Yeah span can play that's why CD made a deal with Dallas for us to move into their pick and take him. That's why CD got him here. BTW, that's me with the shirt and tie after work for that preseason game. I was drunk and going nuts waiving the greek flag.
Hmmmmm, let me see. Because we don't have that type of personnel. Further, that lineup, while certainly novel and very entertaining, rarely is successful over the long-term or in the playoffs where the half court becomes emphasized, defenses tighten up considerably and rebounding becomes even more important. I know the Warriors beat us last night, but keep in mind they are not even in the playoffs yet (although i think they will be). Also, when was the last time a team that played small ball primarily won a championship? I'd argue it hasn't ever happened. You have to build your team for the ultimate target not for an occasional match-up issue.
An interesting stat, In the 2nd quarter where he played the bulk of his minutes, all 6 of them , he were outscored 19-11 in the first 6, and outscored the warriors 17-12 in the last 6 minutes where he DID play.. So he was definately part of a decent defensive spell for the rockets in the game...
Yeah I'm surprised he didn't get called travelled for it then. His feet on TV literally looks like superhuman the way they shuffle, it makes a blur... I'm not sure about the foul thing... it just looked really awkward and again looked like Span trying to do too much.
Nothing like a good 'ol Span thread to bring all the classic JVG haters back out of the woodwork. Of course, Juwan is in a shooting slump right now, so that couldn't possibly hurt matters now could it?
Look I know that small ball doesn't work long time. What I"m talking about is game in progress adjustments. Strategy in matchups and exploiting your opponents weaknesses. You must also look at your own weaknesses and minimize them. Something that over the years, I've noticed that JVG has not been able to do. Playoffs are won by defense. Our defense has proven time and again that we cannot defend against high powered speedy offenses. We do however have the manpower sitting on our bench that can offset some of these shortcomings. It's just that I feel that the short rotation that JVG plays doesn't help the team long term or the development of the team long term. During the playoffs when we last faced the Mav's Avery Johnson adjusted in game 7. We had no answer. JVG ran the same plays and players over and over while Avery Johnson flexed his strategy and adjusted blowing the Rockets away in game 7.
He does do the happy feet dance while dribbling the ball, but that is perfectly legal.....in fact it is a great way to set up the defender for a blow by.... He is dribbling while doing it so no travel can be or should be called. DD
That was his best play of the night imo... well, that and the charge. It prevented a break away lay-up -- I was certain it was Shane doing that but pleasantly surprised that it was Span. Other than that, he was okay... a non-factor, mostly. With the game Luther played, its not the least bit important to be honest. But good to see some improvement...
I didn't get to see much of this game last night, but I was shocked when I flipped it by and VSpan was in the game? I am assuming JVG threw him in as a last resort? Because of Tracy being injured maybe? Any info would be great thanks!! (for the record I am a VSpan supporter not a hater... just looking for some insight)
So dude is just gonna quit? What if Drazen Petrovic or Sarunas Marciulionis had quit? Those guys had to earn their playing time too. I would like him to stay and hone his game but this league is about mental toughness and if he wants to quit just because things aren't going his way after such a short period of time on a team that for the most part is winning games, then that shows me what type of person he is and to that I say don't let the door hit you buddy.
I think Boki had a combination of not wanting to screw up and also being a little intemidated by the black american NBA player. Now Span might be a little afraid to mess up with the ball but he is no way afraid of anyone. Look at Boki now, he dunks over everyone and does it with attitude. Span outplayed Chris Paul an that game vs the US and he needs to get a look at point in the summer and in preseason.
JVG also said in the offseason that we needed a outside shooting PF to space the floor for Yao. So that guy was Chuck Hayes. But look on the bright side. This also means that JVG is not as stubborn as many people believe. He does change when he realizes he is wrong. But this late into the season, you don't expect any more major changes. If guys like VSpan and Novak want to play, they have to wait for the next season.
Great post, jopatmc. I really hope FO can pressure JVG to play VSpan. His penetration and passes really made the offense alive last night against Warriors.
