.png&w=244&h=193&zc=1 "By the numbers: A quick look at the Grizzlies")
Spurs news and notes: Murphy Update, Parker to shoot more three pointers? Tony Parker needs your help.
- Troy Murphy Update: According to Mike Mazzeo of ESPN, on Wednesday, the New Jersey Nets announced Troy Murphy would not be rejoining the team for the remainder of their current west coast trip:
"Billy said we're just going to stay along the same path," Johnson said. "[Murphy] will not be rejoining our team."
The Nets are trying to trade Murphy, who has fallen out of the rotation and has not played since Jan. 7. 
- Tony Parker needs your help: Parker has been nominated as 1 of 8 players to have a chance to participate in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge at All Star Weekend on February 19. Spurs fans, please visit the link and vote for Tony to have a shot at participating in the event.
- Yahoo’s Marc Spears wrote about how the Spurs are under the radar nationally, yet they don’t mind the lack of attention:
“We laugh about it and love it,” Popovich said. “The less attention, the more time and focus we have to concentrate on what we’d like to do. Having the success we’ve had with championships, we don’t need anyone to give us credit.”
- According to CBSSports.com, Tony Parker has been advised to start shooting more jump shots from behind the arc:
Last week San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich asked guard Tony Parker to work on his long-range shot more. While he's only taken seven shots from downtown over his last five games, Parker is shooting at a high percentage over that span.
- Steve Luhm of the Salt Lake Tribune writes about how former Spurs player-now assistant coach Jacque Vaughn is enjoying coaching thus far:
"I love it, I really do," he said. "Playing was a dream come true. It was a thrill and this challenge is also a thrill for me.
"The day-in and day-out preparation, I love doing. I still get excited for the games. I still love practice. So I’m glad to be around, for sure."
- After losing to the Spurs on Monday, Golden State Warriors forward David Lee expressed his views on this years Spurs team; according to Lee, the Spurs aren’t a real contender, writes Tim Griffin:
“They’re a very frustrating team to play,” Lee told the Associated Press. “I don’t go out there feeling like they’re a better team than us. When you play the Lakers you look at their size and say it’s going to be a tough game.
@24writer If I may add, I think these are the keys, RJ and Blair being consistent, staying healthy, Tiago's awakening, Bonner and Neal hitting consistent outside shots and playing better DEFENSE.
@24writer I think it's called envy, the Spurs has not really get the attention and respect that they truly deserve by they are a great team. 4 titles says it all. I can't wait how will those haters look dumb again when the Spurs wins their 5th title.
"... announced Troy Murphy would not be rejoining the team for the remainder of their current west coast trip"...
This is a slight misinterpretation of Mazzeo's column. The Nets aren't on a West Coast trip, so there is no remainder of it after which Murphy might return... The West Coast trip Mazzeo mentioned started Jan. 12, and there is no indication of him returning at all, for now. I thought I had found news otherwise for a second! (Yes I was Googling for Troy Murphy news... I need a hobby.)
@SDubs In that case........even better news for the Spurs! If he's not set to play at all anymore, the only options the Nets are looking for is to trade or buyout. So it's got to be happening before the trade deadline. I like your "hobby" of following the Murphy story, if you ever get news that we don't have on Project Spurs DM me @24writer on twitter or email me the link at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . I'd be glad to have another great source such as yourself and I'll give you credit in the write up!
-Paul
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@LFJeremy The biggest media blunder this season has been the "Big 3" stories. Every national game I watch featuring the Heat, Lakers, Celtics, and Thunder always includes the "Best Big 3 of All time" sections and most of them are missing Spurs Big 3! How do you FORGET that Tim, Tony and Manu won 3 rings together? And are undefeated in the finals? How?
