The ball is tipped, and there you’re. You’re operating to your life. You’re a capturing SPUR.
Welcome to spherical certainly one of Pounding the Rock’s All-Time Spurs 1-on-1 Event. It’s in these polls and feedback that we’ll discover out which Spur could have their one shining second, and set up themselves as one of the best 1-on-1 participant within the franchise’s historical past.
As a reminder of the foundations:
A couple of housekeeping issues. We made a mistake within the participant rely in our put up introducing the event. The editors agreed on 28 gamers for the event, so we’re taking the highest 4 gamers from the ballot within the final put up. Stephen Jackson, Alvin Robertson, Stephon Fortress, and Rudy Homosexual have entered the event as the ultimate 4 seeds. Under is our last bracket for the event:
Now let’s get into the matchups.
(1) Tim Duncan vs. (32) Rudy Homosexual
Marilyn: Whereas Rudy was a terrific signing — he felt just like the lacking piece as Kawhi’s backup — he was not in his profession prime when he bought right here, and even prime Homosexual wouldn’t beat Prime Tim 9 out of 10 instances.
Jacob: No disrespect to Rudy Homosexual, however it is a top-10 participant all-time going in opposition to a late-career function participant. I’ve Tim Duncan profitable by an enormous margin.
Jesus: Prime Rudy Homosexual was an issue. I believe everybody will agree with that. He had dimension, athleticism and plenty of methods to attain. He averaged 18 factors per sport in his time in Memphis simply, and he might defend nicely when he was locked in. However he was a late-career function participant in San Antonio and he’s going through prime Tim Duncan. Timmy when he had two wholesome knees. The MVP model. Positive, possibly Rudy scores a couple of, however Duncan ought to have this with relative ease.
J.R.: I’ve given some thought as as to whether Timmy will win this tourney. Whereas it most likely issues which of his years we determine is greatest suited to these guidelines, a subject for an additional day, there’s little question in my thoughts that whether or not we use the young-mobile-pre-knee-injury model, or middle-years-bank-shot-maestro, or late-career-jump-shooter it appears apparent to me that Rudy has no likelihood right here. He gained’t have the ability to rating a lot on Tim, and he has no likelihood of stopping him.
(16) Derrick White vs. (17) Keldon Johnson
Marilyn: This a troublesome one, in plenty of methods a case of energy vs. finesse. If we had been speaking about present Derrick vs. KJ, I’d most likely take White with no hesitation. However KJ’s peak with the Spurs was larger, together with as a shooter, and in one-on-one, pretty much as good of a defender as White is, Keldon can nonetheless overpower him together with his dimension and bulk, so I’m going with him with plenty of uncertainty.
Jacob: That is the hardest matchup of your complete first spherical. White is an ideal crew participant who thrives as a spot-up shooter and defender. Johnson is a bowling ball scorer who’s a legal responsibility on the defensive finish. I’m leaning towards Johnson in a 1-on-1 setting, however I wouldn’t low cost White’s potential to lock him down defensively and squeak out a win. 11-10 KJ is my last reply.
Jesus: I’ve to go along with White, however it’s shut. Keldon might use his dimension and, principally, energy benefit in opposition to the lighter White on some possessions, however Derrick is not any pushover. I believe White’s deal with and jumper make him a extra versatile scorer, and whereas KJ could be a satisfactory defender when he’s making an attempt, he struggles in opposition to faster gamers. I believe White wins this totally on protection in a troublesome battle.
J.R.: I’m going to go along with White for sheer guile and unpredictability. Enjoying one-on-one is quite a bit like a playoff collection for NBA groups. As the competition progresses, everybody is aware of what’s coming, and the query is who can both: a) preserve going to the transfer/play that the opponent can’t discover a technique to cease, or b) who is ready to give you a brand new wrinkle or assault that adjustments every thing ultimately sport. I like KJ in fact, however I don’t assume he’s profitable with A, and I definitely have Derrick with the sting in B.
(9) DeMar DeRozan vs. (24) Bruce Bowen
Marilyn: DeRozan’s dimension and deadly pull-up shot would most likely be among the finest one-on-one gamers in any event. Bowen was an all-time defender and precisely the kind you’d have to cease a participant like DeRozan in crew play, however he doesn’t have the offense to maintain up on this state of affairs.
Jacob: A real offense vs. protection matchup right here. DeRozan has one of many deepest luggage within the event. He’s a troublesome out for anybody, and Bowen’s restricted offensive sport is less than the duty. DeRozan takes this one simply.
Jesus: Individuals overlook that Bowen averaged nicely over 20 factors a sport in France earlier than making the soar to the NBA, so it’s not like he might by no means rating. However his lack of weapons in opposition to elite opponents was apparent within the league, and he’s going in opposition to a participant who has one of the vital numerous luggage in latest NBA historical past. DeRozan scores routinely on elite defenders, so whereas Bruce would make him work, I believe DeMar would prevail as a rule.
J.R.: Bruce goes to make DeRozan sweat to get his, no query, however whether or not it’s the spinning and slashing from DeMar’s early tenure in San Antonio, or the funky Eurostep-inspired drives from his later days as a Spur, Bowen’s going to carry his personal, however nonetheless surrender factors. How’s he going to attain although? Even in opposition to a mediocre defender like DmDr, Bruce gained’t have the ability to do sufficient with the ball to make the subsequent spherical.
(8) LaMarcus Aldridge vs. (25) Johnny Moore
Marilyn: Moore was a terrific passer and respectable scorer, however there’s no manner a degree guard might cease a gifted low put up scorer with the scale of Aldridge.
Jacob: Moore is a bit earlier than my time, so it was enjoyable to return and watch a few of his highlights. Appeared like a scrappy guard who might actually cross it, and in a contemporary setting, might need been a strong three-point shooter. I’ve to present this one to Aldridge, whose deep bag of put up strikes provides him the offensive benefit over the 6-foot-3 Moore.
Jesus: That is the issue with dimension mismatches. Moore has the deal with, the jumper and the scrappiness to make it a battle, however Aldridge is a lot taller that he can house him out to stop him from getting previous him whereas nonetheless contesting. In the meantime, Moore has no hope in opposition to Aldridge’s silky left-post turnaround jumper, since LA used to get that shot off in opposition to seven-footers. Aldridge wins simply.
J.R.: The prospect I believe Moore has right here can be to hassle LMA’s dribble and switch him over sufficient to maintain him off the block and provides himself extra alternatives to attain. I see Moore having the ability to rating fairly readily, to present himself an opportunity, however I don’t see his protection having the ability to preserve Aldridge off his many spots. It’s LaMarcus for me right here.
(5) Manu Ginobili vs. (28) George Hill
Marilyn: This will really be a more in-depth match-up than the seeding suggests, however finally that is peak Manu we’re speaking about, whereas the Spurs didn’t get peak Hill. His dimension and creativity shall be an excessive amount of for the smaller guard to deal with.
Jacob: This can be a enjoyable matchup! Hill was superior early in his profession for the Spurs. Sadly, he’s tasked with one of the vital artistic gamers of all time. Arduous to think about a greater 1-on-1 participant than Ginobili. Manu takes this one simply.
Jesus: Manu’s legacy is broken to some extent by his longevity. Late-career Manu, which is the model many bear in mind, would positively wrestle with younger Hill. Prime Manu, nonetheless, ought to beat him simply. Don’t get me unsuitable, Hill would put up a struggle on protection, however higher males than him had been made to look silly by Manu’s unpredictable offense. And younger Ginobili might defend too! Ginobili advances.
J.R.: It’s fairly dangerous fortune for Hill to have to fulfill the Manu proper off, in any other case he’d probably have been in a position to make it to the 2nd or third spherical, given an advantageous matchup. However right here, there’s simply not a lot to debate. I used to be sorry when the Spurs traded Hill, and I’m sorry once more now for the poor draw. Fare thee nicely, Cubits! (That’s an 18-year-old nickname that prolly nobody however me remembers, however I couldn’t resist.)
(12) Larry Kenon vs. (21) Boris Diaw
Marilyn: Kenon was a gifted scorer and All-Star. Pretty much as good of a crew participant and play-maker as Diaw was (and reminder, the Spurs had the tubbier model of him), he wouldn’t stand an opportunity in opposition to Particular Ok.
Jacob: Larry Kenon was a PROBLEM – A loopy athlete with superior ball management. Dr. J vibes (I suppose that’s why they known as him Dr. Ok). Diaw is superior, however is extra of a crew system participant. In a 1-on-1 setting, I like Kenon.
Jesus: Boris Diaw was supremely gifted. He additionally hated one-on-one basketball, so he may get previous Kenon and to the bucket solely to refuse to shoot, out of precept. In opposition to most guys, he’d nonetheless have a strong likelihood if he performed at his greatest, however Kenon was massive, robust, and athletic on high of being a gifted scorer. It could be a fantastic battle with fairly buckets from each, however I believe Kenon advances.
J.R.: One of the pleasant elements of the Spurs’ 2014 championship season was watching a motivated and dialed-in Boris again guys down ranging from the three level line in what appeared just like the fewest dribbles doable. Actually, Diaw might take his man to the basket with most dumfounding collection of strikes that appeared concurrently goofy, antiquated, awkward and but delightfully efficient. Who else remembers tweets of “Cream Shake” each time he’d put his defender in a blender and finish beneath the rim to flip it in over his head? All that mentioned, Diaw can’t cease Kenon from scoring, so I’m going with Dr. Ok.
(13) Mike Mitchell vs. (20) Patty Mills
Marilyn: Mills was speedy and made plenty of greater defenders look silly at instances, however Mitchell was too gifted of a rating to let a participant 7 inches shorter beat him.
Jacob: I worry that Mitchell could also be seeded too low. In opposition to the smaller Patty Mills, I’ve the athletic ahead with the gentle contact dominating this matchup.
Jesus: Perhaps Patty catches hearth from three and makes this one shut? If FIBA Patty exhibits up, it may be an excellent contest. Except that occurs, he’s not going to have an opportunity in opposition to a much bigger participant who might rating in bunches.
J.R.: I have to say that I went down the YouTube rabbit gap of Mitchell’s highlights for longer than essential to analysis this venture. I rapidly went from wanting to coach myself to strict leisure. I like Patty to loss of life, however Mitchell’s transferring on to the subsequent spherical.
(4) Kawhi Leonard vs. (29) Stephen Jackson
Marilyn: Ahh, a grudge match. Jackson didn’t like that Kawhi ultimately handed him within the rotation in his second stint right here, however there was a purpose for that. Even once you usher in 2003, finals hero Jackson, he can be no match for wholesome, prime, DPOY Kawhi who had additionally discovered his offense.
Jacob: I don’t see how this model of Jackson scores on Kawhi in a 1-on-1 setting. Leonard, at his peak, could also be among the finest defenders of all time. He shall be a troublesome out on this event. Kawhi wins massive.
Jesus: Poor Jack. The very best model of Jackson, from his Warriors years, might have not less than put up a struggle in opposition to prime Leonard, however the Spurs model profitable this might be a much bigger shock than the We Imagine Dubs beating the top-seeded Mavericks. Jackson is just too robust to let it’s a whole blowout, however Kawhi ought to win simply.
J.R.: This matchup may be the closest the primary spherical involves a fly-swatting. Kawhi could have his manner with and with out the ball, and after this defeat Jax could have all of the ammo he must preserve his Anti-Spurs podcasting gripefest going till 2035.
(3) George Gervin vs. (30) Alvin Robertson
Marilyn: Iceman, no ifs, ands or buts about it. Transferring on.
Jacob: No actual feedback on Robertson. Gervin is an all-timer. I give this one to Gervin.
Jesus: Ice is without doubt one of the favorites to win all of it, and he’d do us all of the favor of taking out Robertson early.
J.R.: I used to be unsuitable. Right here’s one other fly-swatting. Sorry, Alvin. This simply isn’t truthful.
(14) Artis Gilmore vs. (19) Devin Vassell
Marilyn: This one is attention-grabbing as a result of though Gilmore was an All-Star with the Spurs, he was previous his prime. In the meantime, Vassell must be simply coming into his prime, though accidents have stunted his progress a bit. It’s additionally a case of two very totally different positions. Gilmore can get his factors if he can get down within the put up, however can he sustain with wholesome Vassell on protection? I imagine in dimension an true benefit, so I’m going with Gilmore, however simply barely.
Jacob: Gilmore was a bit older when he joined the Spurs late in his profession. He’s nice on the block and an excellent rim protector. However he was gradual and had one spot on the ground the place he was actually efficient offensively (belief me, I’ve studied extensively on YouTube). Vassell is a irritating participant at instances, however he’s a knockdown shooter with a deep bag of tips that I don’t assume Gilmore might sustain with. 1-on-1 begins on the high of the important thing, not on the block. I’ve Vassell with the upset.
Jesus: This one hurts, as a result of Artis Gilmore is certainly one of my favourite “earlier than my time” Spurs and it nearly feels disrespectful to have him dropping to an excellent however not nice participant. However Vassell’s jumper provides him a large edge. The no offensive rebounds rule additionally hurts Artis, who might have in any other case simply shot and grabbed boards till he might get a bucket.
J.R.: This comes all the way down to a conflict of types that may flip due to the one-on-one format. I’m massive on Gilmore’s expertise, and would have him topping Vassell if he’d joined the Spurs any youthful than he did. However Devin can shoot nicely sufficient to tug Artis away from the basket, after which he’s fast and intelligent sufficient to drive previous him. I see Vassell transferring on.
(11) Sean Elliott vs. (22) Willie Anderson
Marilyn: One other robust one between two very related gamers who occurred to play collectively. Finally, I believe Sean’s peak was slightly larger and he was the marginally higher shooter, give him a slight edge.
Jacob: Once more, earlier than my time, however these two had been teammates, and my notion is that Elliott was the higher participant. They performed related positions, however Elliott appeared to be the higher shooter, and he made a couple of All-Star video games. Anderson seems like an excellent athlete and slasher, possibly a bit faster and highly effective off the bounce. I’m leaning Elliott right here, however wouldn’t be shocked to see it go both manner.
Jesus: Elliott ought to win this, however it will be shut. In a battle between two well-rounded gamers, I’m giving the sting to the higher scorer. It could be a very enjoyable matchup to observe, however I believe Sean comes out on high.
J.R.: It’s an in depth one, and if there’s something we discovered from the Memorial Day Miracle, it’s that Sean has the clutch gene in spades. I’m going with Elliott in a tough fought contest.
(6) Tony Parker vs. (27) Malik Rose
Marilyn: This can be a time once I imagine the smaller participant has a bonus over dimension. Rose will get some factors and was a strong defender, however Tony’s velocity and signature tear drop floater that was designed to face this actual sort of match-up is just too deadly to get sufficient stops.
Jacob: Parker is one of the best guard within the event. A hall-of-fame participant doesn’t lose to a job participant within the first spherical, even when he provides up dimension in a 1-on-1 matchup. Give me Parker on this one.
Jesus: It’s weirdly tempting to go along with Rose, who might overwhelm Tony with dimension. However prime Parker might rating from all around the flooring in opposition to the highest massive males within the league, and whereas Rose is a fan favourite, he was by no means a star. I might see Tony raining jumpers and Malik lacking sufficient to make this one comparatively straightforward for Parker regardless of the peak and energy drawback he’d face.
J.R.: If this tourney had rebounding, this may be a distinct consequence. However underneath these guidelines, it’s Tony all day, regardless that he’d have a tough time stopping Rose’s decided drives and intelligent use of his bulk.
(7) Victor Wembanyama vs. (26) Danny Inexperienced
Marilyn: Inexperienced’s greatest hope right here is that Wemby tries to do some careless dribbling round him (which to be clear, you don’t do round him or he’ll swipe it) or he decides to play good and make it a three-point contest. Inexperienced was a terrific defender and spot-up shooter, however he didn’t have an excellent driving/one-on-one sport and would stand no likelihood on this one.
Jacob: This can be a humorous matchup. Undecided what Inexperienced may even do in opposition to Wemby. Undecided he’d have the ability to get certainly one of his threes off in a 1-on-1 setting. I’ve Wemby profitable 11-0.
Jesus: Danny Inexperienced was among the finest function gamers ever, a winner and an ideal 3-and-D man who performed his function to perfection. He additionally couldn’t dribble to avoid wasting his life and struggled to complete inside. I’m unsure he might rating one bucket in opposition to Wemby if the massive man crowds him. He’d strip the ball from Wembanyama a couple of instances together with his fast fingers, however has no likelihood of containing the 7’4 freak of nature for lengthy regardless of being a terrific defender himself.
J.R.: This may be enjoyable to observe simply to see how artistic Wemby would get whereas scoring his previous couple of baskets. Would he use the makes an attempt to follow his sky hook? Danny is the person, however what likelihood does he have in opposition to an alien?
(10) James Silas vs. (23) Avery Johnson
Marilyn: That is really a humorous match-up as a result of it options two undersized gamers. Nonetheless, Silas has about three inches on AJ, and he was the extra gifted scorer of the 2, so he will get the win.
Jacob: Silas has a cool story as an ABA All-Star who made an influence within the NBA as nicely. I’ll give him the nod over Johnson.
Jesus: Johnson was good and difficult, a tough employee who maxed out his potential on the best way to having his jersey retired. However he has no likelihood in opposition to Captain Late. Silas was greater, extra expert, and a clutch god. I don’t assume it will be all that shut.
J.R.: Silas all week and twice on Sunday. Johnson was terrific as a flooring basic, however I don’t give him a lot of a shot at stopping James.
(15) Dejounte Murray vs. (18) Terry Cummings
Marilyn: As soon as once more, I believe I’m going with dimension for the upset right here. Murray was one of many Spurs higher level guards and defenders, however I’m simply unsure he had the scale to cease Cummings, particularly in his first two seasons right here.
Jacob: Two jumbo guards face off within the first spherical. I’ll take Murray in his all-star season over Cummings.
Jesus: Murray has a case right here. He discovered the midrange sport from DeMar DeRozan and considerably improved his deal with throughout his time in San Antonio. He was additionally a disruptive defender who might actually hassle ball handlers. Nonetheless, Cummings’ dimension may be too massive a hurdle for Dejounte. I’m giving Cummings the sting, however it will be slightly unhappy to see Murray bow out so early, as a result of he was enjoyable when he was a Spur.
J.R.: Terry was intelligent across the basket, had a full trunk-load of put up strikes, and given a tiny little bit of daylight, single-dribble drive and slam with one of the best of them. He had a 51 level sport for the Spurs, and it might’ve been extra! He was a fully-realized participant in San Antonio, and I don’t see Murray having a lot success in opposition to him.
(2) David Robinson vs. (31) Stephon Fortress
Marilyn: Yeah, I’m very enthusiastic about Fortress after one 12 months, however he’s no match for the athletic freak that was The Admiral in his prime. Sorry, Steph.
Jacob: I’m an enormous Fortress fan, however there isn’t something he might do in opposition to The Admiral. Robinson by quite a bit.
Jesus: With all due respect to the reigning Rookie of the Yr, I don’t assume we have to clarify a lot right here. David Robinson ought to advance.
J.R.: I like that Stephon made it into the sphere, and he’s such a gamer that he’d give full effort and may even make issues attention-grabbing if his deep shot was falling, however there’s not a lot likelihood for him profitable in opposition to 5-Oh.
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