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We're nearly a quarter of the way through the season already and it's report time for the Spurs. After a fairly disappointing start to the season it's time for the Spurs players to face the music and get their report cards.
Avery Johnson- The most underrated player on the Spurs hasn't had a fantastic start to the
season. Not when you compare it to his efforts in last seasons playoff series, or even to last
season. A.J. is the heart and soul of the Spurs though and he will improve. There is no question
on that. As the starting point guard he needs to get the team running on the fast break and get
everyone on the same page in offense.
GRADE: C
Mario Elie- Has been the most outspoken of the Spurs this season on their lack of desire.
Plays tight defense, always gives his all when he's on the court and has earned himself a spot
in the starting line-up because of it. The pick-up of the season so far for the Spurs.
GRADE: A
Sean Elliott- So far so very good. Sean seems to be very close to his old pre-injury form.
The same form that made him an all-star in 1993 and 1996. We need him to continue slashing to
the hoop, spotting up and playing tight D to win games.
GRADE: A
Tim Duncan- Is still getting used to being 'the man' for the Spurs. Is sometimes expected
to do too much by Greg Popovich and this pressure sometimes shows. Is only going to get better
as he plays more games and grows wiser.
GRADE: B
David Robinson- After a sub-par start David still needs to
still be a focal point on the offense if only to help out his air aparent Tim Duncan. In David's
defense he has seen smaller minutes and has been in a lot of foul trouble but he needs to
step up and improve if the Spurs are to go deep into the playoffs.
GRADE: D+
Will Perdue- His value to the Spurs has been shown his absence due to his injury. Gives
100% every night and is a possibility to take away David's starting position when he returns. Is
still a 50/50 chance to end the season with another team.
GRADE: B
Steve Kerr- After moving from one of the best offenses in the league to one of the
worst you'd expect him to have some troubles and he has. His outside shot still isn't really
there but he will improve as the season goes on. Will be vital come playoff time.
GRADE: C+
Jaren Jackson- Don't ever get me wrong, I love Jaren. I just don't think that he should be
starting at the 2 for the Spurs. Needs to get his outside shot going again and play some solid
minutes off the bench.
GRADE: C-
Andrew Gaze- Wasting away on the Spurs bench. Hopefully will see more minutes as the
season draws on. Don't believe all that you hear about his lack of defense until you see him play
some court time.
GRADE: C
Gerard King- This rookie has been a pleasant surprise, getting a little bit of court time and
looking good. A nice addition to the bench who could see his playing time increase dramatically
if Will is traded.
GRADE: B+
Antonio Daniels- You can't grade what you can't see. Antonio wasn't a lottery pick in 97'
for nothing and he deserves to get some minutes or be traded for someone who will. Give the guy
a go Pop!
GRADE: You can't grade what you can't see.
Malik Rose- After single handedly winning the game in Philly for the Spurs with a career
high 22 points he was rewarded with a DNP-CD for the next game. Looks like a big improver during
the off-season and deserves to be in the regular rotation.
GRADE: A-
Brandon Williams- As expected has seen next to no minutes. Will spend most of his time on the
I.R. list.
GRADE: I'll wait and see.
Jerome Kersey- Jerome has gone out and done what has been asked of him each night and
that's what makes him such a valuable bench player. A nice pick-up for the Spurs.
GRADE: B
Greg Popovich- As each day goes on Pop loses more and more supporters in San Antonio. Greg
cannot be blamed for all of the Spurs problems but he doesn't help the situation either. Greg
needs to develop some kind of an offense for the Spurs and I'm not talking about 'get Tim Duncan
the ball and get out of his way'. If Pop is a good G.M. he will get on the phone to Doc Rivers
and Phil Jackson and find a replacement for himself a.s.a.p.
GRADE: F
Team Grade- There's an old saying in basketball circles that 'defense wins championships'
and that's absolutely true. Just look at the teams that have won championships in the 90's such
as Chicago, Houston and Detroit. Unfortunately it doesn't matter how good you defense is, if you
can't get the ball in the hoop then you wont win many games. Once the Spurs get
their offense moving properly and get running for some easy baskets on the fast break they'll be
a big danger in the playoffs. Until then they'll only stay a .500 team.
TEAM GRADE: C-
What do you think of my grades on the Spurs?
Step on the Soapbox and have your say.
