San Antonio Spurs | SAN ANTONIO SPURS TICKETS

By Jeff McDonald

The playmaking guard is on the mend, ready to soon resume his place in the Spurs’ rotation after being out since early January.

His coaches are excited, because he brings a dynamic few others on the team possess. He is a player with eyes in the back of his head, a Mensa-level basketball IQ and the enjoyable propensity to thread passes through the eye of a needle.

Manu Ginobili? Well, yes.

But also T.J. Ford.

“I can’t wait for T.J. to get back to 100 percent,” reserve guard Gary Neal said of the Spurs’ backup point man. “That’s a lot of open shots for me.”

It also could mean fewer minutes for Neal, but more on that later.

Tonight against Denver, Ginobili is likely — though not guaranteed — to reboot his season after a second stint on the injured list. His strained oblique has healed, and he’s been practicing at full tilt since the All-Star break ended.

Ford has played two games since missing 24 with a torn left hamstring suffered Jan. 10 in Milwaukee. His return to full strength could cause coach Gregg Popovich to reshuffle his second unit.

Reintegrating Ginobili back into the rotation is a no-brainer. Finding time for Ford, at the expense of other reserves who have been playing well, will be Popovich’s challenge over the season’s final two months.

“We’ve been playing a different way without him,” Popovich said. “It’s always an adjustment to see if you want to change that willy-nilly.”

The Spurs signed Ford to a one-year veteran minimum deal in December with designs on giving him all the available minutes at backup point guard.

Through the first two weeks of the season, it seemed to be working out. A pass-first distributor whose unselfishness fueled the offense for the Spurs’ second unit, Ford — a former college player of the year at Texas — seemed content to find everyone else for open jumpers and layups.

“I think we had a nice little chemistry before I got injured,” Ford said. “I’ve got the concept of the offense. I know where everyone is supposed to be.”

When Ford limped off the floor in Milwaukee, it pressed Neal — a shooting guard by trade — into duty as Tony Parker’s primary backup.

Though it isn’t his natural position, Neal manned the point admirably, and even developed some Ford-like ESP with center Tiago Splitter on the pick-and-roll.

Ford’s return, in theory, could eat into some of Neal’s minutes at point guard. Ginobili’s impending comeback will place a premium on everyone else’s minutes on the wing.

Popovich certainly isn’t going to complain about finally getting guys healthy. But it does create quite a rotation puzzle going forward.

“When somebody comes back, it always changes the dynamic, and you don’t know how it’s going to change it,” Popovich said.

“There’s no right or wrong. You’ve just got to feel it and see what the circumstances are each night.”

Neal looks at the upcoming competition for minutes, behind both Ginobili and Parker, as a positive development.

“When you get your chance, you’re going to have to play great to stay in the game, because we have so many good guards,” Neal said.

Ford’s return hasn’t quite created a rotational ripple effect yet. Still searching for basketball shape, Ford logged eight minutes against Chicago and 16 against Charlotte.

In the blowout win over the Bobcats, Ford scored seven points, made all three field goals, had three assists but — in a testament to his rustiness — committed three turnovers.

“My job is to allow other guys to make plays,” Ford said. “It’s not about me making plays. My role is to control the second unit and make sure we’re productive for the time we’re out there.”

What that second unit ultimately looks like is a matter to be determined over the next few months.

jmcdonald@express-news.net
Twitter: @JMcDonald_SAEN

ORLANDO, Fla. — After finishing dead last in two previous stints in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge, Spurs point guard Tony Parker came into this year’s competition with an odd kind of confidence.

“I knew I couldn’t do any worse,” Parker said.

Instead, Parker went out and won the thing.

Outlasting a collection of some of the NBA’s top point men, Parker finally claimed a Skills Challenge trophy Saturday night at the Amway Center.

In the final round, Parker finished the obstacle course in 32.8 seconds, beating Boston’s Rajon Rondo and New Jersey’s Deron Williams.

In doing so, Parker erased bad memories from 2003 and 2009, when the field lapped him.

“The first time I did it, it was the first time they did the event,” Parker said. “I was with Jason Kidd and Gary Payton, and I was nervous.”

Parker offered no excuses for his last-place finish in 2009.

“I was just bad,” he said with a chuckle.

The third time was a charm for Parker. He had one hiccup in the final round, getting temporarily stuck on the bounce pass, but still beat Rondo’s time of 34.6 seconds.

When Williams missed five consecutive top-of-the-key jumpers, the trophy was Parker’s.

“For me, the bounce pass is key,” Parker said. “You can make the bounce pass, you’re good.”

Parker says he has a place for his new hardware reserved in his trophy room, right next to the prize he earned as the 2007 Finals MVP.

Before the Skills Competition trophy can settle in to its new home, Parker has other plans for it.

“I’m going to take it in on Monday and put it on Pop’s desk,” Parker said, referring to coach Gregg Popovich.

Added motivation: Parker’s victory in the Skills Challenge earned a $25,000 scholarship for 12-year-old Keyaria Smith from Kissimmee, Fla., courtesy of Taco Bell.

Smith met Parker before the event and was on the interview podium with him afterward.

“She was my motivation today,” Parker said.

Big Apple over Lone Star: The Team Texas contingent that included the Silver Stars’ Sophia Young lost a heartbreaker and came in second in the Haier Shooting Stars competition.

The New York team of Landry Fields, Allan Houston and the WNBA New York Liberty’s Cassie Pondexter scored a quick victory with a final-round finish of 37.3 seconds. The New Yorkers defeated Team Texas, which also included Houston Rockets rookie Chandler Parsons and former Rocket Kenny Smith, by more than 10 seconds in the finals.

Honorary citizen of Lob City: The Skills Challenge over, Parker is looking forward to tonight’s All-Star Game.

He has high hopes of sharing the floor with high-flying L.A. Clippers forward Blake Griffin.

“I’ve got one game to throw some lobs,” Parker said. “I cannot throw a lot of lobs in San Antonio.”

jmcdonald@express-news.net

1 of 45 | Share

2012 NBA All-Star Saturday Night

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (0) participates in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) participates in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Former New York Knicks guard Allan Houston (20), New York Liberty guard Cappie Pondexter and Knicks guard Landry Fields (2) hold the NBA All-Star Shooting Stars basketball competition trophy in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

New York Knicks guard Landry Fields, right, hugs former Knicks guard Allan Houston (20) after winning the NBA All-Star Shooting Stars basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving (2) participates in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

New Jersey Nets’ Deron Williams participates in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

New York Knicks guard Landry Fields, right, celebrates with former Knicks guard Allan Houston (20) after winning the NBA All-Star Shooting Stars basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) (AP)

Pantatonix performs during the NBA All-Star basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Pantatonix lead singer Scott Hoying performs during the NBA All-Star basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr, left, and performer 50 Cent sit courtside during the NBA All-Star Shooting Stars basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving (2) participates in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) participates in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) participates in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. Parker won the event. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Boston Celtics’ Rajon Rondo participates in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9) holds the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge basketball competition trophy after winning the event in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, left, and Lebron James sit courtside during the NBA All-Star festivities in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, left, and Lebron James sit courtside with James’ sons, LeBron Jr. and Bryce, during the NBA All-Star basketball festivities in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Miami Heat’s Mario Chalmers shoots during the NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Miami Heat’s Mario Chalmers gestures during the NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Love shoots during the NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

New Jersey Nets’ Anthony Morrow shoots during the NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant shootss during the NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Orlando Magic’s Ryan Anderson shoots during the NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Miami Heat’s James Jones shoots during the NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout basketball competition in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Love holds the NBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout basketball trophy after winning the event in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Utah Jazz’s Jeremy Evans jumps over teammate Gordon Heyward during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) (AP)

Indiana Pacers’ Paul George jumps over two teammates during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes, Pool) (AP)

Indiana Pacers’ Paul George jumps over two teammates on his attempt during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) (AP)

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Derrick Williams jumps over a motorcycle during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) (AP)

Utah Jazz’s Jeremy Evans jumps over teammate Gordon Hayward during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes, Pool) (AP)

Houston Rockets’ Chase Budinger follows through on a blindfolded dunk in honor of former Phoenix Suns’ Cedric Ceballos, who performed a blindfolded dunk in 1992, during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk contest, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Derrick Williams jumps over a motorcycle during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Indiana Pacers’ Paul George dunks during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk contest, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Houston Rockets’ Chase Budinger (10) performs his attempt during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Utah Jazz’s Jeremy Evans jumps over teammate Gordon Hayward for his attempt during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. Evans earned 29 percent of 3 million text message votes cast by fans to win the competition. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Derrick Williams performs his attempt during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk contest, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Utah Jazz’s Jeremy Evans hangs onto the rim after his attempt during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. Evans earned 29 percent of 3 million text message votes cast by fans to win the competition. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Houston Rockets’ Chase Budinger finishes a blindfolded dunk in honor of former Phoenix Suns’ Cedric Ceballos, who performed a blindfolded dunk in 1992, during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk contest, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) (AP)

Utah Jazz’s Jeremy Evans holds up the trophy after winning the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk contest, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

P. Diddy gestures during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Filmmaker Spike Lee, left and singer P. Diddy, right, enjoy the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Lead singer Tramar Dillard of the group Flo Rida perform during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) (AP)

Lead singer Tramar Dillard of the group Flo Rida perform during the NBA basketball All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (AP)

Tag: San Antonio Spurs

Parker redux

Getting Spurs’ Ford in gear might signal shuffling

All-Star notebook: Parker masters Skills Challenge

2012 NBA All-Star Saturday Night