Well, Spurs got problems and trying to fix them, could mean trades, maybe Beno and Barry, for Magette and Mo Peterson. From Exp-News:

"These are the situations that make or break teams," coach Gregg Popovich said. "We've always used the trying times to test our character in the sense of looking at what we can improve so we're a more disciplined, better executing team ... at playoff time.
"When you're in a little bit of a slump and not winning as many games as you'd like to, it has to be looked at as a great opportunity to get back to all the basics. That's what we try to do. It's been our goal every year, even in championship years.
"We've always had these periods and we've always dealt with them so we can be better come playoff time. We'll see if this group can do the same thing as past groups have."

To hasten that process, the Spurs are considering changes to their lineup and roster. Among the possible moves: Giving Matt Bonner more, if not all, of Robert Horry's minutes. The Spurs acquired Bonner for his shooting, but his rebounding and hustle have been infectious.


Team officials also are concerned about making the same mistake they did last season when they stuck with another aging veteran, point guard Nick Van Exel, too long.

Shortening the rotation at the two wing positions from four players to three. Manu Ginobili and Bruce Bowen would continue to start, but some of the coaches think that dividing the backup minutes between Brent Barry and Michael Finley has made it difficult for either reserve to settle into a rhythm.

If Popovich decides to use only one player in that role, Barry could get the nod given that he has ranked among the NBA's leaders in 3-point accuracy most of the season. But Finley is the more active defender of the two and Barry has struggled with his shot since the league switched to the leather ball, making just 1 of 11 attempts.

Popovich returned Beno Udrih to the backup point guard role the past three games, but Udrih hasn't done much to prove he deserves to keep the job. He missed all six of his shots Friday and passed up other open looks, once again causing team officials to question whether he is capable of performing in pressure situations.

The Spurs continue to pursue trade possibilities. Friday's loss also further exposed the difficulties the Spurs have in matching up with the Mavericks, given their lack of athleticism at some positions.
Team officials continue to speak with the Clippers about swingman Corey Maggette. The Spurs have been hesitant about parting with both Barry and Udrih in a possible deal, but that could change. Bonner's name also has come up in talks with the Clippers.
The Clippers, according to a Western Conference official, are in talks with at least three other teams, and might not feel as pressured to move Maggette given that they also have fielded offers for Cuttino Mobley.
The Spurs have inquired about Toronto forward Morris Peterson, but those conversations haven't yielded much
So thats where we are folks, just hanging in there

Sounds like you guys aren't standing pat. I think we are even though we're down to a rookie PG playing. Where's the 10 day contract? The Pistons are playing a rookie!

Since I picked SA to win it all, I will give my two-cents worth. Bowen is not nearly as effective as a starter and is much more valuable as defensive stopper and he can be a hard matchup when he hitting his jumpshots.

In his place I would start Finley. Pop must have something against this guy, because it obvious that if he can play 30 minutes and get into the team rhythm from the beginning, then it makes Parker/Ginobili much more effective. We are talking an easy 20 pts a game with Finley...what a waste... because it shortens his range from 30 to 20 ft and he is much more dangerous at this range.

Pass, great observation. I don't think Pop has a thing against Finley, I think he is just trying different combinations, different plays, trying to figure out how to keep us from digging a hole. Just like with Horry. He has nothing against Horry, but realizes his limitations at this stage of his career. He can't get mad or disgusted when he doesnt have game, like with Nuggets the other night (36.8% shooting, missed all 3 shots), but he makes adjustments, uses Horry when he senses he is ready. So Pop goes more and more to Matt Bonner, who has been a real spark for Spurs.

Horry is 36, it's his 15th year in NBA, he has been in playoffs every year, past the first round every year. From Mike Monroes SA Exp-News:

Horry said "I wont say I got plenty left in the tank, but I got some left...there's just some nights I'm just dog-tired, for no reason."

He and Bonner are real tight, he's teaching Bonner the Spurs "system"

"I've got to teach him how to block a shot, though. He doesn't know how to block a shot. Sometimes all you've got to do is just get your hands up. Intimidation is a factor. Block one, and everybody is going to go, 'Ooh, I don't want to take it in there.'"

Horry just shook his head when Bonner blocked three shots — his career high — against Denver.
"Career high?" Bonner said. "I think those were the first three blocks of my career. Two of them were on (5-foot-5) Earl Boykins, so don't get too carried away."

I didnt realize ex-Spur Devon Harris was with Hornets. He had a great game against Wizards yesterday. We have Wiz tonight here, Bulls at Chi Monday and Lakers here Wednesday. Busy week for us

Hope Spurs and Pistons can get their games going. Sure dont want to see no one else in Finals

I

We had the Wiz tonight, they had a tough night coming off a loss to Hornets last night. Arenas and his guys played 40 min each last night, then come to us with no energy, playing the same kind of minutes. Arenas only got 17 pts to his usual 30 points. Their coach got ejected for 2 techs when he went on court pushing among his players yelling at the ref about a call/non call. It was in the 3rdQ.

Then in the 3rdQ Matt Bonner got hurt. Had to be carried off the floor. MCL injury, will have MRI Sunday but looks like he could be out 6 weeks, which I really hate to see. He is totally a Spurs favorite.

As usual, the guys get a 20 point lead, then let the opposition gain on us. It happens all the time, dont know why. Robert Horry started tonight. He got a tech in 4th quarter for "unsportmanship". He was trying to block Arenas and Arenas fell down. And because Horry was standing over him (looking at him, I guess) he got a tech. I think he was just shocked that Arenas fell down and looked like he was crying.

Oh well, Bulls are next. Glad you guys got the win. Keep goin'

lol

Pretty cute, Merc.

Dang it, bad news, Red Rocket cant play 2-6 weeks, good news he doesnt need surgery, no tear to anterior cruciate, but does have tear to MCL. Horry is going to have to get another buddy

I know we lost to Bulls, totally outplayed, only saw box scores which didnt look bad, but havent seen any report. Maybe too many TOs?

Next game here, Lakers. Hope we can freeze them out. I know we arent having it as bad as other parts of country, but dang, it's down to 30 here and freezing.

Buck Harvey in SA E-N made the comment that Spurs loss to another good team is another sign they don't have enough. He figures right now the Spurs are sixth seed. Not even sure if a trade would help, and the only one to consider at this time would be Corey Maggette who Clips have been trying to trade for a year.

He thinks Maggette needs remedial course in b-ball IQ, he's more reactionary than smart, but warts and all, he is a passionate player.

Full article MySA.com: Buck Harvey

(Roscoe, first time I tried the link thing, hope it takes )

Awesome job BSA!

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Every monkey like to be, in my place instead of me, cause I'm the king of bongo baby, I'm the king of bongo bong
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