Gregg Popovich looked at the cadre of 20-somethings in his huddle and needed one of those moments fit for a candy bar commercial. "Who are these guys?"
Tim Duncan, ever the timely comedian, introduced himself. "I'm Tim Duncan." On that dreadful 2008 night against the Miami Heat, Popovich, already coping with Manu Ginobili in street clothes, lost Tony Parker for several weeks. That forced the Spurs' sideline chief to trot out a lineup that resembled a collection of D-League All-Stars.
Roger Mason Jr. and Duncan were the lone regulars who played major minutes. Anthony Tolliver, Desmon Farmer, and several other youngsters auditioned for roster spots that night, and Jeff Van Gundy called the forced mix of developmental players and supporting cast members the "least talented in the league."
If the Spurs appeared destined for the lottery, given their cursed injury luck, a humorous crack from the two mainstays provided a nice breeze.
When Popovich sees his entire roster together today for the first time since May, he might ask the question again. "Who are these guys?" This time, it won't be a joke ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Robert Kleeman
These Spurs Don’t Remember the Alamo: San Antonio’s Youth a Strength and Concern
September 27th, 2010 by Robert Kleeman Leave a reply »
Advertisement