Blazers Attempt To Emulate Spurs

[DynastYWarrioR6]

Portland isn't making it a secret that they are trying to implement some of San Antonio's philosophies on and off the basketball court.

"His (Gregg Popovich's) motto is 'get over yourself.' If you can't do that than you can't be there. We use a lot of that. Nate's (Blazers head coach Nate McMillan) motto is 'do things the right way.' It's the same thing," assistant coach Monty Williams said.

"You have to throw your ego out the door. It's all about the win. It's all about the work. It's about treating the people the right way - period."

Blazers coach Nate McMillan compares the Spurs to the Patriots of the NFL, the level other teams aspire to reach.

"I think you do learn from teams that are successful. You try and steal some of the things that they have done. They've found out how to be successful and stay successful with that formula. You try and learn how they go about doing things as much as you can," said McMillan.

"If you can use it, you take it. Why not? Anything they do that is successful you try and take that away."

Via HoopsWorld

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/55228/20081103/blazers_attempt_to_emulate_spurs/

 

[MARIS61]

Having that player/team attitude is what's great about Nate.

Actually trying to make his players play Spurs-style basketball (slow, pound it inside) is what is keeping us from success.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Having that player/team attitude is what's great about Nate.

Actually trying to make his players play Spurs-style basketball (slow, pound it inside) is what is keeping us from success.

I would agree. We're a fairly athletic team and should be taking better advantage of that.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Hopefully they do emulate the Spurs. That would mean bringing in a coach that could make in game adjustments.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Hopefully they do emulate the Spurs. That would mean bringing in a coach that could make in game adjustments.

Is that really what you need with this young group? Maybe later, once the players have experience under their belt and can adjust with the coach. But I think for right now you need a coach who can develop these players and commands the respect needed to mentor this team.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Is that really what you need with this young group? Maybe later, once the players have experience under their belt and can adjust with the coach. But I think for right now you need a coach who can develop these players and commands the respect needed to mentor this team.

Yes. We need a coach that can help them get to the next level. I honestly don't think Nate is a championship coach. he is a horrible offensive coach, and reies too much on his "safe" veterans like Steve Blake

 

[Ed O]

"The Spurs Way" has been greatly aided by the quality of players the team has had. Without Duncan and Parker (and, to a lesser extent, Manu) "The Spurs Way" in terms of coaching is not worth much.

Ed O.

 

[mikeg]

I don't mind building a team around defensive stops and a sound half-court offense, but there are plenty of times when the Spurs go very up-tempo if they need to. When they play teams like PHX and NO, Pop lets Parker and Ginobli push the ball and get quick easy buckets. That's the beauty of the Spurs: they can play any style. Pop knows when to grind it out, and when to trust his talent in the open court.

So far, Nate has shown he can play just one style: safe and slow. They will lose a lot of close games this year because they simply do not get three or four extra easy buckets a game.

I would love to see Portland bring in someone who is essentially an offensive coordinator. Maybe a Euro coach?