Splitter thinks Spurs are even with OKC, Lakers

Written by Trevor Zickgraf on .

Tiago SplitterLike every fall for at least the last four years, the San Antonio Spurs aren't really being talked about nationally with the other league heavyweights like Miami, Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Lakers.  It's fine, it's what happens and Spurs fans should be used to it.  What the national media writes and broadcasts isn't fact.  The hype around the Knicks last season should be proof of that.  One player who isn't listening to any hype around the Thunder and Lakers is Spurs back up center Tiago Splitter.  Splitter told reporters in Sao Paolo last week that the Spurs are on equal footing with the rest of the Westen Conference heavyweights.

“In my opinion, we (San Antonio Spurs) are able to meet on equal footing these teams. We know that we need to strive in training so we can be right in season. (Gregg) Popovich is assembling a roster much like last year and it helps us. Yet, we know that the Spurs are never favourites,” added Splitter.

This is what players are supposed to say, right?  Either way Splitter's words are encouraging.  You know Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker aren't going to be intimidated by anyone in the league, but it's important that the role players think this as well.  Splitter, for all the talk about his softness, is an extrememly confident guy.  He's the been the best player on the Brazilian national team the last couple of years and was one of the best players in Europe for years before coming to the Spurs.

Everyone talks about Kawhi Leonard's development, but Tiago Splitter's first full training camp with the Spurs, assuming he stays healthy, is going to be critical for the Spurs.  He's never going to be a great rim protector, but his per 36 minute numbers suggest Splitter can put up near All-Star numbers.  Will the Spurs find more ways to get Splitter on the court with Duncan?  If so then the Spurs will have to worry a little less about having enough size to compete.

6 comments
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rtesoro440
rtesoro440

Big talk for a guy like Splitter. Prove it, man! Anyway, let me digress. In a report, the Spurs signed Derrick Brown to a non-guaranteed conract. Does it mean they have completed the 15 players the league mandates? Really. They have the knack of getting players with qestionable height. Why him, who stands 6'7''? They could have guys like Carter who stands 6'9" or Fesenko who is 7'1". Well, only the coaching staff and GM Buford know. Good Luck!  

Spursfan66
Spursfan66 like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @rtesoro440 lol apparently NON guaranteed is another thing you don't understand..smh

rtesoro440
rtesoro440

 @Spursfan66

 Why do I have the feeling you would comment?  I don't have to dignify your comment UGLY   FACE1

Spursfan66
Spursfan66 like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @rtesoro440 Of course I replied..it's my mission to stomp out ignorance on the internet and you spew it with every post..LMAO

 

And ugly face? Is doody head next? bahahaha

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