truly highly professional individual, such private markings
should not be on display for the world to see. If you watced the
games and observed the differences between the San Antonio
team and the Cleavland team, togetherness as well as consistency
played a key role in the outcome of the game for the winners.
As a teacher who teach students everyday, I can truly say with
accuracy that tatoos, earrings etc. can and does sometimes become
an individual distraction within itself to the individual whom it is a part of.
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 4:52 pm
Rashidi you’re wrong: Suns fans even didn’t interest with Horry and his suspension. Because after 2 games suspension, he’s eleminated from Suns series.
Horry didn’t deserve more than 2 game suspension in that case.
Flagrant foul? Nearly all of the players are doing that.
Suns fans are trying to find a reason why their terrific offensive squad couldn’t reach the fianls.
In 2005 they said they were experienced.(True)
In 2006 they said Amare is injured(True)
In 2007 they are saying Amare suspended(True)
All of those are true. But not enoguh to explain the failure. Amare played in 5 of 6 games in Spurs series and Spurs won 3 of them without any doubt. The toughest game Spurs won in that series were the 5th game which Amare didn’t play.
That’s why. Most of Suns fans are still can’t see the main reason. They are not coaching well, their 7-men rotation isn’t enough and they can’t win without defence. They should realize these facts.
noah Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 7:00 pm
omg, i can’t believe suns fans are still complaining…
eddie, i’m curious which spurs you think the spurs are most likely to be less effective next year. Finley will fall off a bit (if he even returns), but if they replace him with Grant Hill or somebody similar (moving Manu into the starting line-up again and keeping Jacque Vaughn), the drop-off seems minor. Bowen relies so little on athleticism, it seems unlikely he’ll truly be much worse. It seems to me that the Spurs’ biggest risks are (1) Ginobili, who always seems right on the verge of complete implosion; and (2) Oberto, who might not re-sign. Losing Oberto without a solid replacement seems disastrous, as is a Ginobili implosion as he’s their only real off-the-ball perimiter threat.
But I’m sure you have 250 reasons why I’m dead wrong!
Also, if Larry Hughes is available, isn’t he a perfect fit for the Spurs?
Eddie Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
Why are you Spurs fans crying so much? Lets call a spade a spade. Am i saying anything out of line about the suspensions? give me a break. That suspension was the single most important story of the playoffs and i am sorry you Spurs fans continue to feel guilty about it. I write exactly what i feel Happened. I am not here to please The Spurs, Cavs or Suns fans. i am here to state the truth. I will have hoops hype put up a poll and ask the fan’s what single most event changed the course of the playoffs and i guarantee it will be the Dallas lost and The Suns suspensions. Maybe then you Spurs fans will calm down and enjoy your championship.
Eddie Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
Onur
the only posts you put up is about the suspensions. you must feel guilty?
Eric Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
I dont think anybody feels guilty for the suspensions, except when suns fans try to discredit the spurs by bringing the suspension thing up and try to suggest that the championship is tainted, its really kinda annoying. If the suns dont stop whining and look to the real reasons of why they lost, maybe they’ll get into the finals, until then all they can do is DREAM about a championship and moan their bad luck. BTW how is 4 championship in ten years not a dynasty????? Must be that suns homerism that Barkley was talking about…. Eddie why cant you be like Barkley and say something bad about the suns for once???
tim Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
I don’t live in Phoenix or San Antonio. The nba team from my city was knocked out early and so I don’t think anyone in our city has strong loyalties to either the Suns or Spurs. With this said, I haven’t met a single NBA fan that doesn’t think the following:
1) The Spurs are a championship quality team and so you can’t say they don’t deserve to be a champion again;
2) Steve Nash was the true MVP of the league again even though the sports writers couldn’t swallow their pride and give him the MV3;
3) With this said, we will never know who truly was the best team this year because of the suspensions.
Spurs fans can complain because this year’s nba champion will always have an asterik in most fans minds and the Suns fans can complain because they feel ripped by a league office that doesn’t know when to stay out of the playoffs.
I think the rest of us simply are sad that the best series of the playoffs, maybe the true nba finals, was so significantly effected by the league office.
Here’s hoping that Stern and co. will learn from this year and get a better perspective on their role and how to set and apply rules.
Richard Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 9:02 pm
Can we ever discuss the actual article and not focus on the Conference Semis, it’s over along with the 2007 Finals but this article isn’t about the Conf Semis so let’s drop it all together. This has dragged on for over two blogs enough is enough, and I’m a Spurs’ fan.
Chances of the Spurs repeating in 2008 would be a better topic.
Who are the Spurs going to pursue over this summer is another.
What will the Spurs do with those picks (3)
Where’s Kobe going, is he going?
Eddie Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 9:22 pm
Richard thank you. i wrote a nice article about the Spurs and these guys still are crying. get over it. If you guys are crying whose holding the baby?
Now i have a guy wanting me to be like Barkley. Next thing you will ask me is to say GINOBILIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! lol Eric you and everyone else listen to this statement and hear it loud and clear. Just because you have a few people not saying exactly what you want to hear, it is their opinion. In my estimation and it was backed up by the ratings. This series was downright ugly. That is not an indictment against San Antonio or Cleveland per say. it was just the match-up made it ugly and it was.
I think the Spurs, Suns and Mavericks will be the favorites for the next three years and then we will see a drop off.
Eddie Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 9:31 pm
Edin
i did not win any, but i tried 17 times and couldn’t get there. , but i will tell you this Edin. When i was growing up i wanted to be sucessful at the highest level of basketball and guess what, out of millions that try to get to that level i made it. So in essence my ring was reaching my goal of making the NBA and i stayed for 17 years and now work in the NBA as well.
Now Edin did you get your ring? are you enjoying your job and career? Thats what i tell the thousands of kids i have spoken too over my career. go get your ring! Does that response help you Edin? i hope so.
Eddie Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Alex i guess it’s tainted because i did not say Riley. Riley is an excellent coach, but i said top three not top four.
Eddie Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 9:50 pm
the greatest. I meant immulate with hard work to get better at the fundamental art of shooting and becoming consistent all-around. sorry you couldn’t understand.
Dan Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 10:29 pm
“The San Antonio Spurs have won their fourth title in nine years. I can’t say that is a dynasty,”
Thats all I needed to read. Your Suns Eddie haven’t done jack. They’ve made it far into the playoffs before choking away big time opportunities (almost got swept by the Spurs 2 years ago, had a great year before crumpling to the Mavs). If Amare was going to do anything about the suspensions, he would’ve gotten his team a W in game 6. The Suns got anhilated in Game 6 and the Spurs showed why they were the better team. Not to mention, that hit by Horry was hard, but if that had happened in the middle of the court as opposed to close to the tables, Nash would’ve tumbled over, gotten right back up, and nothing would’ve erupted. If your such a great analyst, you should pick up on the fact that Horry commits that kind’ve foul MANY times during the course of the season, just the slight hip check to stop play and sort of put a guy on his butt.
4 titles in 9 years, 3 in 5, is a dynasty. Hell, if the Suns even win two titles in the next few years, I’m sure you’ll write that they’re a sensational dynasty, one that deserves to be in the Jordan/Bird cateogry….right?
Eddie Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
what does that have to do with me saying they are not a dynasty yet. i am not comparing them to the suns sir. i am really starting to believe that you Spurs fans feel guilty. i wrote a nice article about the Spurs and you homers still can’t be satisfied. I understand the national media will not give you the pub you deserve because of that suspension, but stop blaming it on me and enjoy the title.
Eric Said,
June 17, 2007 @ 11:40 pm
The tiltle feels great Eddie, and no I dont expect u to say GINOBILI since u aint exactly a big fan of the spurs, but i do want u to crticize the suns a little since its not like the suspensions were all due to the fault of one party. Thing is ppl want the ideal article, they want a article that has no traces of bias in it, that satisfies all readers, that provided all sorts of insights without offendind anybody. Thing is, such articles dont exist, since as humans we are naturally biased. So Eddie, I’m sorry your nice article has too much bias in it to be considered nice by some, but then both u and readers are biased, so i guess the argument never ends.Anyway I’m curious to know,you spent only four years in phoenix and seems to love that team becuase of it, yet Barkley seems to dislike them despite his mvp there…….how is that so???
Dj Quest Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 12:30 am
Wow… I read most of the comments and I am finding it hard to believe the Spurs fans are this annoying. I mean c’mon people, YOU WON THE TITLE!! You should be so happy but instead it seems like the majority of readers are still trying to get their “respect” from Eddie. Bottom line, the Spurs won. Who cares what anybody writes/says just shine the ring and make the peasants kiss it while kneeling. Yes, the series wasn’t even close to competitive and that is a testiment to TD, TP, and POP (Ginobli is overrrated) so why are you all riding Eddie so hard??? Gosh, I wonder what would happen if the Spurs had lost??? I am a Lakers fan and a Kobe fan, but I love and RESPECT the hell out of the SPurs for their consistency. Kudos for the ring… but Spurs fans, y’all gotta learn to be better winners…
Peace
Quest
PS Eddie- Did some clown try to question your NBA credentials by inquiring about the number of rings you had… wow, that’s gutsy (and straight rude). I know that cat NEVER played professionally anywhere (probably no college either… perhaps JV in HS as a Senior)
RilkI Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 12:33 am
Rather than saying “the suspension” was the most important event, why not call a spade a spade and say Amare leaving the bench and running on the court was the most important event? If that had been Kirilenko, Dirk, or any other non-Sun, you wouldn’t be arguing for not enforcing a very intelligent rule. Amare iis an incredible athlete who did something very dumb and was punished for it. That doesn’t strike me as very unusual or unfair. I was watching that game with my best friend, who is a Suns fan, and as soon as Amare starting moving my friend yelled at the TV set, “NO, Amare, no!!”
cody Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 1:26 am
It was a good flop by Nash but his teammates dont have any sense. Grow up Amare, its basketball. These Suns fans are still cryin? Wow
Go for Five 5
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 1:41 am
Eddie, never become BARKLEY. He’s a funny guy, but he always try to be dunder spotlights by agressive comments.
You asked a auestion about feeling guilty. I will be honest to you:
I’m NOT feeling guilty about suspensions, because i honestly think that those were Diaw’s and Amare’s mistakes and my team was innocent.
Are the other Spurs fans feeling guilty? I’m sure they aren’t. They are trying to explain suspensions are not Spurs or Horry’s fault. They are making their statements again, because most of Suns fans’ and NBA writers are still blaming Spurs and Horry in that case.
Eddie, the only question I want you to ask is: Do you really think that Diaw’s and Amare’s suspensions are Horry’s or Spurs’ fault? Or is that their foolish mistake? After your answer, i’m going to focus on celebrations. Lol
Stephan Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 4:05 am
Hey Eddie,
ever since I read your blog - it’s really fantastic and honestly, I think you bring everything on the virtual paper which needs to be said.
Horry should have been suspended for the remainder of the Spurs-Suns games. Hard playing is okay, but this was obviously more then that. Worst part was that players from the Spurs have not been suspended for leaving the bench, but Amare and Diaw (I guess it was this way, somehow remember this).
After all, the Finals where ugly. Though we have no possibility in Germany to watch them, I could see the summaries on NBA.com and they sucked. I can’t remember one single play which excited me - in fact, the only thing I remember is Lebron hitting the rim couple of times.
Regarding his mechanics, what exactly is awkward there? Him moving while shooting comes from driving hard around screens, as much as I could have seen; his arm-mechanics looked ok, so could you describe what exactly is his problem in terms of mechanics ( I read your old article, but just wondering if you see mechanics as him moving while shooting or his arm/hand mechanics).
Regards and congrats to the Spurs!
Stephan
Connie Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 4:37 am
First off, to illuminate my personal bias, I am a Suns fan and have been so for well over 30 years. Second of all, EJ writes his “nice little article” that DARES to say that the Spurs championships isn’t a dynasty. Well, that’s EJ’s opinion, and WOW, look how that p.o.’s the Spurs fans. They focus on that one point to the exclusion of all others. He DOES compliment the Spurs handily. But you have to focus on that one opinion. Are you guys that insecure in the belief and appreciation of your team? EJ’s opinion that the Spurs don’t have a dynasty could be his contectual reference with the Celtics (esp. the first incarnation, augmented by the second) and the Bulls. Compared to those teams, the answer would be no. I personally believe that the answer is YES, the Spurs do have a dynasty. But it’s a matter of semantics. ##### Someone wants EJ to be more like Barkley and bash the Suns. Are you joking? Barkley is still bitter towards the Suns because when they traded him to Houston, even though it was in the best interest of both parties, and it was the time to do it, it was the Suns choice (Jerry’s) and not his (Charles’) Charles tries to act objective, but if you really study him, you can see how he gets the little digs in. Read Jack McCallum’s book “:07 Seconds or Less” for more insight into Barkley. EJ only played a few years for the Suns, but he provides color comentary for many of their games on the local TV affiliate. He is the best color commentator that they have, BY FAR. (that’s an insider wink to those who know what I mean) He is insightful, intelligient, articulate, objective, and not above criticizing the home team when warranted. That said, how could he broadcast all those Suns games, know the coaches and the players as well as he does and the kind of men that they are (see McCallum) and not be biased to some extent? The Spurs fans that are not appeased by his lack of gluteal-kissing here should work on their stretching and flexibility and perform said maneuver on themselves. ##### Yes, the suspensions hurt the Suns, and changed the complexion of the series. However, there are always adversities to overcome in the quest for ultimate excellence. What if Amare’ had been injured? He might have been out for more than 1 game. The Suns did have the tools to win it all this year, but their coach choose to use a short rotation all year long, in the marathon that is the NBA season. It finally caught up with them against the Spurs. The Suns almost pulled out game 5 against the Spurs, despite using only 6 players. (plus Pat Burke for 3 minutes) They just ran out of gas and never recovered, carrying over to game 6. So the suspensions hurt, but they were not the ultimate factor. The Spurs just were a deeper, and better team. ##### Thanks, EJ for your great work on the tube and here in print and don’t let the illegitimate children get you down! BTW the word is emulate.
Martin Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 5:22 am
Eddie i both agree and disagree with you post, because in a sense i think spurs is a dynsaty based on the fact that they have been the top 5 teams in the leauge for 8 years so I think they deserve to be called a dynasty but maybe its just a feeling but i thin maybe they arent. But they won the championship and they damn right deserved it but to everyone who says that the suns should have won didnt so get over it and focus on next year they lost because the spurs was the best team this year period.
Rick Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:22 am
Why exactly do the Spurs need a new back up point guard? Their 3rd PG, Beno Udrih, is at the level where he could be a starter for some teams. What the Spurs need is some more young projects at SF/SG to replace Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley in a few years time. They have plenty of capable C/PFs and PGs.
Pepe Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:25 am
I can’t really understand most of the replies towards Eddie’s article. I absolutely do agree that the Spurs are not a real dynasty, I just don’t see them like a dynasty, they don’t make such impression, because they don’t seem to be around each and every year and on the very same level although their roster is one of the most stable in the NBA. But I do believe that they maybe just won’t make it to the finals again next year although they’ll definitely be solid all season long. Can you imagine this would happen with the 90’s Bulls, the 80’s Lakers and Celtics or even the 00-02 Lakers? You just knew that they are the best and you can count on them each and every year but you couldn’t say that about the Spurs during any of all the previous seasons. Try to look at it from this perspective and you just have to adjust your thinking. This is the way I understood it and I believe this is what Eddie meant too. And let the Suns thing be alone, that doesn’t belong here at all.
The finals was plain ugly, agree with that too. I was constantly asking myself if this is truly all we get this year. All of you Spurs fans try to see it from your perspective but that’s not objective at all. I’m an European and I can easily judge that this was one of the worst finals I’ve ever seen. As a matter of course, both teams and all the players deserve a credit for all they did but there was just no NBA Finals thrill to it AT ALL. Hopefully next year we will witness some TRUE wars again.
Also agree about Kobe, Lebron is a tremendous athlete but he’s still nowhere near Kobe’s level, no doubt about that. And it’s a shame the Lakers don’t rebuild as we all wish, it’s also a shame to see Kobe go but that’s truly the only possibility for him right now I believe. Let’s hope he finds a team with some real championship potential.
John Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:33 am
Spurs fans crying about a simple article that dosen’t give credit to the Spurs orginazation.. seems like your team whinning is rubbing off on the fans.. I agree with EJ there is no way that the Spurs are a dynasty, you need to win back to back to be even consider a dynasty.
Everyone with a brain knows that if it wasen’t for the suspensions we would of beaten you guys, heck even a very kowlgeable Spurs fan who which I know for a long time said that you guys got a break. Nobody knows who the best team is becouse the Suns were crippled on game 5. sorry to say that but that’s the truth. So please just stop your whinning about not getting respect and enjoy you title with an asteric becouse as far as I’m concern you should sent your “Thanks you” card to Mrs. David Stern. When we get Kobe on the Suns you guys are going to be extinct…….
Gerry O Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:44 am
Everytime Spurs reign, NBA suffers…..They are not good to watch since 1999 in that ugly victory also over the Knicks. The series over the Nets is also comparable with this year. Their plays were there since Naismith invented basketball. You can hardly saw the grace and degree of difficulty to entice. There were teams before who made swept but at least they were able to entertain.
johnnyx3 Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 8:31 am
As a Spurs fan, I do not feel a bit of guilt about the suspensions. I’d have preferred that they didn’t happen to see what ‘other’ type of excuses anti-Spur or Suns supporters would have come up with after being eliminated. But, rest easy knowing that I do not lose a minutes sleep knowing that nobody from the Spurs organization nor any Spurs fans in the arena that night forced Amare and Boris off the bench. Hard fouls have been in the league since I’ve began watching basketball. Rather the 2 game penalty against Horry was right will vary in the eyes of the fans as there is room for interpretation there. The suspensions for leaving the bench are there to keep small altercations from escalating into larger, more uncontrollable ones. I can certainly understand and support that.
Maybe Suns fans should direct their blame where it’s due? To the players who did not regard a well defined league rule and the coaching staff that has not disciplined it’s players well enough to beforehand to keep them from leaving the bench in such an altercation?
cam Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 8:57 am
“The San Antonio spurs are the NBA champions for the fourth time and there’s plenty of blame to go around.” That’s the tag line to the title of this blog entry. Complimentary?
the “spurs”=no capital
the “Cavaliers”=deserve a capital letter
Michael Bennett Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 10:22 am
Eddie - Good article, good times… I like your notes about Zydrunas “Top 5 Center” Ilgauskus and Larry Hughes. The Cavs need to ship them if they can… I still think they can get someone of value in return. That would be nice to get a defensive guy or even just a role shooter for either/both of them. The Cavs need to become the small ball team they are destined to be - LeBron in transition, LeBron going to the basket early in the shot clock and kicking out, LeBron this, LeBron that…
And, yes, I don’t get it. If I was a Spurs fan, I wouldn’t care if someone wrote an article bashing their ‘boring’ style of play or their lucky route in getting there. The record books now say the Spurs won, so WHO CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK? If the Bulls won the Championship, you could say what ever you wanted to, and NOTHING would phase me. I’d be happy until the next June.
I heard LeBron already hired a shooting coach… His initials are E.J. (GO TO CLEVELAND AND DO SOME LOBBYING, EDDIE!!! - Or, go to Hawaii, because LeBron’s probably taking the family there). I think you are oblidged to help him. You were so vocal about his shot throughout the Playoffs, he obviously needs help, and THIS would make him complete. You have to. It’s the rules.
RockHound Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 10:28 am
“Spurs are boring” bla bla bla…”NBA Ratings the worse with Spurs” bla bla bla…”San Antonio Dirty” bla bla bla…
Its old guys…San Antonio DOES NOT care if YOUR ratings are bad (for crying out lound you have every American Idol reject singing the National Anthem), they don’t care if Phoenix gets a bruise from a hard foul, they don’t care if EVERYONE thinks the Spurs suck or they’re boring or they’re old. No body cares. We don’t want respect. We don’t want you to like us…infact…if you paid any attention to the media, you’d see that San Antonio is feasting over the fact that everyone in the league is disgusted with us. We apsolutely love it! The fact is, we are a small market and don’t get media attention.
I will say this though, I’m enjoying my fourth title with this city. Yes, the FOURTH! Man…it feels great to suck four times!
p.s…just for you’re viewing pleasure…Here are the Franchises with most wins - EVER…Boston Celtics 16, Minn.-LA Lakers 14, Chicago Bulls 6, and San Antonio Spurs 4.
space Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 10:30 am
the spurs are champs. no denying it. they get a lot of calls but still great team. nevertheless, the competition they faced every finals except the pistons always seemed subpar to me. honestly we aren’t going to get magic vs bird epic matchups every year but i hope the east retools. 7 east teams are a couple pieces away from being really dangerous. hey, east: let’s make it a contest next year.
anyway, the spurs are dynasty with an *asterisk.
10 REASONS THE SPURS ARE not A DYNASTY:
1. they won in the shortened year [1999] which just feels empty
2. fans root for the suns harder and truly feel that dallas made it last year only
because there was no amare and the spurs made it this year because of a
calculated body check [a difficult but VALID case]
3. major players who helped them win LEAVE then it seems more like a system’s
success.
— david robinson [hall of famer]
— ginobilli replaced steven jackson [who remembers that?]
— a new center almost every year, malik rose, nestoric, etc?
4. signing former juggernaut players like brent barry and michael finley [two
former/recent 20pt scorers] makes it seem as though the hired guns essentially
got you through the finals [seriously consider how much they helped]
5. your former asssitant coaches leave, install your core defense on their
new teams and are successful? it takes away from the validity of your team’s
success & talents if 2nd rates can get there with the same scheme
[consider this: who successfully duplicated the triangle?]
6. no true repeat year. could never manage in the strong west.
7. playing the laydown cavaliers and previously swept nets who were a minor
challenge from a weak conference
8. parker [formerly erratic and jumperless, now one of the incredible stars of
their last two championships] was trade fodder at one point [parker and a
benchie for jason kidd. what point guard shouldn't excel with duncan on the post
if parker is that interchangeable is that a dynasty? would the lakers have traded
kobe? the bulls pippen? and speaking of da bulls:
9. MICHAEL's forced retirement... the general consensus is that if michael jordan
weren't forced out he would have handily defeated the spurs in 1999, their 1st
championship year. he smacked them around during the regular season
10. most importantly: the spurs could NOT get past the shaq dominated lakers 3
consecutive years even in the laker's down year where they were swept. they
got to the top ONLY AFTER the stronger, more athletic, superior team was
dismantled after 2002 [just like they did in 1999 when chicago got cut up]
the reality is the slower and surer turtle won the race than dominated the field. its open for interpretation. only if they go again next year can you begin to talk. but who really will watch that tired tripe unless they lose?
david Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 10:39 am
A Spurs fan with 1 last comment about the Suns series (not crying about it, or feeling guilty). The SUns lost 4 times to the Spurs, and unfortunately, for 1 game, they were shorthanded — even more so by D’Antoni only playing 6 1/2 guys. The SPurs were w/o Horry for the last game, not the equivalent, but nonetheless..
It’s like in 2004 — Derek Fisher’s shot, right or wrong, cost the Spurs Game 5 at home. If they were the “better” team, they would have marched into LA and taken Game 6. They folded, lost the series, and it was to hard to say they were the better team. They took the 1st 2 and then lost 4 in a row.
Same with the SUns — if they were the better team, they would not have lost 4 times.
Isn’at it said that the better team wins a 7 game series?
As for Eddie’s article, I thought it wat great. I actually agree — the Spurs are the most successful franchise in the last 10 years, but until (we) can defend the title, it’s hard to say “dynasty”. Don’t worry, that’s coming in 2008.
RockHound Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 11:19 am
As David just said…that’s the point that matters…the Spurs have shown over and over that they can and have taken care of the Suns. The fact of the matter is that the Suns are just not built to beat the Spurs. I give them great credit…they are a wonderful team with great skills and athleticism. But to say that the series was decided by a hip check? Come on! You had all your guys in Game 6? Why didn’t they win? Ohhh….i know….i saw that slow mo replay where duncan poked Amari in the eye “a la” the Three Stooges. He probalby should have been ejected from the NBA for that.
Its just pathetic to have so many sore losers out there. Your team wasn’t the strongest…
The rational that you guys use are pathetic…such as the earlier comment i read about “the Spurs only won b/c the East was weeker”…No sh!t? Are you kidding me? I thought they would have won b/c the east was stronger, faster, and sexier!
Blame sorry @ss Stern for that one.
Spurs don’t have a dynasty, I think most people would agree. The whole dynasty ordeal is being hyped up by the media. 99% of the US probably couldn’t even define what a real dynasty is anyway. We’re not a dynasty so what…move on. Can we talk about anything that has meaning? Or at least use a little more mature realistic rational while posting some of these comments?
Ps…Good article Eddie. Just lame comments.
Eddie Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 11:24 am
Space
that was an excellent post. wall of fame is on your horizon.
Eddie Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 11:25 am
Connie
excellent post as well.
Eddie Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Stephan
Lebron brings the ball up to his shooting position from across his body and what that does is block out his target for a split second which in essence forces him to lean. I encourage all to purchase the video http://www.jumpshotclub.com and then you will appreciate my judgement on shooting.
Eddie Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 11:31 am
Onur
if you read my prior posts i said that Amare and Boris would get suspended. They did make a mistake no doubt about it, but it was not a dumb mistake to do what they did in defense of their leader being knocked down.
RilkI Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 11:43 am
Well, here’s how I celebrated: a few gin and tonics at the bar, poking fun (nicely) of my three friends (all suns fans) who were with me, and putting the Spurs in context with the long and beautiful history of professional basketball. It’s true, Duncan is an understated guy. So was Artis Gilmore, aka The A Train, one of my favorite players as a kid. My advice to Timmy: keep the calm demeanor but grow out that ‘fro, bro. Serious! The kids’ll love it! Willis Reed, the great Knick center, looked and spoke like a college professor. He wasn’t outrageous in the ordinary sense, but he played in the finals with a broken leg! It’s hard to argue with that.
I can’t really think of someone to compare Parker to… he’s less prolific and more efficient than Tiny Archibald. He raps in French, is engaged to an American actress, and at 6 ft, scores in the paint at will. The times are-a-changin’.
Ginobili represents the new foreign player– he plays defense! and although he is clearly one of the top three players on the team, he doesn’t complain about coming off the bench. He’s a better passer than Parker, and along with his Argentine team-mates, reminded us Americans in a humbling fashion that when five stars take the court with the mindset of “gimme the ball’, they ain’t gonna win a gold medal against a true Team. If the Spurs sign Luis Scola this summer, they will have 3/5ths of the best modern day non-american team playing in San Antonio. It’s like Darwin said: adapt and advance.
My bet is the Spurs want there to be people out there who think of them as boring, especially GMs and team presidents. That way, when it’s time to draft players or make trades, others go for the flashy stat-stuffers who can’t play D, and the Spurs grab another team-mate.
My final wish– the Spurs find a way this summer to sign Gerald Wallace or Desmond Mason. Too expensive? OK, Matt Barnes.
Regardless of our disagreements, let’s at least agree to this: going all summer without NBA basketball really sucks. Later.
RockHound (San Antonio) Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 11:48 am
Eddie,
Apparently Grant Hill will be a hot item this off season.
Me personally, I’d love to see Hill and Finley on the same floor.
Any thoughts as to where he’d fit in the best?
The fact is that he needs a team that can support his required deminsihed minutes due to his physical condition. I love the guys game and you hate to see someone like Hill and Amari’s prefessional career get screwed up by these physical conidtions.
RockHound (San Antonio) Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 11:51 am
In all honesty, I can’t see Parker hanging around (unless Eva makes him stay in SA). I see Parker as wanting the lights and glory and fitting in with a team such as the Lakers. It sucks and hurts to hear myself that way, but its just a hunch. The guy will be absolutely amazing in his coming years. If he nails that three pointer like he master his jumpshot, he’ll be a terror to any team.
Bis Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Ten reasons the Suns are not a dynasty:
1. Can’t win a single championship
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. See #1
Bis Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
More reasons:
1. The NBA is Rigged! David Stern wanted a small market, low scoring team to win– that way profits would be much lower– and so he instructed the refs to cheat!
2. Amare’s defense is so good, so unprescedented, that it mesmerizes and blinds the refs and instead of getting down on their knees to worship him, they, in their confusion, call him for a foul.
3. Hold on– my excuse machine is broken. It’ll be up and running again in a minute.
4.God doesn’t like Canadians. He likes the French, the Argentinians, the Slovenians, and the Virgin Islanders, but he hates Canada! God is so unfair! I’m so mad at Him right now!
5. If the Spurs are so great, why can’t they cure cancer?! No! Instead, they selfishly collect championship trophies!
6. Dammit– the machine broke again.
7. Oh yeah? Well the service at the Hooter’s in Phoenix is MUCH BETTER than the service at the San Antonio Hooter’s. And the wings are SPICIER!
Bis Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
Future articles for EJ to write:
“Phoenix lost, but at least they looked stylish while doing so”
“Defense is for boring crybabies”
“Blocking out is for boring crybabies”
“Why Robert Horry should get the gas chamber”
“Has anyone even checked to see if Ginobili’s green card is valid?”
“Spurs championship should be taken away because new evidence hints that Brent Barry stole a bag of M&Ms from a 7-11 when he was eight years old”
LBJ Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 12:31 pm
I’m with you 100% Eddie. And I think deep down there are even some Spurs fans that will agree as well. Almost the entire season everyone from ESPN, Fox, TNT, S.I. etc knew who the top teams were and everyone expected to see Dallas, Phoenix, Detroit, or SA play one another.
We all know what happened to Dal and Det. But the biggest playoff story was the suspensions and how it MAY have changed the outcome of a 2-2 series with 2 of 3 games reamaing being played in PHX. As Eddie was saying he tried for 17 years to reach the Finals and win. Barkley tried, Ewing, Malone, Stockton, the last thing you want is for a series to come down to a call. But now it’s the tougest part of the year. Not football or NBA basketball. I agree Rilk I it’s going to be a long stretch.
Dr.Hibbert Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
Space post is excellent? Really?
1- 1999 “feels empty”? Is this really a good reason? To me it doesn’t feel empty…is this a good enough reason to consider the Spurs a dinasty?
2- “fans root for the Suns harder” is an excellent reason why the Spurs are not a dinasty?
3- major players leave…this is true, but the foundation of the franchise is still the same (Duncan, Popovich) and in the last 3 titles (in 5 years…which you could consider a “mini” dinasty by themselves) you had the same core, with TD, Pop, Manu, Tony and Bowen.
The Lakers had Rice, Harper and A.C.Green as starters in their 2000 team, and no one in their 2002 roster!
4- ??? That’s what every team does to stay on top. The Lakers “hired” McAdoo in ‘81 - ‘82, after the ‘79 - ‘80 title…the Celtics added Walton in ‘86 and he was a big part of their team (6tm man of the year).
5- I see it the other way…it just tells you how good the system is.
6- this is a valid point.
7- true…but no one question the Lakers for beating a lesser opponent in the finals (3-peat era). You have to look at the road to get there: this year the finals where the easiest round for San Antonio.
8- Parker was “trade fodder”, yes…for Jason Kidd in his prime, this doesn’t make him “interchangeable”…would the Bulls have traded Pippen? Well actually Krause tried it a few times and Michael had to stop him… .
9- who knows? Probably…but is it an “excellent” reason? Something that never happens, for which there’s no proof??? So if I say “the Spurs would have beat an old team that needed every ounce of Jordan magic to win the year before, with Pippen and his bad back, and Rodman growing crazier every year” I give an excellent reason why the Spurs are a dinasty?
10- The Lakers brought back their first 7 scorers from the year before in 2003, plus Shaw and Medvedenko (9th and 11th).
I don’t know if they’re a dinasty, I don’t even care if they’re called a dinasty (it’s just a word!!)…but those were not good points, except 1 (number 6).
LBJ Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
That was a nice post Connie! Now that’s worth an award Eddie.
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
Space– between 1999 and 2003, the lakers won 3 and the spurs won 2. Then, while the Lakers self-destructed, the Spurs got along and won 2 more. I will always contend that Pippen’s Trailblazers should have beaten the Lakers. Shaq got away with fouls galore in that game 7. He played a lot of minutes with 5 fouls and there were at least 4 or 5 very suspect calls. He should have fouled out. The most important point though is the Lakers are no longer contending while the Spurs will be one of the favorites to win again in ‘08. The Spurs are a minor dynasty right now. The major ones are: Celtics of late 50s and 60s. 11 championships in 13 years. Wooden’s UCLA teams of the 60s. Jordan & Pippen’s Bulls: 6 rings that probably would’ve been 8 if Jordan didn’t “retire.”
cody Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 1:17 pm
You people are idiots and show your jealousy to extreme. The fact is Spurs are THE CHAMPS. It doesn’t matter how they did it, the fact is they did it, AGAIN. Something that most of you have not done. So while you all are crying and whinning about past calls that mean nothing we are gonna live it up and get ready to do it again. This is no fluke. You will never change. There will be even more crying next year when the Spurs Dynasty takes you down again. Sorry you guys are having such a rough time with this. These guys are a class act and they do it right. They will continue to dominate especially when you losers keep complaining and crying because they feed off of it. Sorry babies!
SA SPURS WORLD CHAMPS 99, 03, 05, 07
az Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
“I never saw him complain and ride the officials from game to game”
ahahahahahahaha. so mike brown should have been crying and whining all game like the genius dantoni, huh? look how good that did dantoni - he got knocked out too and looked like a baby in the process. maybe the perpetual losers the suns can learn something from the cavs, quit making excuses for your own mistakes and bad play. in the long run, that might help them out.
Pepe Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
Cody, sorry, this has nothing to do with jealousy, that’s maybe how you feel about it. OK, the Spurs did it again and truth is nobody will ever ask how, the fact is they are 4 times champs. What I say - and the majority of us here - is that they simply DON’T look and feel like a dynasty and they DON’T produce any thrill with their game the way the previous champs did. Personally, I have no problem to consider the Pistons a dynasty (if they didn’t lose the spirit), I can even imagine the Heat building a dynasty (although that will probably never happen). It’s about the individual players, about the show they can put up. The NBA is about show, emotions, huge performances and just everything we expect it to be. There may be top 10s or top 20s or whatever summarizing why the Spurs are or aren’t a dynasty, I don’t care, there are always 2 opposite views to one thing. The only fact that matters is that they simply are no exciting team to watch and their rings are nowhere as memorable as those won by Magic, Larry, MJ, Shaq or Kobe. That’s all I can say, this is just the way it is and we all know it.
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 1:53 pm
You can count many reasons to prove Sprus aren’t dynasty, this depends on how you want to see Spurs. If it would make you happy space, bring new 10 reasons. But I have to answer first 10.
1- Did 50 games season provide an advantage to Spurs in 1999? Didn’t Spurs have a play-off record as 15-2? It was one of the best play-off record in NBA history, so where is the asterisk?
2- Fans of the Jazz are harder, because of the offensive foul of Jordan in G6 98. So are they a dynasty too?
3- Major players left and Spurs still contending. Is it a bad thing for a dynasty? What is Lakers doing now after Shaq left?
4- Most foolish reason. Brent Barry was a juggernaught player? We spend him full MLE, he didn’t joined us a bargain deal. And Michael Finley. The dynasties shouldn’t sign a former all-star veteran? Where is the rule?
5- WTF? Assistant coach or something causes not being dynasty…
6- Repeat is the main reason for the people who are trying to prove it. But whjat happens if Spurs wins 50 titles in next 100 years with one year blank? It will be a dynasty or not?
7- Playing weak Cavs causes not to be a dynasty. Let’s build a very strong team, and win 3 championship. If the opponent in the final weak, you can’t call it dynasty. Rubbish.
8- Lakers didn’t talk about trade, they did it(Shaq trade). So they aren’t dynasty.
9- Bullshit. Jordan retired and Spurs won the championship. So what?
10- Most importanly, Spurs passed Lakers in 4th year after their three-peat. Plus they did it after losing all of heir core players.
david Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
as for Space: the only valid argument is lack of defending the title.
Did he give an “asterisk” to Houston’s 2 championships the 2 years Michael played baseball?
The shortened season was actually harder on the Spurs older team as they played an average of 3 1/2 games per week as opposed to 2 1/2 (and they won 12 in a row, went 15 and 2 and had Sean’s Memorial Day Miracle shot).
Ginoboli did NOT replace Jackson — both were on the 2003 Championship team. Jackson was a free agent and got caught up in the numbers.
Parker was NOT going to be traded for Kidd — Kidd was a free agent and the Spurs were doing their due diligence, even though most fans were against it.
Yes, we bring in older players to fill spots — that’s why we have the experience in the play offs when it goes mental (isn’t that why Cleveland missed all those open shots?)
And PLEASE quit bringing up regular season records — they don’t matter in the play offs. That’s why its called the 2nd season.
And Yes, we never got by those Lakers. So what?
Pepe Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
You can list 100 reasons Onur but nothing will change the fact that Duncan, the core of the team, although being very effective, is probably the most boring player NBA has ever seen and so is the entire Spurs team. Even if we agree that this is a dynasty then this is definitely the least exciting one there’s ever been. To me it looks more like the Spurs win everytime there is (unfortunately) no one better, for whatever reason. But this is not what we want the NBA to look like, easy to be admitted by everyone I believe. Enough said.
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
If the Spurs are not a dynasty, then they must be downgraded to this label: NBA team with most championships and highest winning percentage in the past decade. That sounds pretty good to me. Any disagreements now?
RockHound Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
I find it hard to believe no one finds Parker and Ginobili exciting. The only reason you find Duncan boring is b/c San Antonio doesn’t attach a microphone to its goal like Dallas and Phoenix to hear the ball magically echo throughout the stadium when it goes through the hoop.
PUtting Amari and Marion aside, I guess its really exciting to see Phoenix run to the three point line everytime and shoot a three…only to see it drop ever other time…
But that’s the exciting part right? They play an exciting game, but still loose….hmmmm….very exciting!
Glad Phoenix fans are paying to only be entertained up to the playoffs…oh wait…sorry…i ment the first round of the playoffs.
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
I’ll never be able to stop the “boring” comments from you guys, but if you look at the Spurs from a world marketing perspective, they’ve helped the NBA immensely. There are literally millions of new fans in France (thx to Parker), Argentina (thx to Ginobili and Oberto), Slovenia (Beno and fmr Spur Nesterovic), Turkey (fmr Spur Hedo Turkoglu) and many other places. The TV ratings in the US are down a little, but worldwide they are way up and there’s a good chance that sometime in the upcoming decades basketball will challenge soccer as the most popular sport on the planet.
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Look at the voting this year for NBA all-defensive team. The votes are cast by the 30 NBA coaches. No fan bias. No sportswriter bias. You’re not allowed to vote for someone on your own team. Duncan and Bowen are voted to the first team. So is Raja Bell. Getting Bell was a smart move. Marion just misses being on the all-nba second team. Advantage: Spurs.
Parker receives some votes. Ginobili receives some votes. Francisco Elson receives one vote. Nash: no votes from opposing coaches. Amare: no votes from opposing coaches. LeBron: no votes from opposing coaches.
I think it’s clear that the Suns knew defense was their weakness and that’s why they acquired Bell and Kurt Thomas.
Michael Bennett Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
The TV ratings were down this year more because of the sleeper announcers and the ABC telecast than the players and teams.
Give me Marv Albert, Bill Walton or Kevin Harlan… All of those guys love the game so much, they’re funny, they’re always excited and they have the best on-air voices. ABC had - Mike Breen is actually a puppet, much like Pinnochio (I found his maker - His hair doesn’t move), Mark Jackson never makes sense and takes fifteen minutes to get a non-point across, and Jeff Van Gundy is, well, Jeff Van Gundy.
Does anyone remember the old NBA on NBC song? I’m sure some of you are humming it right now. That got people going… It makes the game exciting. ABC/Disney cleans up the game, and makes it too robotic, and it’s bland.
I was rooting for Cleveland (obviously), but it is fun, as a basketball fan, to watch greatness ie San Antonion Spurs basketball. It’s not run-and-gun, small-ball, Phoenix/Golden State/Seattle basketball, but it’s excellence on-court… and, that’s exciting to watch… unless you’re a non-fan.
david Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
I always said I like Michael Bennet’s posts, but c’mon Michael. Bill Walton?? The only reason to listen to him is to make fun of him. Everytime someone makes a basket he’s the most “underrated” player of all time.
I’ve met him before and he’s a nice guy but somehow I don’t think all the cannabis made it out of his system.
Other than that — right on!!
RockHound Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
God I hope the games never go back to ABC and their damn cross court robo camera!
Here locally (San Antonio) we have some amazing telecasters such as Sean Elliot and Bill Russell. They really break down the game and very informative. Lance Blanks used to be one of my favorites until he left.
Pepe Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
Hammond, ok, now we can talk about lots of other aspects of the Spurs but still - yes and no - I’m from Central Europe and I believe the popularity of basketball around here hasn’t changed that much. The NBA pushes the boundaries by its recent initiatives but that’s mostly because the US market has been saturated. The audience may shift a bit from country to country based on its active NBA players but, overall, there’s not that much change. Besides, you say Spurs help NBA world marketing and what about Yao and China? What about Dirk and Germany? And all the others… But then again, in the vast majority of European countries basketball is, unfortunately, not even the top 5 option and I don’t believe that will change any time soon… although it’s a shame for every basketball fan because mostly it’s only because people don’t really understand the game…
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
Pepe– I absolutely acknowledge Yao and Dirk, no doubt– What I meant is that the Spurs have a very international team and not just one international player.
Also, the Spurs have popularized the idea of taking a chance on an international guy rather than picking a college guy when your team has the 26th or 27th pick, which is what the Spurs always have. Out of necessity, they widened their draft horizons and it has paid off well– thay have an all-star back court without ever having been in the lottery.
Johnnyx3 Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 3:53 pm
Onur Tucanboylu,
excellent post to rebutt Space’ post.
(whether it’s true or not is of no importance which is the reason Eddie and the rest of the anti-Spurs won’t recognize it since it opposes his/their stance)
Personally, I can care less what folk feel about our team. In my lifetime, I’ve witnessed 4 championships and have only had to endure 1 really hard year which paid off in the long run. At the end of the day, our team has brought us the joy of championships while many other teams have brought their fans straws with which to grasp at in their attempt to a) discredit the Spurs achievements or b) excuse their teams lack of achievement.
Thankfully, there’s really only one team who has fans that are so ‘bitter’ while most other teams fans are far more tolerable and much less dillusional.
david Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 4:07 pm
Hammond, did you know that the Spurs have a guy stationed in Holland whose sole responsibility is to seek out European players? Next on the horizon — Ian Mahimi — a ROdman clone, only skinnier and classier. Not sure if he’s ready for the NBA yet, but remember, Pop kept Ginoboli an extra 2 years in Europe after drafting him and that paid off.
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
Pepe– I will admit that mass marketing and popularity have a downside too though. When i was watching that last Spur/Cav game at a bar there was a girl there who kept asking her boyfriend why some shots were worth 3 pts, some were worth 2 pts, and some only 1 point. “It doesn’t make any sense,” she concluded. Later she said the only reason she watched was because “LeBron is so cute.” But then she started rooting for S.A. because “Tony Parker is even cuter..”
I’m a basketball purist and snob so it drives me nuts to be watching a game and having someone ask, What’s a pick? What’s the paint? If he’s called a center why is he standing off to one side? Who’s Bill Russell???
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
David– that would be a nice job to have! The one I’m watching for is Luis Scola. This might finally be the year he comes over.
david Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
Hammond, problem with Scola is there might not be enough room and if they still have to buy out his contract for a lot, I think they’ll either pass or trade the rights. Oberto proved to be a great pick up.
To wit : 18 of the 23 points scored in the 4th quarter of Game 4 were by Argentina. How’s THAT for a stat !! lol
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 4:31 pm
Pepe, you claimed that Sprus are playing boring basketball and Duncan is the most boring player.
First let’s explain Duncan, after that Spurs. What makes Duncan boring?
Let’s look at what he does.
1- Footwork: Look out to Duncan’s feet when he gets the ball. He has an excellent footwork. He can put his defender behind in his first step and runs to the rim in his second.
2- Fakemaster: He fakes the defender and makes him out service in any case.
3- Bank-shots: He has a trademark shot from the glass and it’s a masterpiece. Defender can’t block that shot and it’s very hard to score a bank shot where Duncan shoots.
4- Assists: He made 8 assists in G2 against Cavs. He has a great vision and can find the unmarked teammate under double-teams. His passes to Oberto(Especially in Utah series) are excellent.
5- Block: He can block anyone in the league and anytime in the game. He comes from weak side, or he blocks his defender in one-on-one. He’s awesome in this area.
6- Defense: He is one of the best defender’s in the league. He can defend his man without spending much energy and by applying only basic defensive rules.
So please tell me. Please… How can Duncan be boring by doing those?
Onur Tuncaboylu Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 4:42 pm
And now ı’m asking why Spurs is boring. I’m going to analyze Spurs players objectively.
1- Parker: He’s one of the fastest player in the league and he can drive inside within fear. He can lead the team fast-breaks, makes tones of kayups between 7 footers. He’s a trademark shot, teardrop. Boring? No
2- Ginobili: He’s one of the best white back-court player in the world. He can dunk, he’s fast, he can dribbles inside like Parker. He can shoot three, he’s a great winner and a clutch player. Boring? No.
3- Bowen: He’s dirty. But he’s the best periemter defender in the league. His defensive stance is absoltely perfect. He can shoot thre from baseline. Boring? In offense: Yes. In defense: No
4- Duncan: Read previous message.
5- Oberto: He has a great basketball IQ. He is a warrior under the rim. He can’t dunk, but he can pass the ball efficiently. Boring? Neutral
6- Finley: He was a great athlete and he still have some fuel in the tank. Boring? Of course not.
7- Horry: One of the most clutch player in NBA history. He can dish assists(6 assists in G1), he can block the ball(5 blocks in G1), and can hit three. Boring? No
8- Barry: Shoots three and a good ball handler. Boring? Mostly
9- Others: Elson, Vaughn are ole players and both can be boring.
So look at the Spurs squad. The key players are not boring, team can play run&gun against Suns and can play half-court against Cavs. Spurs is a chameleon. Don’t blame them if you’re boring during their games. They only adjust to their opponents.
david Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
Onur, only comment is that Bowen is NOT dirty. He’s aggressive and somewhat on the edge, but not dirty. Only crybabies like Ray Allen think he’s dirty.
Pepe Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
Onur… whatever facts & figures you come up with, it does have very little impact on what most of people do feel about the Spurs. OK, I’m not taking away your passion for Spurs basketball, but to me it makes a lot of difference to watch Duncan and his Spurs and to watch all the others who were mentioned here already. The problem is that this thread became too much of a “Spurs fans vs. the rest” type of debate. I also believe you keep picturing Duncan & his team a little too ideal compared to what they truly are in real life, mostly because they are “your” team and I understand we all are biased for our players/teams.
And how can Duncan be boring? Hm I guess it’s just because he is, plain and simple… Effective but exciting as sleeping pills… Just why do so many people think the same way?
Btw. saying they only adjust to their opponents… hey, give me a break, now that’s really a little too much hm?
Pepe Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 5:32 pm
Anyway, here’s my stance - let’s stop arguing who’s more exciting and who’s not, that makes no sense; the Spurs have another ring, the 06-07 season is over, now let’s better hope next year we see some tougher battles in the playoffs and in the finals in particular ;))
WILLIAM LIMON Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 5:42 pm
I dont comment often but when it’s against the truth, the truth has to
be the truth. Hey Mr thegreatest you think kobe is nothing compared to bird, magic, and mj. Where is the kobe hater circus located? I will love to tell them what a great job they are doing of hating the truth…
what is the truth? ask yourself, why do i hate kobe so freeking much…
Because he is freeking so good… and you know it…and it burns…and the hate builds up…..why.because to the haters he will never be a winner..
He has a super crappy team that he by himself took to the playoffs 2 years in a row, of course he can’t win with that sorry team. But what do kobe haters do? blame kobe! And now we have kobe calling out the Lakers
(about time) man! kobe is running the show and still all you could do is hate.
Kobe haters listen… the fact that kobe has allready done amazing things
(81,63,3 point records,50 or more like crazy kobe and wilt in the mudaxxxxxxx house) that alone puts kobe in his own planet…so kobe haters dont feel bad… i understand the hate… keep on hating…we know why you do it…ohh yeahh..you think the lakers are stupid to let kobe go….he is L.A… trust me, there more kobe fans then laker fans…
He is the perfect baller…and if kobe does leave L.A. the next place he goes just got blessed…. kobe.and tupac…Los angels…will always love..
Eddie Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
Why don’t Spurs fans stop complaining. Listen no matter what you say, you can and will not change the opinion that the championship was Phx-Spurs and you won without the Suns at full strength. Now does that mean the Suns would have won? No , But it can be argued tremendously because they won game 4 with Amare dominating and they did not have him for game 5 when they continued to dominate for 3 quarters without him and ran out of gas. so there you have it and face facts it will not go away—-so enjoy number 4 and stop thinking you will change peoples opinion.
John Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
whinning!!!!!!!!! That’s all the Spurs fans do… So EJ wrote what is apperantly his opinion and you guys want to blast him becouse you don’t agree with him??? You guys are boring,you guys got lucky that Amare got suspended and that’s all to that. Enjoy it and please stop your crying.. Who cares what people say about you guys you are the Champion of 06/07 season…. Some of you guys act like you guys need to prove something……or is it guilt????? If the shoe fits, please Spurs fan wear it..
Spurs 06/07 Champions!!!!*
*They didn’t really beat the Suns becouse of some susupensiens… GO SUNS!!!
david Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
Eddie, with all due respect,
we’re not complaining — we’re defending. When we won in 1999, * for the shortened season. In 2003 * ’cause Dirk was injured. In 2005 * due to Horry’s “lucky” shot in game 5. Now * for the suspension. Those are the breaks of the game. That’s why they play 7game series.
Like you told me — without Duncan we would only win 30 games.
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
David– Word is scola wants 9 mil/3 years. The buy-out is smaller now too. It’s doable, but we shall see.
Bowen is annoying, like all great defenders. The “dirty” label is funny because it supposes that every ref in the league is either too dumb or too biased or simply unknowledgable about the game to see it. Danny Fortson is dirty. The reason Bowen gets tangled up with opponents is he’s playing them tight, unlike Vince carter, leBron, and many others who play off of their guys and float in the defensive scheme hoping for errant passes or steals– more exciting but less effective from a defensive viewpoint.
lloyd Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
Thanks Eddie for your article. I am a Spurs fan. I didn’t think the players should have been suspended, but they were. This could be the only rule that has been consistently applied every time by the NBA. The rule was not changed at the last NBA meeting, I believe, because Mr. Stern wants it to stay in place. He got his way. Everybody will have to keep living with it, unfortunately. We were robbed of seeing a crucial game. We all lost.
So here’s what will happen next year. The Suns, Mavs and Spurs will seek to address any weaknesses on their rosters as they all make some off season moves. They will all explore making a big splash. All three teams will get stronger. Who is that one player who could give them the edge, over the other two teams?
And then, next year they will go after it again, fighting for home court advantage when the playoffs come around, and hopefully we will get to see 2 series between the best 3 teams. Dallas won’t flop again, the Suns will come even harder than this year, and the Spurs will try to repeat. It’s what will be fun to watch in next year’s playoffs. Whichever team is left standing will easily handle the representative from the East. The ratings will drop, naturslly. Either the Suns, Mavs or Spurs will be crowned as next years champ. It will be fun to watch the western conference.
lloyd Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 6:49 pm
How long do the Spurs stay with the old guys? Barry, Horry, Bowen and Finley? Which ones do you expect to return?
If it was me I might be tempted to replace Horry with Scola. Trade Barry as he makes over 5 mil. Bring Bowen back for sure, and Finley if he doesn’t opt out and leave. Maybe trade Udrih, Butler and Elson. Re-sign Bonner and White.
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
I feel no need to defend the Spurs. I guess I just like professionals who win. I like Federer more than some of the louder and more obnoxious tennis brats. He’s a winner. I liked Borg more than Connors or McEnroe. I like Tiger and Els more than John Daly. Daly’s life is more eventful, that’s for sure, but I don’t need that stuff. I like Jerry Rice better than Terrell Owens. That’s it– what’s wrong with that?
david Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:03 pm
Bowen is probably the most active in the community here in SA. He just got a wonderful write up in the paper about his involvement in several endeavors. Dirty ball players don’t do this. They don’t give back.
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
c’mon Eddie– there are all sorts of interesting things being written here and the only two you compliment are Connie and Space, the two anti-spurs! Those two were not the best written responses here, they were just the two you most agreed with. I think the reason so many people are reacting to you is that you are so obviously biased. Dr Hibbert’s response to Space was well done, but you neglected it. What faults, if any, do the suns actually have, other than being “unlucky”?
Michael Bennett Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:21 pm
david - Rasheed Wallace is probably one of the NBA’s most charitable players. He gives more of his own money away than the majority of the league’s players. Yet, on court, he’s a vicious competitor who plays dirty ball (last year’s elbow that cut Z’s head) and cries and complains more than any other player in the league.
So, your comment of “dirty ball players don’t do this. They don’t give back.” is simply untrue.
Bowen IS one of the dirtiest players in the NBA. He has to be. Because he’s not the most athletic, youngest, or gifted, he must use every advantage possible. So, he gains the edge by scrappy, dirty play. That is something that is well known and obvious.
And, his on-court persona does NOT reflect his off-the-court actions. It’s two different worlds.
Hammond Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
Michael– why don’t the refs call him for more fouls? Stern and the NBA have no reason to favor Bowen and every reason to penalize him if he’s dirty, but it doesn’t happen. I know you don’t think it’s rigged… Are all of the refs clueless? You know that’s not the case. Bowen is hyperactive and annoying, like Artest, Raja, Pippen, etc.– but he’s no Bill Lambier or Danny Fortson…
david Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
Michael, I agree with Hammond. I think Bruce is on the edge .. in your face, but not dirty.
I didn’t know about Rasheeds charity work –thanks. But I think David Robinson still holds the record of $5M for the Carver Center here in SA.
He was and is a class act.
Eddie Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
Hammond
i like your posts. if you reflect back on Michael Bennett —he and i went at it big time. No favorites here. i like all the posts that do not get personal.
Bis Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 7:47 pm
The Suns are the champions in your hearts and that should be good enough. So what if the nba doesn’t recognize it? George Bush should give Amare the congressional medal of honor for protecting that sweet canadian, Steve Nash. This year has been a rousing success and next year the Suns will win yet another unoffical trophy! That’s a dynasty of we=shoulda-wons for them. Ain’t no stopping us now. But just in case, remember, global warming is affecting phoenix more than it does other cities, what with the over night lows in the 90s, the water shortages, coyotes running loose, mexican border issues, and a woman governor. When, I mean if, we don’t win next year there will be an absolutely valid and irrefutable reason.
Connie Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
David: You say that you are defending the Spurs. A word of advice, don’t. A wise man once said: “Don’t defend yourself, you friends don’t need it, and your enemies won’t believe it.” I think that’s pretty good advice, you’re not going to change anyone’s mind, especially posting on a blog like this. ##### And to Hammond: that’s funny that you call me “anti-Spurs”. Yes, I am a Suns fan, but your logic is faulty. Did you actually read my post? It doesn’t seem like it. My one sarcastic comment was directed at the obnoxious Spurs fans (not all of them) and not at the team. I complimented the team. I said they were the better team. I do agree that they don’t particularly play real exciting ball, but you’ve got to hand it to Pops, he gets the job done. ##### Personal note to EJ: (I’m the guy who chauffeured you and Jerry to the channel 12 studios the morning after you were named 6th man of the year. You were pretty non-communicative (how out of character is that? although it was early in the A.M.) until I brought up your Alma Matter and your college coach, Lou Henson. I guess you figured if I knew that, I wasn’t too much of a stiff, even if I was just a glorified cabby back in those days.)
cody Said,
June 18, 2007 @ 9:35 pm
Give me a freakin break. Excuse after excuse after excuse. Nobody in Spurs country is crying. We are just defending the best Basketball team in the country. Just like they do against their opponents. You say boring because you don’t watch every game the Spurs play. Yes Duncan isn’t flashy, he’s classy. Besides what 7 footer is exciting anyway. How can it be boring when the King of the NBA is in the Finals. Oh I forgot, Bruce Bowen took him to school. Maybe the NBA should do away with Defense, then all of yall could be happy. We could let Kobe or even LeBron take any shot they want just for ratings. Come on people you know it ticks you off cause little ole San Antonio dominates your “high market” cities year after year.
Get over it Suns Fans, you’ve got a good team if you could manage to get away from all the politics. Nash is awesome, but man forget about the fouls. He is lights out when he wants to be. Marion is a great player and Raja Bell can play some serious D. I think Amare needs to grow up, I never have seen someone act so stupid. They get a good center and a couple of bench players and LOOK OUT.
Sorry for all the harsh words, but it really bother