Tim Duncan’s injury has opened the door for rookie big man Tiago Splitter to finally shine. Splitter, who was the 28th pick over-all of the San Antonio Spurs in the 2007 NBA draft but did not get to see action until this season, has come off the bench in 48 out of 49 games so far with the Alamo outfit. The 6-11 Brazilian plays the chief back-up role for starting frontliners Duncan and DeJuan Blair. In limited minutes, Splitter is averaging 4.2 ppg and 3.0 rpg so far. There is a big possibility that head coach Gregg Popovich may start him in Duncan’s spot during the 3-game absence of the “Big Fundamental.” Spurs Teammate Manu Ginobili thinks this is a great opportunity for Splitter to finally show his real game, according to the Spurs Nation.
“This is the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As I said a million times, he’s a good player. He’s just got to be out there and feel confident and know the team trusts him. That’s what happened to me, what happens to everyone who comes here for the first time.”
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