Well, the Spurs have not played well all year and have been extremely inconsistent. Still struggling to score and still losing the battle of the boards, not to mention the constant double digit turnovers. Even more disturbing is the Spurs ineffectiveness on the defensive end of the floor; normally a Spurs trademark!

While the team struggles, there have been glaring issues.

First off, the Spurs staring lineup is not working out. Starting Keith Bogans is absolutely ridiculous. Not only is Pop starting this guy, Bogans logs heavy minutes. Seems that Malik Hairston and Roger Mason would provide much more quality play.

Then there’s the complete misuse of the roster. Players like Mahinmi, Haislip, Ratliff, and Hairston. Young players with talent that could be helping this team now, getting acclimated and battle tested now.

Instead, Pop keeps these guys behind the bench in street clothes. When they are in uniform, they are glued to the pine.

Recently in a game at home against the Jazz, who bolster a huge front court lineup with the 6’9 Andrei Kirilenko, the 6’9 Carlos Boozer, and the 6’11 Mehmet Okur, Pop decides to use a starting line up of Duncan, Hill, Parker, Bogans, and Blair…..Ridiculous.

It led to a 19 to 2 1st quarter lead for the Jazz.

In that same game, Bogans was horrible. Yet, Mason didn’t play in this game until a little over 9 minutes left in the 4th. Id be surprised if he logged 10 minutes. All along, Michael Finley (who’s no longer injured ) mysteriously lumbers behind the bench in street clothes.

Lets reflect:

Marcus Haislip: RELEASED!

With such a talented roster that provides many options, Pop continues to disappoint.

We had Haislip, who at 6’10 could spread the floor, rebound, and effectively shoot the ball. He could provide solid defense against players like Dirk, West, Durant, and Boozer to name a few. These are players that hurt us consistently year after year.

Theo Ratliff:

Ratliff is a proven rebounder, defender, and shot blocker who could help tremendously in this rotation.

Malik Hairston; Excellent ball handler, nice midrange game and unlike Mason, Finley, and Bogans, Hairston can put the ball on the floor and create. He finishes well, has quick feet and is a decent defender, yet with Finley out and Jefferson sidelined with an injury, Pop sends Hairston back to D Leauge….MIND BOGGLING!

Finally, the biggest mystery of all.

Ian Mahinmi: Ian has been on the Spurs roster for 3 years now. He had injuries that limited him and we understand that, but he is healthy now, but strangely still missing in action. Pop played this kid in one game all season and he puts up 15 points and 9 boards in limited action. Haven’t seen him take off his sweats since.

Bottom line is that there is something ugly going on with coach Pop. Some feel that it is Pop’s misguided affection for veteran players. Either way, this is Spur land. We have become accustomed to winning. The team is struggling, yet Pop gets no media scrutiny…Buck Harvey wont say it, so I will…

What is going on with the Spurs?

Why aren’t our new guys playing?

Why is Bogans playing? He is no Bruce Bowen, not even close. He is not a threat on offense…and isn’t a great ball handler…Does Pop feel that Bogans is a better player than Hairston, Finely, and Mason? If not, why is Bogans getting so many minutes?

The Spur Nation wants to know!