The spurs had 14 players who played in 54 games or more. Only one of those 14 averaged less than 10mpg. Portland had 9 players who played in more than 52 games 2 of 9 averaged less than 10 mpg. In other words the Blazers really only gave somewhat reliable minutes to 7 players. If we wonder why the spurs bench is better its because they are utilized more during the season and more comfortable playing. I have heard many former players say if you give any NBA player time to play their production will improve with experience and comfort level on the floor.
You know, we talk about the players learning valuable lessons from getting their butts whipped by the Spurs. The best lesson however might just be if Stotts could learn this simple lesson re playing and developing the bench during the regular season. Optimistically, one could hope that this season Stotts was desperately trying to just get here, so he didn't, and next year he will. Also one could argue that Pop has this luxury because of the system and continuity he and the Spurs have developed and maintained. Alternatively, I've heard it is sometimes difficult to teach an old dog new tricks. I guess we'll see next season.
Is it bad or is it inexperienced? I know mm nothing is ever really good to you. I think Barton in particular would have benefited from more reliable minutes, he is the one guy on our bench that can truly change the flow of the game with his energy, scrappy play, rebounding and simply not being the same as our other guys. Kind of a Jamaal Crawford kind of changeup, not the same kind of player but the same overall effect.
