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Adaptability Benefits Spurs
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines adaptability as follows: To make suitable or fit (as for a new use in different conditions). The Spurs recent win over the Orlando Magic was a prime example of adaptability and how it can benefit a team. When the Spurs allowed 64 points and 64% shooting in the first half against the red hot Magic (they had entered the game a perfect 7-0 on the road) Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich figured his team would have to put up some points to offset the high scoring Magic. Therefore, when the second half started, guard Manu Ginobili was inserted and the Spurs went small, surrounding Tim Duncan's low post presence with shooters and slashers. The plan worked to perfection, as the Spurs scorched the Magic with 69 second half points on the way to a 128-110 win. The ability to shoot three pointers (54% for the game) and get their uptempo game going (23-3 in fast break points) allowed the Spurs to take advantage of their varied talents and depth (51-11 in bench scoring).
When the Spurs perform such as they did on Wednesday night, it makes me wonder what the national pundits are thinking when they label this team "boring." Adaptable, yes..boring, I don't think so!
Fabricio Strumming Along
Although he still has much basketball to play before he considers retirement, it wouldn't be surprising to see Fabricio Oberto working in the music industry once he hangs up the sneakers. Oberto says he has too many songs downloaded to count, "I have maybe 15,000 songs, too many for an IPOD", says the Spurs starting center. "I love all kinds of music, from alternative to jazz to rock. On the way to the arena tonight I was listening to Beethoven." In my first interview with Luis Scola, the Houston Rockets forward who plays with Oberto on the Argentina national team (that team also features some guy named Ginobili) Scola said he likes to talk about things other than basketball when he visits with his Argentine teammates, but he laughed when I asked him if he talks music with Oberto. "I like music, of course, but not the way Fabricio does." Oberto plays guitar and has a home studio where he can record. He doesn't rule out music in his future, but those plans are on hold. "I am loving basketball and playing with these guys too much to even think about that right now", says the Spurs 6'10" center.
Shortly after the interview and an ensuing warmup, Oberto returned to the Spurs locker room, perhaps to listen to some more Beethoven.
Barry Very High On Spurs
ESPN basketball analyst Jon Barry knows a thing or two about hoops. His father Rick is a hall of famer. His brothers Drew and Scooter enjoyed successful college careers while brother Brent has been a solid NBA player for 13 years. Jon may have been a journeyman in his playing career (he played for nine teams in 14 seasons), but his high basketball IQ and his sense of humor were always apparent. That's also true in role as analyst. When I asked Jon his thoughts on the Spurs' chances for another NBA title in '08, he said "All of this talk about the Spurs not being able to repeat is getting repetitive."
Jon Barry says the Spurs may be the oldest team in the league, but he points out that the Spurs' big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are far from old, and he expects them to be right there competing for the Larry O'Brien trophy come playoff time.
Keep It Quiet
When I broadcast road games for the Spurs Radio Network, my statistician is usually a resident of that particular town, and usually is a fan of the hometown team. You've probably heard the rule about "no cheering" in the press box, and that is also true for press row. Even though those of us with a vested interest in the outcome of the game will pull for our respective teams, we also must refrain from outwardly rooting. The reason I bring this up is because Josh McDirmad did a good job crunching numbers for me in Memphis last week, but during a break in the fourth quarter he admitted that he "couldn't stand" Manu Ginobili. How could he possibly say anything negative about Manu? Isn't Ginobili one of the fiercest competitors in the NBA? Doesn't he have three NBA championship rings and an Olympic Gold Medal? Then I allowed Josh to finish his thought, "but if he played here for the Grizzlies, I'd love him."
Aha, now we're getting somewhere. It's not that fans around the league don't respect the Spurs and their accomplishments in recent seasons, it's just that they want that same success for their team. So try to remember that the next time you get into a "friendly" discussion with your out of town friends who don't have the good fortune to be pulling for the same team as you.
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