Read this a bit ago, but decided to post after last night's game. http://m.nbcsports.com/content/posnanski-big-fundamental-legend
I agree that Duncan can be a little 'boring' to watch, especially for a casual sports fan. I am not implying that you are a casual sports fan (if for some reason that would offend you.) For me, someone that enjoys watching basketball to watch defense, spacing, team concepts -- rotations, cleverly designed off ball screens -- like that two Splitter set last night that freed up both Neal and Green for 3s.. The one where Manu sent the pass across the screen, skipping neal -- Here is the gif if you were curious! How do you free up BOTH Neal and Green for 3s on one play! You see how excited I got there!? ---- But this is why I love watching TD. The article is wonderful insight into what makes the guy tick/motivates him. It's very similar to why I love Kobe Bryant so much, all those stories about how meticulous he is at his craft. It's just very enjoyable to me to see people work extremely hard, and them being rewarded for it.
completely agree with the above about being someone who enjoys watching basketball to watch defense, spacing, team concepts etc. but on the splitter play referenced above he wasnt responsible for taking out two defenders. mario chalmers was actually the one guarding green and he committed a cardinal sin by taking his eye off green and just staring at the ball. green then ran from one corner to the other (he moves excellently without the ball) and mario was none the wiser. splitters second screen did stop battier from being a super helper and getting to green, but he was actually guarding boris diaw on the wing. so he wasnt anticipating having to help on green on the corner because his man was diaw, who is certainly not a threat from long range. just wanted to point out how mario lost his focus and gave up such an easy three in a crucial moment. too many young guys simply dont know how to play off the ball defense these days. this play was a great example of a lack of discipline and fundamental defense. FOR SHAME MARIO
Just for everyone info...I think not only did Chalmers sleep on their guy...so did Wade, bc Kawhi dropped to the corner as Green cleared across the lane...Another point is...watch Mario spending time in the paint...and then shuffling out of the paint, and realizing that his man is on the other side of the court... 1. If i was the Head coach, that player would be on the bench immediately 2. Why was he even giving Green any cushion...at all...Green hasnt shown the ability to just attack the rim, but Chalmers gave Green so much cushion. There was absolutely no reason why Chalmers was even at the paint area...
Nice article; I really wish he played for Houston. I hate the fact that he's on the Spurs and not on some eastern team far away from us, I almost feel guilty liking the guy.
