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San Antonio Spurs: 4 First Round Questions

By Andrew Snyder

Jan 31, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) defends against San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) defends against San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

How Effective Will Splitter Be?

It’s been a difficult season for Spurs center Tiago Splitter. The Brazilian big man missed 52 games this season due to various maladies. Splitter makes up a dangerous rim-protecting duo with Tim Duncan, and without him, the Spurs’ second rated defense is not quite as effective.

With Splitter off the court, the Spurs’ opponent’s offensive rating rises from 100.4 to 102.7. Last postseason that rise was from 102.5 to 105.5. It’s clear that whenever Splitter leaves the floor the Spurs defense regresses. Having Tim Duncan in the fold and the wing combo of Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard can help compensate for that a bit, but they still need Splitter.

For all his flaws, Splitter is another big body to stand next to Tim Duncan against the dangerous big man duo of DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin. When healthy, Splitter has the mobility to successfully defend the potent pick and rolls Chris Paul likes to run with Jordan. Aron Baynes has been a solid replacement, but he does not have Splitter’s quickness or length. In a matchup with Jordan, the Clippers might have a field day with that pick and roll, turning into Lob City 2.0.

His latest setback has been a calf injury that has kept him out of the last six regular season games. He is currently listed as questionable, so there is no guarantee he will play. Even if he does play, will he be as effective as he is when that calf is completely healthy?

Before his calf started barking he was even flashing a proficient offensive game, including a 10-for-14 23-point night in a beatdown of the Atlanta Hawks. Having another low post threat to make De’Andre Jordan work defensively can’t hurt.

Will he suit up for this crucial series? We will find out Sunday.

Next: Hack-A-DeAndre

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